Here's what they said:
Luciano “Lucky” Varela, chairman of the Legislative Finance Committee: “Max Coll was a one of a kind New Mexican and a giant in the Legislature. He was a dedicated public servant who always put New Mexico first.”
Sen. John Arthur Smith, chairman of the Senate Finance Committee: “Max was chairman of the House Appropriations and Finance Committee when I started on LFC and he was a stickler for staying on topic when the conversation started to wander. He might have annoyed some legislators when he switched from being a Republican from Roswell to a Democrat from Santa Fe but his colleagues never lost respect for his skills. He was always one step ahead of most when it came to appropriations.”
Sen. Mary Kay Papen, Senate president pro tem: “I didn’t work closely with Max but he had the respect of every legislator while he served. He was fair and he was honest. He always had the best of intentions and always put the needs of New Mexico at the forefront.”
Sen. Stuart Ingle, Senate minority floor leader: “Max’s integrity was never a question and he had the courage to say no.”
Rep. Henry “Kiki” Saavedra, chairman of the House Appropriations and Finance Committee: ““Max came from Roswell and often voted with the Democrats and eventually become one. As a member of the HAFC for 17 years and the LFC, Max taught me the appropriation process from A to Z. Max was a true gentlemen, well rounded, and smart and funny as heck and I’m going to miss him.”
David Abbey, Legislative Finance Committee director: “Max was great leader for the finance committee because he was a strong fiscal conservative but also a strong advocate for those who can’t help themselves. The appropriation process is always a struggle between those two and Max was very skilled at the balancing act.”
More on Coll in tomorrow's New Mexican
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