On Sunday, February 19, 2023, Author and Historian Dr. Richard Melzer spoke about the life of businessman and former New Mexico Lt. Gov. Casey Luna as described in his book “Casey Luna: A Colorful Life in Business, Politics, and Motor Sports Championships“. Casey Luna, the subject of the presentation, was present to help with the presentation and answer questions from the audience. The program was held at the Albuquerque Museum at 2000 Mountain Rd. NW in Old Town.
“Dirt is cheaper in the country!” Everyone who lived in New Mexico in the 1980s remembers that famous slogan used in TV ads to market Casey Luna’s Ford and Mercury car dealership in Belen. Casey’s ad made his a household name, but it took much more than a popular ad to make Casey a great success in nearly every endeavor he pursued in life. This presentation recounts Casey’s life from his humble beginnings to the top of the business world, motor sports championships, and serve as the lieutenant governor of New Mexico. Filled with compelling, often humorous anecdotes, this is the story of a dynamic leader with lessons to be learned for all who truly care about New Mexico and its future.
Richard Melzer is originally from Teddy Roosevelt’s hometown of Oyster Bay, New York. He has lived in New Mexico since 1973. Dr. Melzer taught history at the University of New Mexico’s Valencia Campus from 1979 to 2019, retiring as a UNM Regents professor of history. He is the author, co-author, or editor of over 30 books and over a hundred articles and chapters about New Mexico history. He has won ten major book awards and is the past president of the Historical Society of New Mexico.
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