The Local Election Act (LEA) was passed by the New Mexico Legislature in 2018. The Local Election Act provides for consolidated local elections to be conducted in New Mexico The upcoming November 5, 2019 election will be the first consolidated elections for the City of Albuquerque, which will include 4 City Council races and City capital improvement bonds, the Albuquerque Public School Board, a continuation of a tax levy for APS school maintenance, CNM, the Albuquerque Metropolitan Arroyo Flood Control District and the Ciudad Soil and Water Conservation Board. Voters will get one ballot for the races that pertain to them when they go to vote based on their voter registration.

ALBUQUERQUE JOURNAL CANDIDATE BIOS, QUESTIONS

Every election, and a few weeks before an election, the Albuquerque Journal sends out a questionnaire to candidates and ask them the very same questions. Further, the Journal editors invite the candidates to call in and make an appointment with the Journal Editorial staff, and the editors and perhaps along with a reporter, interview the candidates for the paper’s endorsement. Endorsement editorials are then published a week to two weeks before the election.

The races for City Council District 2, 4, 6 and District 8 are the 4 City Council races that will be on the November 5. The District 2 race is the most contentious and a separate blog article on that race can be found here:

https://www.petedinelli.com/2019/10/14/abq-journal-district-2-city-council-candidate-bios-questionnaires-other-issue-needing-to-be-discussed/

Below are the District 4, 6 and 8 candidate’s profiles and questions published by the Albuquerque Journal followed by the links to the election articles:

CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 4

District 4 is Albuquerque’s Northeast Heights District with Tramway being the North Boundary, Eubank being the East boundary and Montgomery being the South Boundary and the freeway being roughly the West Boundary. Republican City Councilor Brad Winter is not running for reelection and there three candidates running to replace him: Republican Brook Bassan, and Democrats Athena Ann Christodoulou and Ane Romero.

Below are the District 4 candidate’s biographies with questions and candidate answers followed by the of the Albuquerque Journal article:

BROOK BASSAN

POLITICAL PARTY: Republican
AGE: 39
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, ITT Technical Institute, 2007
OCCUPATION: Household CEO since 2008; Nor Este Neighborhood Association board member since 2017; North Star Parent Teacher Association president since 2018; NM Parent Teacher Association financial officer since 2019; intern with United States Probation & Parole (2006-2007); waitress at Season’s Rotisserie Grill 2005-2007.
FAMILY: Husband, Uri Bassan, and four children.
POLITICAL/GOVERNMENT EXPERIENCE: Intern with United States Probation & Parole (2006-2007).
MAJOR PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENT: It is a privilege to have Councilor (Brad) Winter’s endorsement after directly working with him and my neighbors to add traffic calming measures increasing pedestrian and cyclist safety on streets near our houses and elementary school.
MAJOR PERSONAL ACCOMPLISHMENT: I am honored to represent all New Mexico mothers as the 2019 NM Mother of the Year awarded by American Mothers Inc. Duties include promoting awareness and advocating for all mothers in our state.

Q: What specific steps do you think the city should take to address the homelessness crisis?
A: The city should build a new homeless shelter that doesn’t just warehouse people. It must be a full service, multidisciplinary health care facility that includes drug treatment, social services, and job training.
Q: Besides hiring more officers, what do you think the council could do to improve public safety?
A: As the candidate endorsed by Albuquerque Police Officers Association, I will support strict enforcement of all laws. Criminals must know there will be consequences including jail time that is not a revolving door.
Q: Do you think the city should pass a paid sick leave mandate? If so, would you support the paid leave ordinance passed by the Bernalillo County Commission or what changes would you propose?
A: No. Small business mandates and regulations should be minimized as much as possible. The sick leave ordinance passed by the County has already resulted in a proposed amendment, indicating the bill was not thoroughly vetted. (Editor’s note: Amendments passed Oct. 15.)
Q: What is your top idea for boosting the city’s economy?
A: Increasing consumer spending is key. We must aggressively use tax incentives to attract high paying jobs and expand our partnerships with UNM and CNM to ensure a trained labor force exists to staff those industries.
Q: What can the city do to keep — and attract — more young people?
A: Access to after school programs, abundant sports activities, early childhood education and ensuring training and education for high paying, competitive jobs will entice people to move to our beautiful, diverse and safe city.
Q: What, if any, changes would you like to see to the city’s Integrated Development Ordinance?
A: The IDO should be amended to tailor density consistent with the existing property sites and allow for more community input by establishing a quasi-judicial board comprised of both municipal department officials and public citizens.
Q: What is the greatest infrastructure need the city faces and how would you fund its resolution?
A: Albuquerque streets suffer from lack of maintenance. Potholes and uneven roadway surfaces continually cause damage to our vehicles. Our municipal transportation budget should be spent on basic street repairs and improvements.
Q: Under what circumstances, if any, would you support a tax increase?
A: Taxes should never be increased unless approved by the voters. We must prioritize our current municipal budget on expenditures proven to reduce crime and increase quality of life.
Q: Would you support a tax increase to build a soccer stadium in Albuquerque?
A: Building a local soccer stadium will help Albuquerque develop economically and make us a world class city. If a tax increase is necessary, it should be approved by voters and not imposed by City Council.
Q: What has been Mayor Tim Keller’s best move so far and what do you think has been his administration’s biggest misstep?
A: Incrementally growing the size of APD and greater collaboration with State Police have been the mayor’s best achievements. His biggest mistake was raising the gross receipt tax after Candidate Keller promised he would not.
Q: What one issue would you like to focus on as a Councilor the next four years?
A: A meaningful reduction in Albuquerque’s crime epidemic will promote our city’s prosperity. We should utilize an all-of-the-above approach and implement proven harm reduction strategies to address the consequences of drug addiction and homelessness.
Q: Have you or your business, if you are a business owner, ever been the subject of any state or federal tax liens?
A: No.
Q: Have you ever been involved in a personal or business bankruptcy proceeding?
A: No.
Q: Have you ever been arrested for, charged with, or convicted of drunken driving, any misdemeanor or any felony in New Mexico or any other state?
A: No.

________________________________________________________________

Athena Ann Christodoulou

POLITICAL PARTY: Democratic
AGE: 57
EDUCATION: Professional Science Master’s degree from the University of New Mexico (2012); Master’s degree in environmental engineering from the University of Central Florida (1994); Bachelor’s of civil engineering (1983).
OCCUPATION: Retired; Consultant for the U.S. Department of Energy Solar in your Community Challenge (2017-18); Airbnb hostess (2013-2018); stay-at-home parent (1987-2016); Navy engineer (1982-2005); restaurateur (2004-2007)
FAMILY: Husband, Christos Christodoulou; three adult sons.
POLITICAL/GOVERNMENT EXPERIENCE: Albuquerque Energy Council chair (2017-2019); Consultant/coach for U.S. Department of Energy Solar in your Community Challenge (2017-18); Navy reserves engineer, retired commander (1982-2005).
MAJOR PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENT: Attain and maintain engineering designator in Navy reserves: Had to achieve environmental engineering masters, passed oral boards covering ship design, construction, and systems, updated technical knowledge, and traveled nationally and internationally.
MAJOR PERSONAL ACCOMPLISHMENT: Led the winning team in the 2012 UNM technology business plan competition as a student at UNM despite cancer, relationship reconstruction, family obligations and an inability to speak. Accomplished through God’s grace and watchfulness.

Q: What specific steps do you think the city should take to address the homelessness crisis?
A: More behavioral health outreach; more City-sponsored low-income housing for seniors; secure parking lots with bathroom facilities; a Habitat for Humanity-type home program; requirements for some rent-controlled units in larger apartment buildings.
Q: Besides hiring more officers, what do you think the council could do to improve public safety?
A: Continue developing community policing and working on CASA. Establish police service aides citywide. Push the digital neighborhood watch (real-time crime center registration of private exterior surveillance cameras).
Q: Do you think the city should pass a paid sick leave mandate? If so, would you support the paid leave ordinance passed by the Bernalillo County Commission or what changes would you propose?
A: Amended: Extend the “new business exemption” to 24 months then ratchet up annual accrued hours at the same rate as implementation (24, 40, 56). Limit to employers with more than 50 employees.
Q: What is your top idea for boosting the city’s economy?
A: Stop bagging and start bragging. We turn it on at Balloon Fiesta and events like the Senior games. Good feelings will inspire more investment and businesses. I love my adopted city!
Q: What can the city do to keep — and attract — more young people?
A: Tech transfer is one of my expertises, but unless we begin truly rewarding excellence while still maintaining relationships, we will continue to have many stars born here, but probably not stay here.
Q: What, if any, changes would you like to see to the city’s Integrated Development Ordinance?
A: It has many technical changes and amendments already underway, but ensuring the public has a say in their neighborhood development is key. It currently gives too much control to the DRB (Development Review Board) with little EPC (Environmental Planning Commission) oversight.
Q: What is the greatest infrastructure need the city faces and how would you fund its resolution?
A: My district wants their promised public pool. A county/APS/GO bond collaboration could bring that to fruition within 4 years. In addition, make Central Avenue a free wi-fi zone to offset ART damage.
Q: Under what circumstances, if any, would you support a tax increase?
A: If it were needed to keep our citizens safe and we couldn’t find other ways to tighten our belts to release the necessary funds.
Q: Would you support a tax increase to build a soccer stadium in Albuquerque?
A: Soccer, by far, is the most beloved sport in this city. Somehow UNM and the city need to collaborate to support that love and the need for a pro-level sport.
Q: What has been Mayor Tim Keller’s best move so far and what do you think has been his administration’s biggest misstep?
A: Good: Focus on City unity and branding to help people feel good about ABQ. Misstep: Calling diesel or natural gas a “clean” fuel.
Q: What one issue would you like to focus on as a councilor the next four years?
A: Our children’s future. We have an opportunity to respond to a critical environmental situation. I will develop a plan to create an atmosphere that fosters the right new tech and community to inspire Albuquerque stardom.
Q: Have you or your business, if you are a business owner, ever been the subject of any state or federal tax liens?
A: No.
Q: Have you ever been involved in a personal or business bankruptcy proceeding?
A: No.
Q: Have you ever been arrested for, charged with, or convicted of drunk driving, any misdemeanor or felony in New Mexico or any other state?
A: No.

________________________________________________________

ANE C. ROMERO

POLITICAL PARTY: Democratic
AGE: 38
EDUCATION: Master’s Degree in Public Affairs (2011) and Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science with Law Emphasis, Minor in English (2005), both from New Mexico Highlands University.
OCCUPATION: Deputy Legislative Director for Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham since 2019; Policy director for Center Civic Policy (2017-2019); field representative for Sen. Martin Heinrich (2014-2016); senior legislative aide for Congressional Mental Health Caucus for U.S. Congresswoman Grace F. Napolitano (2007-2014).
FAMILY: husband, Ryan Force.
POLITICAL/GOVERNMENT EXPERIENCE: Member of the Northeast Community Policing Council since 2017; member of the University of New Mexico Masters in Public Policy Advisory Board (2019); member of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Policy Council since 2017; board member for the Albuquerque Center for Hope and Recovery, since 2016; Bernalillo County Democrats Care chair (2017-2018); Traveled to Italy and Spain to meet with officials from the Departments of Mental Health (2013 and 2015); National Youth Advocate for Mental Health Parity (sponsored by Sen. Pete Domenici and Congressman Patrick Kennedy) (2005).
MAJOR PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENT: Having led the work that established the formal designation of May as National Mental Health Awareness Month, declared under President Obama, and recognized across all 50 states in 2012.
MAJOR PERSONAL ACCOMPLISHMENT: Working directly with General Peter Chiarelli, 32nd Vice Chief of Staff of the US Army, on efforts to address suicide rates among service members, which led to significant policy changes within the Department of Defense.

Q: What specific steps do you think the city should take to address the homelessness crisis?
A: Start with a plan to eradicate homelessness among veterans, as other cities have done. Build the proposed 24/7 emergency shelter as a critical stop-gap where services are coordinated and permanent housing is the goal.
Q: Besides hiring more officers, what do you think the council could do to improve public safety?
A: Invest in technology using data to identify criminal patterns and repeat offenders; improve lighting in neighborhoods, shopping centers; increase neighborhood watch programs; create a one-stop shop for substance abuse to reduce drug-related criminal behavior.
Q: Do you think the city should pass a paid sick leave mandate? If so, would you support the paid leave ordinance passed by the Bernalillo County Commission or what changes would you propose?
A: I support the county’s current ordinance as a starting point. Businesses need consistency in city and county requirements and law. There should be protections for workers who are sick to get earned time-off.
Q: What is your top idea for boosting the city’s economy?
A: I support an increased investment in the Local Economic Development Act (LEDA). LEDA’s closing funds brought us Netflix, NBC Universal, and Advance Network Management, a high-wage informational technology company located in District 4.
Q: What can the city do to keep — and attract — more young people?
A: Decrease crime, diversify our job market, better pay and job opportunities for wage growth, safer community to live and raise a family, and expand outdoor economy options.
Q: What, if any, changes would you like to see to the city’s Integrated Development Ordinance?
A: Neighborhoods should be able to maintain their existing distance and density rules. More opportunities must be made to include community input. I will work with all involved to ensure these changes happen.
Q: What is the greatest infrastructure need the city faces and how would you fund its resolution?
A: We need to prioritize our capital budget to address public safety. In regards to District 4 infrastructure needs, I would also focus continued investment at the North Domingo Baca Multigenerational Center.
Q: Under what circumstances, if any, would you support a tax increase?
A: I do not see a need to increase taxes. The city’s economy is headed in the right direction which will result in increased GRT, and the state is running large surpluses.
Q: Would you support a tax increase to build a soccer stadium in Albuquerque?
A: I won’t support a tax increase for a soccer stadium. However, I am supportive of the Mayor’s initiative to build a multi-sports complex through the process of refinancing existing bonds, which will not increase taxes.
Q: What has been Mayor Tim Keller’s best move so far and what do you think has been his administration’s biggest misstep?
A: Accomplishments: building up APD, adding more than 100 officers, and securing Netflix. Missteps: the administration’s lack of communication with neighborhoods regarding an idea for a spur line to reduce Balloon Fiesta traffic.
Q: What one issue would you like to focus on as a councilor the next four years?
A: Crime. We must address the root causes of crime by expanding behavioral health and drug treatment services, increasing access to pre-K, and creating new jobs.
A: Have you or your business, if you are a business owner, ever been the subject of any state or federal tax liens?
A: No.
Q: Have you ever been involved in a personal or business bankruptcy proceeding?
A: No.
Q: Have you ever been arrested for, charged with, or convicted of drunken driving, any misdemeanor or any felony in New Mexico or any other state?
A: In 2013, I was cited for speeding in Virginia. The citation was initially sent to the wrong address. Once the error was realized, I immediately paid the ticket and issue was resolved. (This was my first and only speeding ticket.)

Following is the link to the Albuquerque Journal election coverage article:

https://www.abqjournal.com/1379484/three-candidates-running-to-succeed-brad-winter-in-district-4.html

CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 6

City Council District 6 encompasses the International District, Mesa Del Sol, Nob Hill, Southeast Heights, and the University of New Mexico. There are two candidates running: Pat Davis and Gina Naomi Dennis

Below are the District 4 candidate’s biographies with questions and candidate answers followed by the of the Albuquerque Journal article

PAT DAVIS

POLITICAL PARTY: Democratic
AGE: 41
EDUCATION: Master’s degree in criminal justice from New Mexico State University (2009); certificate in criminal justice education from the FBI National Academy/University of Virginia (2006); bachelor’s degree in political science from Berry College (2000)
OCCUPATION: City councilor since 2015; formerly executive director of ProgressNow New Mexico (2011-2015); special programs officer with the Office of the District Attorney (2009-2011); police lieutenant with the University of New Mexico (2005-2009)
FAMILY: Partner, Christopher
POLITICAL/GOVERNMENT EXPERIENCE: City Councilor since 2015; chair of Governor’s Marijuana Legalization Work Group since 2019; member of the Albuquerque-Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority (2016-2018)
MAJOR PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENT: As a progressive activist coming to Council, some feared I couldn’t work with opponents to accomplish our agenda. I’m proud to have led my colleagues making us immigrant friendly, a solar leader, and smarter on policing.
MAJOR PERSONAL ACCOMPLISHMENT: Growing up gay during “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” I was scared to be me. Now, as one of New Mexico’s few openly gay electeds, I get to help other LGBTQ youth see their own opportunity.

Q: What specific steps do you think the city should take to address the homelessness crisis?
A: Last year, we spent $8M to house more than 800 homeless. Next: Fund outreach services on par with APD so we decriminalize homelessness and provide services in our parks and neighborhoods instead of just Downtown.
Q: Besides hiring more officers, what do you think the council could do to improve public safety?
A: Albuquerque should take the lead on gun violence, targeting repeat offenders quickly with new detectives to follow up on shootings and gun thefts, while also passing gun laws to prevent gun violence in public places.
Q: Do you think the city should pass a paid sick leave mandate? If so, would you support the paid leave ordinance passed by the Bernalillo County Commission or what changes would you propose?
A: Everyone gets sick and some need to care for parents or children. That’s why I introduced legislation providing sick leave to every worker. I hope a new council will pass a version of in 2020.
Q: What is your top idea for boosting the city’s economy?
A: In our last budget, I fought other councilors’ efforts cutting the Mayor’s $1 million local job training program. We should help local companies grow from 5 to 10 employees and expand CNM job skill training.
Q: What can the city do to keep — and attract — more young people?
A: Albuquerque added 3,600 millennials with degrees in the past few years, in part by investing in Downtown and Nob Hill, capitalizing on our strengths, affordability, new tech like scooters and events like SOMOs.
Q: What, if any, changes would you like to see to the city’s Integrated Development Ordinance?
A: I’ve already proposed making liquor sales conditional, giving neighborhoods a voice in decisions. I also proposed electronic notices to neighborhoods and online plan reviews by the public to make our development transparent to residents.
Q: What is the greatest infrastructure need the city faces and how would you fund its resolution?
A: With $400M in ADA sidewalk and street repairs, mostly in older neighborhoods like ours, I oppose sprawling new development. I helped add millions to our bond package for Southeast area streetlights, sidewalks and streets.
Q: Under what circumstances, if any, would you support a tax increase?
A: I supported the new 3/8th-cent tax, but only after passing my amendment requiring that 60% or more be used for public safety, so no future mayor could divert it for pet projects.
Q: Would you support a tax increase to build a soccer stadium in Albuquerque?
A: No. I sponsored the Mayor’s current sports tourism facility funding because it uses existing funds and public-private partnerships to create facilities without increasing taxes.
Q: What has been Mayor Tim Keller’s best move so far and what do you think has been his administration’s biggest misstep?
A: Best: Together, we’ve taken Councilor Benton and my 25% solar plan to 100% by 2030. Misstep: Early economic development fights with Council. Since then, we’ve worked together funding $1M for local business growth and scored Netflix, NBC.
Q: What one issue would you like to focus on as a councilor the next four years?
A: We are on the right track, lowering crime and hiring 200 more officers, but must do more on homelessness. We should fund community-based homeless workers providing case management services in parks and streets, not just Downtown.
Q: Have you or your business, if you are a business owner, ever been the subject of any state or federal tax liens?
A: No.
Q: Have you ever been involved in a personal or business bankruptcy proceeding?
A: No.
Q: Have you ever been arrested for, charged with, or convicted of drunken driving, any misdemeanor or any felony in New Mexico or any other state.
A: Yes. I pled guilty to DWI in 2013. It’s a big part of why I have worked so much to invest in treatment and diversion programs, helping others avoid repeating my mistakes.

_________________________________________________________

GINA NAOMI DENNIS

POLITICAL PARTY: Democratic
AGE: 41
EDUCATION: Master of business administration from American University (2005); Juris doctor law degree from American University (2003); Bachelor’s degree from Spelman College (2000); studied Mandarin Chinese at the Kunming College of Eastern Language in China (2015); studied constitutional law in post-apartheid era at Rhodes University in South Africa (1998)
OCCUPATION: Attorney (federal regulatory law, tribal law) since 2004, most recently for Stetson Law Offices in Albuquerque; president of the District 6 Coalition (2017-present); community organizer (2015-2017); CEO/owner and green building specialist, LEED AP, with Relerience (2009-2017)
FAMILY: Single, no children. I love my family, my parents, my twin brother Gary, my brother Gregory, and my nieces Sidney and Genevieve.
POLITICAL/GOVERNMENT EXPERIENCE: Represented seven tribal-Pueblo governments in New Mexico as an attorney (2017-2019); National Delegate from New Mexico for U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, DNC (2016); trade mission to South Sudan Africa regarding a national renewable energy policy plan, met with the South Sudanese National Minister of Electricity, Dams, Irrigation, and Water Resources, the National Minister of Defense, and the South Sudanese Vice President’s Office, (2013); trade Mission to Brazil, collaborated with the U.S. Department of Commerce for LEED green building meetings (2011); represented the government of Cameroon as an attorney (2007-2008); White House intern for President Bill Clinton (1999)
MAJOR PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENT: When I was President of the District 6 Coalition of 17 Neighborhood Associations, we saved dozens of jobs at Whittier Elementary School and Hawthorne Elementary School by helping those two Albuquerque public schools stay open.
MAJOR PERSONAL ACCOMPLISHMENT: I am a native English speaker and I also speak Mandarin-Chinese and Spanish.

Q: What specific steps do you think the city should take to address the homelessness crisis?
A: Address the underlying issues of homelessness, which are addiction and mental health. Have a robust outreach and treatment model that addresses addiction and mental health, and gets people up and out of homelessness.
Q: Besides hiring more officers, what do you think the council could do to improve public safety?
A: Eighty to 85% of crimes are committed while someone is high or trying to get high. Let’s reduce our opioid addiction rate so that we can reduce our crime rate.
Q: Do you think the city should pass a paid sick leave mandate? If so, would you support the paid leave ordinance passed by the Bernalillo County Commission or what changes would you propose?
A: Yes, an actual paid sick leave (which isn’t a tax) and will benefit both the families and the individuals. A healthy workforce is a better revenue model for our businesses.
Q: What is your top idea for boosting the city’s economy?
A: Follow public input from our small businesses and residents by addressing the failures of ART, such as the many, many problems caused by ART and the over 100 businesses crushed by ART.
Q: What can the city do to keep — and attract — more young people?
A: We have many young people; we need to do better by serving our young people with a good education and good jobs. Our young people will stay here if it’s a safe, healthy, thriving community.
Q: What, if any, changes would you like to see to the city’s Integrated Development Ordinance?
A: The IDO blocks due process by removing neighborhood input. Let’s bring back the public input and empower our neighborhoods.
Q: What is the greatest infrastructure need the city faces and how would you fund its resolution?
A: Get federal funding to address failures of ART, such as the over 100 businesses crushed by ART, excessive speeding and crashes on Lead, Coal, and Copper, and non-ADA compliant infrastructure and sidewalks.
Q: Under what circumstances, if any, would you support a tax increase?
A: It depends on the situation, our City budget, and the public input that we receive from our constituents.
Q: Would you support a tax increase to build a soccer stadium in Albuquerque?
A: We love soccer; however, we’re in the water right now because of the failed ART project and the high crime.
Q: What has been Mayor Tim Keller’s best move so far and what do you think has been his administration’s biggest misstep?
A: Best move: created an Office of Equity and Inclusion.
Biggest misstep: neglecting our ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) disability issues related to infrastructure and sidewalks.
Q: What one issue would you like to focus on as a councilor the next four years?
A: A safe, healthy, thriving community:
-Community Safety: Address addiction and homelessness.
-Get federal funding to address harm from the failed ART project and adjust the flawed design, and federal funding to bring our businesses back.
Q: Have you or your business, if you are a business owner, ever been the subject of any state or federal tax liens?
A: No.
Q: Have you ever been involved in a personal or business bankruptcy proceeding?
A: No.
Q: Have you ever been arrested for, charged with, or convicted of drunken driving, any misdemeanor or any felony in New Mexico or any other state?
A: No.

Following is the link to the Albuquerque Journal election coverage article:

https://www.abqjournal.com/1379926/fellow-democrat-challenging-incumbent-city-councilor-in-district-6.html

CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 8

District 8 is the city’s far North East Heights District that includes the city’s foothills as the East boundary, Menaul as the Southern boundary, Wyoming as the West Boundry and Iseleta Pueblo makes up a good portion of the Northern boundary . The District is heavily Republican. There are two candidates running, Republican Incumbent City Councilor Trudy Jones and Democrat Maurreen Skowran. .

Below are the candidate’s biographies with questions and candidate answers followed by the link to the Albuquerque Journal article:

TRUDY JONES

POLITICAL PARTY: Republican
AGE: 70
EDUCATION: High school diploma
OCCUPATION: City councilor; previously worked in commercial real estate (1980-2010)
FAMILY: Husband, John M. Henderson III, two daughters
POLITICAL/GOVERNMENT EXPERIENCE: City councilor since 2007
MAJOR PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENT: Being elected to the council after a career as a local business leader. I am proud of my record supporting police and fire, improving our quality of life and standing up for fiscal responsibility.
MAJOR PERSONAL ACCOMPLISHMENT: Marriage to my husband John and helping raise his two daughters, and giving back to this city, which has made so much possible for me.

Q: What specific steps do you think the city should take to address the homelessness crisis?
A: We must get at the root of the problem by dealing with issues such as drug addiction, lack of education and job training. I sponsored the Pedestrian Safety Ordinance to help eliminate dangerous pedestrian/vehicle situations.
Q: Besides hiring more officers, what do you think the council could do to improve public safety?
A: I am the only candidate in this race who supports eliminating the Sanctuary City policy for illegal immigrants who have committed crimes. The Council must also provide APD with all the tools they need to be successful in the field.
Q: Do you think the city should pass a paid sick leave mandate? If so, would you support the paid leave ordinance passed by the Bernalillo County Commission or what changes would you propose?
A: I am opposed to this massive government regulation that would force local, small businesses out of business and make it more difficult to attract companies from outside New Mexico to locate here.
Q: What is your top idea for boosting the city’s economy?
A: We must create a more business-friendly environment with less red tape and low taxes. Albuquerque must be competitive with other cities, or companies will simply move to more business-friendly locations, which is happening now.
Q: What can the city do to keep — and attract — more young people?
A: We all want our children and grandchildren to stay in New Mexico to raise their families. That requires more career opportunities and a higher quality of life — better jobs and less crime.
Q: What, if any, changes would you like to see to the city’s Integrated Development Ordinance?
A: This ordinance is designed to be fluid and responsive to the needs of citizens. I support the current structure, where it is reviewed annually and changes are driven by citizens, neighborhood associations and small businesses.
Q: What is the greatest infrastructure need the city faces and how would you fund its resolution?
A: I believe our greatest infrastructure need is maintaining our roads and streets. We need to expand our busy major roads and repair and repave our neighborhood streets.
Q:Under what circumstances, if any, would you support a tax increase?
A: I do not believe there is any need for a tax increase.
Q: Would you support a tax increase to build a soccer stadium in Albuquerque?
A: I would oppose a tax increase to build a soccer stadium.
Q: What has been Mayor Tim Keller’s best move so far and what do you think has been his administration’s biggest misstep?
A: I support Mayor Keller’s selection of Chief Mike Geier to lead APD and for the willingness to work with City Council to provide funding and increase benefits for police. … Mayor Keller’s biggest misstep has been reckless spending.
Q: What one issue would you like to focus on as a councilor the next four years?
A: Public safety is the top issue. We must protect our neighborhoods from crime, rather than protecting criminals from consequences. That means hiring more police and standing behind them. I’m honored to have the endorsement of the Albuquerque Police Officers.
Q: Have you or your business, if you are a business owner, ever been the subject of any state or federal tax liens?
A: No.
Q: Have you ever been involved in a personal or business bankruptcy proceeding?
A: No.
Q: Have you ever been arrested for, charged with, or convicted of drunken driving, any misdemeanor or any felony in New Mexico or any other state?
A: No.

______________________________________

MAURREEN SKOWRAN

POLITICAL PARTY: Democratic
AGE: 56
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in geography from the University of New Mexico (2017); Associate degree in geographic information technology from Central New Mexico Community College (2013)
OCCUPATION: Data analyst with University of New Mexico Geospatial and Population Studies since 2016; previously a student technical specialist/student GIS technician; copy editor at the Albuquerque Journal (2009-14)
FAMILY: Wife, Sandra Nemeth
POLITICAL/GOVERNMENT EXPERIENCE: U.S. Marine Corps (1980-92). Served in presidential helicopter squadron.
MAJOR PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENT: Investigated fatal methadone overdoses in North Carolina, exposing its dangers in treating pain and addiction. The drug’s low cost had increased its use as a painkiller, although it wasn’t well understood or well monitored.
MAJOR PERSONAL ACCOMPLISHMENT: Moved to Albuquerque to help my father — an Air Force veteran — successfully overcome lung cancer. His renewed health (and encouragement) spurred me to get a college degree and begin a new chapter in my life.

Q: What specific steps do you think the city should take to address the homelessness crisis?
A: Building a campus with a shelter and services on site is a good beginning but doesn’t address a major source of homelessness. I would propose affordable housing set-asides for hard-working families who are at risk.
Q: Besides hiring more officers, what do you think the council could do to improve public safety?
A: Stemming the source of crime, with a program like the Cure Violence public health model, which has succeeded in a number of cities. It uses conflict mediation and help with employment, education and drug treatment.
Q: Do you think the city should pass a paid sick leave mandate? If so, would you support the paid leave ordinance passed by the Bernalillo County Commission or what changes would you propose?
A: I support five days of annual sick leave after 90 days of employment, pro-rated for part-time employees. I am open to phasing this in over a couple of years, as the county ordinance specifies.
Q: What is your top idea for boosting the city’s economy?
A: Reviewing local small business programs and incubators for effectiveness in growing the economy, supporting programs with a record of success, and providing tactical incentives for growth that have been proven to work in other cities.
Q: What can the city do to keep — and attract — more young people?
A: Create opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship in growing industries, maintain affordable housing, expand pre-K programs, improve K -12 public education, further develop parks, and create pockets of local businesses that appeal to younger people.
Q: What, if any, changes would you like to see to the city’s Integrated Development Ordinance?
A: The IDO did a good job of updating land-use regulations. I don’t foresee immediate major changes. Requirements to update the IDO annually and analyze community planning areas every five years will help us keep current.
Q: What is the greatest infrastructure need the city faces and how would you fund its resolution?
A: Maintaining existing infrastructure so that the city does not fall behind and incur more-costly repairs is my immediate concern. I would ask for a proactive maintenance schedule, building those costs into the budget now.
Q: Under what circumstances, if any, would you support a tax increase?
A: Albuquerque is poised for growth. A tax increase would not only dampen that potential, but put a disproportionate burden on those in lower income brackets. I prefer to increase tax revenues through economic growth.
Q: Would you support a tax increase to build a soccer stadium in Albuquerque?
A: I don’t support subsidizing sports arenas. Subsidies are highly likely to provide more profits to the team owners, but they aren’t guaranteed to provide enough economic benefits to cover the cost to the taxpayer.
Q: What has been Mayor Tim Keller’s best move so far and what do you think has been his administration’s biggest misstep?
A: Increasing public safety staffing, including police officers and support personnel, is the mayor’s best move. However, the increase in salary for top-level city officials without an equal concern for rank-and-file city workers is a misstep.
Q: What one issue would you like to focus on as a councilor the next four years?
A: Reducing crime in District 8: analyzing where and when crime occurs, ensuring the district is staffed with enough officers, and assessing whether measures such as better lighting would reduce crime in some areas.
Q: Have you or your business, if you are a business owner, ever been the subject of any state or federal tax liens?
A: No.
Q: Have you ever been involved in a personal or business bankruptcy proceeding?
A: No.
Q: Have you ever been arrested for, charged with, or convicted of drunken driving, any misdemeanor or any felony in New Mexico or any other state?
A: No.

Following is the link to the Albuquerque Journal election coverage article:

https://www.abqjournal.com/1378457/district-8-council-race-analyst-vs-incumbent.html

JOURNAL ENDORSEMENTS ANNOUNCED

On October 19, the Albquerque Journal accounced its endorsements in all 4 of the city council races. The Journal made the following endorsements:

District 2: Democrat Issac Benton, Incumbent
District 4: Republican Brook Bassan
District 5: Democrat Pat Davis, Incumbent
District 8: Republican Trudy Jones, Incumbent

You can read the entire endorsements at the below link:

https://www.abqjournal.com/1380383/journal-recommends-3-council-incumbents-1-newcomer-for-office.html

COMMENTARY AND ANALYSIS

The Albuquerque Journal’s endorsements of Incumbent Democrats Isaac Benton and Pat Davis came as no surprise to city hall watchers and political pundits. Both have strong opposition from other Democrats who are as equally progressive. The Journal always tends to endorse incumbents to maintain the status quo and both Benton and Davis have acted more like Republicans on the city council with their votes. See below related blog article “City Councilors Isaac Benton and Pat Davis Need To Be Thanked For Their Service And Voted Out Of Office.”

The Albuquerque Journal’s endorsements of Republican Incumbent Trudy Jones and Republican new comer Brook Bassan should also come as no surprise. Both conservative Republican Jones and Bassan are running against progressive Democrats and the Districts have always leaned Republican.

There are two weeks until the election, and anything can and often does happen to change the outcome. Incumbency is no longer that big of an advantage and a Journal endorsement is considered by many a “kiss of death” to a campaign, especially in progressive districts.

All too often, city council races are ignored by many voters and the campaigns do not really heat up until the very last weeks of the campaign. Most city council races are won with direct voter contact and candidates going “door to door” looking for support and votes.

Each City Council District has approximately 75,000 residents. Historically, only 2,000 to 4,000 votes are cast in each City Council District. Low voter turnout in city elections with any luck will be a thing of the past with the municipal elections moved from October to November and with the consolidated election ballot. The consolidated elections should result in a significantly higher voter turnout and result in a reduced amount of money to pay for only one election as opposed to 4 or 5 elections.

Each vote can and does make a difference. Voters should demand and expect more from candidates than fake smiles, slick campaign flyers, and no solutions to problems and no ideas. Our City needs more than promises of better economic times and lower crime rates for Albuquerque to improve. Voters need to demand answers and find out what candidates really stand for and what they intend to do once elected. Unless you vote, real change can never occur and if you do not vote you have no business complaining about the conditions of our city.

Please vote on Tuesday, November 5 and get involved.

For related blog articles see:

ABQ Journal: District 2 City Council Candidate Bios, Questions; Other Issues Identified; Commentary And Analysis

ALB City Councilors Isaac Benton and Pat Davis Both Need To Be Thanked For Their Service And Voted Out Of Office On November 5 And Replaced With True Progressives

Keller, Benton, Davis and Jones Carry On With Berry Bad Legacy Of Supporting Development Community Over Neighborhoods And Support of ART

Albuquerque City Councilor Cynthia Borrego was elected in November, 2017 to her first 4 year term to the Albuquerque City Council to represents District 5, the sprawling Northwest part of Albuquerque. Councilor Borrego is the current Vice President of the City Council. Cynthia Borrego retired from the City of Albuquerque after 30 years of public service in the City Planning Department and for that reason she has a working knowledge of the city zoning ordinances.

On October 9, 2019 the Albuquerque Journal published a “guest column” entitled “ABQ Needs to Strike Zoning Balance” written by City Councilor Cynthia Borrego. Following is the column with the link to the article:

“In a perfect world, everyone would live happily as neighbors. However, we can only strive to be a healthy community. The recently adopted Albuquerque Integrated Development Ordinance (IDO) or new zoning was thought to create a “happy” world when adopted. That is until it was time to be implemented, and then the discussion about what was left out began.

This allows for development to occur, though not at the stake of losing what attracts us all to Albuquerque in the first place. This balance should pay special attention … to our city’s irreplaceable uniqueness, diversity, history and character in order to showcase her special beauty. It is not an easy task to create regulatory authority agreeable to residents, developers and commercial interests, but it can be accomplished through the practice of balancing the past with the present and our vision for the future.”

https://www.abqjournal.com/1375909/abq-needs-to-strike-a-zoning-balance.html

ENACTMENT OF THE OF ABC-Z PLAN ALSO KNOWN AS INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE (IDO).

Former Mayor Richard Berry who started the rewrite process during his second term said the adoption of comprehensive plan was a much-needed rewrite of a patchwork of decades-old development guidelines that held the city back from development and improvement. The rewrite of the comprehensive plan took a mere two years that started in 2015. Back in 2017, there were sixty (60) sector development plans which governed new development in specific neighborhoods. Forty (40) of the development plans had their own “distinct zoning guidelines” that were designed to protect many historical areas of the city.

On February 20, 2017 it was reported on the City web site that the re write of the comprehensive plan was an attempt to bring “clarity and predictability” to the development regulations and to attract more “private sector investment”. The city’s web site on the plan rewrite also claimed the key goals include “improve protection for the city’s established neighborhoods and respond to longstanding water and traffic challenges by promoting more sustainable development”. Economic development and job creation was argued as a benefit to rewriting the Comprehensive Plan.

Suzanne Lubar, the City Planning Department Director at the time, claimed that updating the comprehensive plan was necessary to keep up with growth trends because Bernalillo County’s population of 680,000 is expected to grow by 300,000 by 2040. City planners argued that with the rewrite of the comprehensive plan, it would be able to administer and enforce the city’s zoning system consistently.

https://www.abqjournal.com/953175/city-working-to-weed-out-redundant-regulations.html

Under the enacted Integrated Development Ordinance (IDO) the number of zones went from 250 to fewer than 20, which by any measure was dramatic. Using the words “promoting more sustainable development” means developers want to get their hands-on older neighborhoods and develop them as they see fit with little or no regulation at the best possible cost to make a profit.

https://publicpolicy.wharton.upenn.edu/live/news/1581-impacts-of-gentrification-a-policy-primer/for-students/blog/news.php

Critics of the plan said during the drafting of ABC-Z comprehensive plan that public discussion lacked representation from a number of minority voices and minority communities. The critics argued the final approved document would allow the continued location of polluting industries in predominantly minority neighborhoods. The accusation was made that the new comprehensive plan was racist. (See Albuquerque Free Press article “New ABQ Urban Plan Racist”, March 3, 2017.)

ANALYSIS AND COMMENTARY

Albuquerque City Councilor Cynthia Borrego is absolutely correct when she says IDO has not struck a balance between less constraints on development and neighborhood character preservation reflected in all the sector development plans repealed. In her words “This balance should pay special attention … to our city’s irreplaceable uniqueness, diversity, history and character in order to showcase her special beauty.”

One of the most nefarious votes by the Albuquerque City Council in late 2017 was the rush to vote for the final adoption of the ABC-Z or IDO comprehensive plan before the municipal election and the election of Mayor Tim Keller. Many neighborhood associations had requested the City Council to delay its enactment until after the 2017 Mayors race and the City Council ignored the request. Despite being encouraged to do so, not one single candidate running for Mayor in 2017 weighed in on opposing the IDO, including now Mayor Tim Keller. No doubt all the candidates wanted the issue to just go away. By not taking any position on IDO, they all refused to show any backbone against developers.

There is no doubt that IDO will have a long-term impact on the cities older neighborhoods and favors developers. The intent from day one of the ABC-Z comprehensive plan was the “gutting” of long-standing sector development plans by the development community to repeal those sector development plans designed to protect neighborhoods and their character.

Using words like “promoting more sustainable development” means private developers and development organizations wanting to get their hands-on older neighborhoods and develop them as they see fit with little regulation at the best possible cost to make a profit. The ABC-Z project rewrite was nothing more than making “gentrification” an official city policy especially with IDO blatantly removing the public from the development review process.

The enactment of the comprehensive plan was a major priority of former Republican Mayor Richard Berry before he left office. The development community pushed hard for its enactment before Berry left office and the City Council went along with it. IDO was enacted with the support of Democrats and Republicans on the City Council despite opposition from the neighborhood interests and associations.

The Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce and the construction and development community, including the National Association of Industrial and Office Parks (NAIOP), pulled all stops to get the plan adopted before the October 3, 2017 municipal election, no doubt to support of Mayor Richard Berry. It is no secret that Berry, a construction contractor and developer himself, was the all-time darling of the construction and development community, the Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce and organizations such as NAIOP because he did their political bidding.

As for Mayor Tim Keller, he appointed David Campbell as the City’s Planning Director replacing Suzanne Lubar and Cambell essentially carried on the policies of the former Republican Mayor, especially when it came to being “pro development”. The Planning Department enforces the Integrated Sector Development Plan. Campbell has resigned as Albuquerque’s Planning Director and was appointed the new Rio Rancho City Manager. Working first for Mayor Louis Saavedra as City Attorney and then appointed Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) under Mayor Richard Berry, Campbell has extensive contacts and shares much of the pro development philosophy with the Economic Forum, the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce and NAIOP.

On July 12, 2019 Mayor Tim Keller appointed Brennon Williams as the Interim Director of the City of Albuquerque’s Planning Department. Brennon has spent 20 years working in planning, including as a Zoning Enforcement Inspector and as the Deputy Director for Planning at the City of Albuquerque. On September 4, Brennon Williams, was appointed the permanent Planning Director by Mayor Keller. Mr. Williams, given his history with the city and work on the IDO, represents a continuation of the pro-development attitude towards neighborhood associations and the voices of varying communities.

On October 10, 2019, the Albuquerque City Attorney’s Office announced that the city is appealing a federal judge’s ruling that the “Pedestrian Safety Ordinance” designed to eliminate or restrict panhandling on the streets of Albuquerque is unconstitutional. The language of the ordinance prohibits anyone from standing inside travel lanes, along interstate ramps on medians and prohibits “any physical altercation or exchange” between “pedestrians and occupants of vehicles in traffic lanes.” In other words it is also a prohibition not only against the individual panhandlers but prevents drivers of vehicles in traffic from giving anything to panhandler’s.

https://www.abqjournal.com/1376899/city-to-appeal-ruling-on-panhandling-law.htmlBACKGROUND

The “Pedestrian Safety Ordinance” was enacted by the City Council in November of 2017 despite repeated warnings that the ordinance was a violation of constitutional rights. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filed a federal lawsuit that sought a declaratory ruling from the federal court that the ordinance was unconstitutional, that the ordinance violates the plaintiffs’ rights to freedom of speech under the First and Fourteenth Amendments to the United States Constitution, as well as Article II, Section 17 of the Constitution of the State of New Mexico. The city council ignoring legal advice made minor amendments to the ordinance.

In 2018, the ACLU sued the city and at the time of filing of the lawsuit, the ACLU of New Mexico staff attorney María Martínez Sánchez said in a news release:
“This [ordinance] is just another heavy-handed attempt by the city to criminalize homelessness and push poor people out of sight and out of mind. … People have a constitutional right to stand in public places and solicit donations, regardless of whether they’re looking for their next meal or raising money for little league uniforms”.

U.S. District Judge Robert Brack granted the ACLU’s motion for summary judgment in July of this year. Judge Brack ruled that the enacted “Pedestrian Safety Ordinance” was “an unconstitutional restriction on free speech because it is not narrowly tailored to meet the City’s interest in reducing pedestrian-vehicle conflicts.”

Upon hearing the city’s intent to appeal the ruling, ACLU-NM senior staff attorney María Martínez Sánchez said the ACLU welcome the appeal and, in a statement, issued said:

“The District court correctly recognized that the law was an unconstitutional infringement of free speech rights and struck it down.”

The City Hall has contracted outside council to handle the appeal and not the City Attorney’s Office. The decision to appeal was not made by the city council, but was made by City Council Services who instructed the outside council to proceed with the appeal.

CITY COUNCIL REACTION TO APPEAL

Albuquerque City Councilor Trudy Jones, the sponsor of the “Pedestrian Safety Ordinance” had this to say in support of the city appealing the case:

“I believe the citizens – the residents of Albuquerque – would really like to see something happen here, and we’re trying to do it in the best and, obviously, legal way.”
Republican Albuquerque City Councilor Don Harris, who is also a private attorney, had this to say about the appeal:

“I can understand how the court got there, but it was an incorrect ruling and it needs to be corrected. … I think the average person with common sense understands the medians are not meant for interacting with traffic.”

Democrat City Councilor Pat Davis said he would not take a position on the merits of the appeal but expressed the opinion the city has other law enforcement options to combat panhandling.

Mayor Tim Keller has not announced his position on the appeal.

COMMENTARY AND ANLAYSIS

City Attorney’s Office employs upwards of 33 attorneys yet City Hall felt the need to contract outside council to handle the appeal. It a very sad commentary that the City Attorney’s office does not have experienced attorneys and the know-how and the understanding how to appeal and defend a city ordinance. The city attorney’s office no doubt was involved with the review and drafting of the ordinance and they should be more than capable of handling the appeal for the city.

There is no doubt that “panhandling” is a problem on the streets of Albuquerque with drivers often becoming distracted, annoyed and angry when panhandlers become way too aggressive. Notwithstanding, based on settled case law on similar ordinances, it is more likely than not that the city’s appeal of the court ruling will be denied with the federal court of appeals again finding that it goes way too far and is unconstitutional.

The truth is the “Pedestrian Safety Ordinance” probably is not even needed. After the federal district court ruled the ordinance unconstitutional, the city began to make other efforts to solve the problem. Albuquerque Police Department (APD) has begun approaching panhandlers when they see them jaywalk or violate other existing ordinances and laws. APD cannot arrest anyone for a jaywalking offense alone, but they can cite panhandler’s resulting in a fine or appearance in court.

When the “Pedestrian Safety Ordinance” was first enacted, APD was still suffering from a severe shortage of police officers and still suffers from a severe crime wave. During the last year, APD has added 117 sworn police to the force and APD now employs 980 sworn police. APD has also initiated bike patrols in a few areas of town to promote “community based” policing. APD should now be able to develope a “Panhandler Welfare Check Tactical Plan” and increase patrols of all the major intersections and freeway entrance ramps that can be easily identified where panhandlers are known to frequent.

Existing laws governing trespassing, camping on public property and prohibitions on using traffic street medians need to be enforced with a police patrol presence and law enforcement contact to reduce panhandling and offer social services available. A tactical plan needs to include a form of “welfare checks on panhandlers” based on calls for service to APD to begin identifying the panhandlers and determine if the panhandler needs help or in real distress where social services can be offered such as shelter. Welfare checks to determine identity, addresses and perhaps do background checks on outstanding warrants can be done by officers in plain cloths and accompanied by a social worker with an offer of transportation to the city’s homeless shelter.

Until a measured law enforcement response respecting constitutional rights is taken, the panhandling will only continue to frustrate and anger the driving public.

On September 6, 2019, Mayor Tim Keller submitted his $29 million infrastructure bond tax package to the Albuquerque City Council to be financed by the City’s Lodger’s Tax. The Keller Administration labeled the lodger tax bond package as a “Sports – Tourism Lodger Tax ” because it will be used for a number of projects around the city labeled as “sports tourism opportunities.”

Originally, the Keller Administration said all the projects would be funded through savings achieved by refinancing existing lodgers’ tax bonds. The Keller Administration then backtracked and said the city would issue $29 million in new bonds and use lodgers tax revenue to make the payments on the bond debt.

Mayor Keller’s “Sports Tourism Lodger Tax” proposal came just a few months after the city hosted the National Senior Games. According to the Keller Administration, the National Senior Games featured nearly 14,000 athletes competing at 21 venues and had an estimated $34 million economic impact. Further, the lodger tax proposal came after New Mexico United professional soccer team expressed the desire for a permanent soccer stadium.

https://www.abqjournal.com/1363274/mayor-sends-28-million-proposal-to-city-council.html

On October 7, the City Council approved a $30.5 million “Sports -Tourism” lodger tax package on a unanimous vote to upgrade and build sports facilities throughout the city. Revenue gemnerated by the lodgers tax will be used to pay off the $30.5 million bond debt.

https://www.abqjournal.com/1375946/city-council-approves-new-lodgers-tax-bonds.html

LODGER TAX ADDED TO GROSS RECEIPTS TAX

New Mexico imposes a gross receipts tax on goods and service providers, which is passed on to the purchaser of goods or services. The gross receipts tax rate varies throughout the state from 5.125% up to 8.6875% depending on the city or county tax. It varies because the state rate is combined with the additional tax incremental tax rates imposed by counties and municipalities. In Albuquerque, the gross receipts tax is now at 7.875%.

The New Mexico Legislature enacted a “Lodgers Tax Act” that allows cities to impose an occupancy tax, or lodgers tax, on hotels, motels and overnight lodging accommodations. (3-38-13 to 3-38-24 NMSA 1978). Under the state law, a city may use the proceeds of the lodger’s tax to defray costs of:

“(1) collecting and otherwise administering the occupancy tax, including the performance of audits required by the Lodgers’ Tax Act …
(2) establishing, operating, purchasing, constructing, otherwise acquiring, reconstructing, extending, improving, equipping, furnishing or acquiring real property or any interest in real property for the site or grounds for tourist-related facilities and attractions or tourist-related transportation systems of the municipality, the county in which the municipality is located or the county;
(3) …
(4) advertising, publicizing and promoting tourist-related attractions, facilities and events of the municipality or county and tourist-related facilities, attractions and events within the area;
(5) providing police and fire protection and sanitation service for tourist-related facilities, attractions and events located in the respective municipality or county;
(6) …
(7)”

Under the authority given to it by the legislature, Albuquerque enacted its own lodger’s tax ordinance. Albuquerque’s lodger’s tax is 5% which added to the gross receipts tax brings the total gross receipts tax for lodging to 12.875%.

Albuquerque’s lodger tax ordinance adopted the identical language of the state lodgers’ tax. However, the city ordinance added one major requirement: one-half of the proceeds of the tax collected must be used for the purpose of “advertising, advertising, publicizing and promoting tourist-related attractions, facilities and events.”

The Albuquerque Lodger’s Tax ordinance reads as follows:

“Not less than one-half of the proceeds [of the lodger’s tax] shall be used for the purpose of advertising, advertising, publicizing and promoting tourist-related attractions, facilities and events. … .

… any balance of the [lodger tax] proceeds not used for [advertising, publicizing and promoting] may be used to defray the cost of …
(1) Collecting and otherwise administrating the tax …
(2) … lodger tax audits …
(3) Establishing, operating, purchasing constructing otherwise acquiring, reconstructing, extending, improving, equipping, furnishing or acquiring real property or any interest in real property for the site or grounds for tourist-related facilities, attractions or transportation systems of the municipality is located or the county.
…
(5) Advertising, publicizing, and promoting tourist related-facilities and attractions and events of the municipality or county and tourist facilities or attractions …
(6) Providing police or fire protection and sanitation services for tourist related events, facilities and attractions …
… “

The city’s lodger tax ordinance also establishes a “lodger tax advisory board”, a 7-member volunteer board appointed by the Mayor and approved by the city council. According to the ordinance, the Lodgers Tax Advisory Board “shall advise the Mayor and City Council on the expenditures of funds authorized … .”

City of Albuquerque Lodgers Tax Ordinance, ARTICLE 4 LOGERS TAX, 4-4-1 to 4-4-14.

You can read the lodgers tax ordinance here:

https://www.cabq.gov/dfa/documents/treasury-documents/lodgers-tax-ordinance.pdf

The city’s lodgers’ tax generated upwards $14.5 million in fiscal year 2019. According to a state-funded analysis by Tourism Economics, visitors to the Bernalillo county and Albuquerque area spent $2.1 billion in 2016, and in addition to lodging, they spent $523 million on food and drinks and $396 million on retail purchases. Visitors generated $77.7 million in local taxes, according to the study.

THE “SPORTS-TOURISM LODGER” TAX BOND FUNDING

The final lodger tax bond funding enacted by the Albuquerque City Council on a unanimous vote was increased from $29 million to $31 and includes $4.8 million in surplus funding for the projects. The additional funds come from the sale of vehicles and other city property.

Keller’s Chief Financial Officer Sanjay Bhakta said that growing lodgers tax collections and issuing bonds allows the money to have a greater impact than working with small annual surpluses. CFO Bhakta argued that favorable market conditions mandated that the city needed to move quickly. The city’s bond counsel also urged a quick bond sale due to favorable market conditions.

The City Council voted unanimously to issue the new lodgers tax bonds. The funding will be used to upgrade or build recreational facilities around Albuquerque.

Following are the projects to be funded by the lodger tax revenues:

• $10 million to improve Los Altos Park, including new softball fields, a BMX pump track and concession improvements. Los Altos Park is the busiest park in the city and the Keller Administration argues that improvements will help attract tournaments.

• $3.5 million for a soccer complex at an unidentified site with locker rooms that could host tournaments. According to the Keller Administration, the multi-use soccer facility would be available for use by Albuquerque Public Schools, the New Mexico Activities Association championships and other tournaments, and would serve as a practice field for New Mexico United.

• $3.5 million for the Jennifer Riordan Spark Kindness Complex (a West Side baseball venue formerly known as the Albuquerque Regional Sports Complex).

• $4.5 million to upgrade the Albuquerque Convention Center, including adding outdoor message boards, and potentially having the Kiva Auditorium host a larger range of events. The city council increased the amount by $1.5 million. There have been recent reports that the convention center roof is leaking, but no money is being set aside for roof repair.

• $2.5 million to buy property for balloon landing sites.

• $2.5 million to replace the city’s 16-year-old indoor track currently used by the University of New Mexico and for track and field competitions.

• $2 million for a “multiuse trail” linking East Downtown to Downtown.

• $1 million for the forthcoming Route 66 Visitors Center at Central and 136th Street. The visitors center will be for both tourists and locals and plans include a museum, taproom and large event space for social and event gatherings.

• $1 million for Isotopes Park upgrades, such as netting and field improvements. The Isotopes Park upgrades include nets to protect young children and families during games and field improvements to provide for an easier transition from baseball to other uses including concerts. The professional soccer team United New Mexico currently uses Isotopes Park for their professional games.

• $500,000 for a “Northwest Mesa gateway.”

The city’s finance officials and bond counsel urged a quick bond sale due to favorable market conditions, and the City Council voted unanimously to issue the new lodgers tax bonds.

https://www.abqjournal.com/1375946/city-council-approves-new-lodgers-tax-bonds.html

MAYOR KELLER BLINDSIDES LODGER INDUSTRY AND LODGER TAX ADVISORY BOARD

The unanimous city council vote was done over the objections of the Greater Albuquerque Hotel and Lodging Association (GAHLA) and the Lodgers Tax Advisory Board (LTAB). The local hotel industry generates and collects the taxes that will be used to pay off the $30.5 million bond debt that will pay for the projects. GAHLA requested additional time to evaluate the merits of the program as did the city’s Lodgers Tax Advisory Board.

Charlie Gray, the executive director of the Greater Albuquerque Hotel & Lodging Association (GAHLA), said the 120-member hotel association were only told of the $30 million lodger tax proposal when Mayor Tim Keller issued a news release about it to the public. GAHLA questioned devoting millions of dollars in lodgers tax revenue to a “sports – tourism” package that includes projects like new playing fields at Los Altos Park, netting at Isotopes Park, a new indoor track and a visitor center on West Central.

GAHLA said the city did not make it clear just how the spending would increase tourism. The organization demanded the Keller administration provide a “business case” for the projects before the city proceeded with the plan to issue the new lodgers tax bonds to pay for them. GAHLA wanted the council to delay the October 7 vote, but the council declined.

Rebecca Plutino, general manager of the Best Western Plus Rio Grande Inn told the city council before enactment of the lodger tax bonds:

“I certainly understand all the projects, and they all have benefit to our community at large, but what we’re talking about here is how to use lodgers’ tax to increase the pot. … When we get more overnight stays, gross receipts (tax) goes up.”

Members of the city’s Lodgers Tax Advisory Board (LTBA) said they knew absolutely nothing about the lodger’s tax plan until Mayor Tim Keller announced it on Sept. 7 in a press release. Board members complained they learned about it through media reports and were not requested to provide input. The proposal went to the City Council’s Finance and Government Operations Committee two days after the Keller announcement and the final City Council vote occurred on Oct. 7.

In an interview before the city council meeting approving the lodger’s tax bonds, Mayor Keller said the city “needed to move fast” due to advice from the city’s bond experts to secure lower interest rates to repay the funding. Keller shrugged off the complaints and claimed that Lodgers Tax Advisory Board still had time to offer input. According to Keller:

“… we’re going through the right process. They’re getting a chance to chime in before council , and that’s fine. … No, we didn’t have nine months to go over this.”

For more on vote and delay request see:

https://www.abqjournal.com/1371910/hoteliers-board-ask-city-to-slow-down-sports-tourism-plan-decision.html

On October 14th, the Albuquerque Journal published a guest column written by written by Michelle Dressler, President of the Greater Albuquerque Hotel & Lodging Association and entitled “Industry rates voice in where lodger tax goes; Will sports infrastructure plan boost tourism?” The guest column outlines and explains the hotel and lodger’s industry objections. The column can be read in the postscript to this article or at this link:

https://www.abqjournal.com/1377927/industry-rates-voice-in-where-lodger-tax-goes.htm

NEW MEXICO UNITED SOCCER TEAM SEEKS PERMANENT STADIUM

On Jun 27, 2019, it was reported that the highly successful New Mexico United professional soccer team is seeking a permanent home in Albuquerque after one year of existence in the city. The United Soccer League team said its top pick for a location for its stadium is Downtown. The team’s management is scouting locations for a new stadium in the Downtown corridor around from the Rail Yards to Sawmill districts.

United owner Peter Trevisani said United will not support a stadium where people don’t want to have it. United is in the midst of surveying neighborhoods and businesses on their feelings towards a new stadium popping up in their local community.

United clearly has momentum with its winning success and games getting over 12,000 attendance a game, the very kind of momentum needed to justify building a stadium. The United team currently plays at Isotopes Park under a two-year deal. Isotopes Park has a seating capacity of about 13,000 which include stadium seats and berm area seating. The Isotopes’ construction cost was $25 million and it completed construction in 2003.

https://www.bizjournals.com/albuquerque/news/2019/06/27/new-mexico-united-eyes-location-for-future-stadium.html

During the October monthly meeting of Albuquerque Bar Association Luncheon, Mayor Tim Keller revealed that the city is looking at a minimum of 3 locations for a sports and event arena that can be used by the United New Mexico soccer team. Two inquiries have been made by the city with the United States Post Office to purchase the Post Office Main Office on Broadway, there is land available where the PIT arena, UNM Football Stadium and Isotopes Park are located and property on the Westside is under consideration.

USE OF LODGERS TAX FOR GENERAL POPULATION PROJECTS USE SNEAKY TACTIC LIKE USING REVENUE BONDS FOR “PET PROJECTS”

In January, 2017, it was reported that the former Republican Mayor and the Albuquerque City Council borrowed over $63 million dollars over two years to build pickle ball courts, baseball fields and the ART bus project down central by bypassing the voters. The $65 million dollars was borrowed with the Albuquerque City Councilors voting to use revenue bonds as the financing mechanism to pay for big capital projects.

Revenue bonds are repaid with gross receipts tax revenues. The City Council authorized $18 million dollars in revenue bonds for financing a variety of their pet projects and the city will be making annual payments for 22 years until 2038, which is beyond the useful life of many of the projects funded.

For full story see January 2, 2017 Albuquerque Journal “BYPASSING the Voters” at this link:

https://www.abqjournal.com/919263/revenue-bonds-find-favor-in-abq.html

With the use of revenue bonds, the previous Republican Administration and the then City Council were literally able to pick and choose what projects they want to fund and build without any public input or vote whatsoever, so long as they had seven votes on the city council.

https://www.petedinelli.com/2017/01/03/sneaks-we-is-when-funding-art-bus-project-and-capital-projects/

AVOIDING COMPLICATED GENERAL OBLIGATION BOND REQUIREMENTS IN FAVOR OF REVENUE BONDS

Normally, capital projects such as stadiums, sports complexes are funded by using general obligation bonds which require voter approval or revenue bonds approved by the city council. This is how the renovation and the reconstruction of the Isotopes Baseball Park Occurred.

There are complicated requirements associated with general obligation bonds and general obligation bonds (GO Bonds) must be voted on by the public.
General obligation bonds have major safeguards to protect the public with restrictions in place on how the bond funding must be dedicated and used. General obligation bonds also include public budget hearings while revenue bonds do not. General obligation bonds usually have shorter payoff period than revenue bonds.

Using revenue bonds for major capital projects that are repaid with gross receipts tax revenue cuts into revenues that should be used for essential services such as police protection, fire protection and government operations and personnel.

“ORPHAN MONTH” WINDFALL CLAIMED

In April of this years after the enactment of the city budget, the City’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Sanjay Bhaka revealed that the city would be collecting a $34.3 million windfall in gross receipts and property tax revenue created by a city accounting policy change. The fiscal year runs July 1 to June 30, but the city has traditionally applied June’s taxes to the following fiscal year because they do not arrive until August. CFO Bhaka referred to applying June’s revenues to the following year with the revenues received in August as an “orphan month”. The accounting policy shift extended the window in which the city can recognize the revenue and the accounting reset resulted in an extra $34.3 million in revenues.

According to CFO Bhakta, the accounting policy change was a “correction” of current practices and it aligns the city finances and accounting practices with state government financing and nearly all other governmental entities around the country. The $34.3 million according CFO Bhakta is a “one-time, lifetime” boost in revenues that the city cannot apply toward recurring costs. According to CFO Bhakta the $34.3 million windfall will be applied to numerous one-time investments the Keller Administration feels were important.

An option the city has is to divert all of the “orphan month” onetime $34.3 million windfall in gross receipts and property tax revenue created by the city accounting policy change to all of the proposed projects. The city’s fiscal year began on July 1, and the funding can be used for one-time projects.

COMMENTARY AND ANALYSIS

To be perfectly blunt, 7 of the 10 projects are not tourism related and are used overwhelming by the general public and not the tourist industry nor by the hotel or lodger tax industry. It is a real stretch of the imagination to say the projects will attract tourism. No amount of smiling and public relations and saying “we’re going through the right process” is going to change that fact. Without any financial analysis or actual proof to back him up, Mayor Keller and his administration simply argue that the projects will attract conventions or other sports-related tourism and events to Albuquerque.

It is a really big stretch and downright misleading to say that most of the projects are “tourist” and “tourism promotion” when they are obviously for general public use and not for tourism or promotion of tourism.

The projects and expenditures that are hard to justify as being tourist related are:

$10 million to improve Los Altos Park, including new softball fields, a BMX pump track and concession improvements.
$3.5 million for a soccer complex at an unidentified site with locker rooms that could host tournaments.
$3.5 million for the Jennifer Riordan Spark Kindness Complex, a West Side baseball venue.
$2.5 million to replace the city’s 16-year-old indoor track
$2 million for a “multiuse trail” linking East Downtown to Downtown.
$1 million for Isotopes Park upgrades, such as netting and field improvements. The Isotopes Park upgrades include
$500,000 for a “Northwest Mesa gateway.”

The projects and expenditures that can be legitimately argued as being tourist related are:

$4.5 million to upgrade the Albuquerque Convention and Visitors Center
$2.5 million to buy property for balloon landing sites.
$1 million for the forthcoming Route 66 Visitors Center at Central and 136th Street. The visitors center will be for both tourists and locals and plans include a museum, taproom and large event space for social and event gatherings.
$500,000 for a “Northwest Mesa gateway.”

LODGERS TAX CAN ONLY BE USED FOR ADVERTISING, PUBLICIZING AND PROMOTING” TOURISM

When you examine all the projects that will be finance by the “Sports Tourism Lodger” tax bonds, it is no doubt the projects are for the building of facilities and infrastructure. The glaring problem is the plain language of the lodger tax ordinance. It provides that at least one half of revenue generated from the lodger’s tax must be used “for the purpose of advertising, publicizing and promoting tourist-related attractions, facilities and events.”

The operable words in the city ordinance are “advertising, publicizing and promoting”. The debt of $31.5 million generated by the bonds will be paid by tax revenues that should be first applied to advertising, publicizing and promoting tourist-related attractions, facilities and events. Only after that is done can the funding be used to build, upgrade or make improvements to infrastructure and acquire or build facilities related to tourism.

It appears that Mayor Tim Keller and his administration became excited thinking that they found a revenue source with favorable bond market conditions and low interest rates to build sports facilities. It also appears they did not read or did not understand that the city’s lodger’s tax function should first be used for “advertising, publicizing and promoting” tourism.

KELLER’S INTENTIONAL SNUB

Mayor Keller intentionally ignored the Lodgers Tax Advisory Board and the Greater Albuquerque Hotel & Lodging Association. Instead, Keller and his administration came up with the sneaky title “Sports Tourism Lodger” tax bonds ostensibly thinking that using the term “tourism” would enable them to sell it to the public and city council and use the funding raised by the tax to build facilities to be promoted. No doubt Keller is surprised by the push back.

The Albuquerque City Council bought into the Keller argument of “Sports Tourism Lodger” tax. The city council unanimous vote really amounts to nothing more than just another money grab to finance construction projects and infrastructure they want without public input. This is identical to what they did when they voted $63 million dollars to build pickle ball courts, baseball fields and the ART bus project down central by bypassing the voters.

DO IT THE RIGHT WAY

Albuquerque is clearly carving out a major and significant niche in sports-related events and tourism. The huge success of the National Senior Games had an estimated $34 million impact on the local economy. The impressive championship success of the New Mexico United professional soccer team in its first year of existence attracting 12,000 fans a game and breaking attendance records cannot be overlooked. Attendance records are leading to discussion of building a permanent soccer stadium for the United Team.

If Mayor Tim Keller and the City Council truly want to proceed with the building a sport and event venue or stadium they needed to do it the right way with a ballot measure, use revenue bonds tied to ticket sales as was done with Isotopes Park renovations, or use the $34 million from the “orphan month” funding. Instead of being upfront, they were “sneaks”, raided the lodger tax fund and did a rush job to get what they wanted without any public input nor input from the industry that will be affected the most or input from the Lodgers Tax Advisory Board.

CONCLUSION

Mayor Tim Keller and the City Council would be wise to seek out further clarification if they had the authority and if it was legal to issue “Sports Tourism Lodger” tax bonds to build capital improvement projects and facilities for general public use contrary to the language, intent and purpose of the lodger’s tax ordinance. But then again, wisdom at city hall, especially when you get all excited for legacy projects, is in short supply these days.

What is in order is that New Mexico State Auditor Brian Colon should be asked to give an advisory opinion on the “Sports Tourism Lodger” tax bonds and how the money can be spent before the city issues the bonds and spends the money on all the projects in the first place.

Otherwise, Mayor Tim Keller and the Albuquerque City Council are inviting a lawsuit by the hotel and lodger industry to stop the issuance of the bonds and perhaps even scrutiny from New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas for waste, fraud and abuse of taxing authority by the city.

_____________________

POSTSCRIPT

On October 14th, the Albuquerque Journal published an opinion guest column entitled “Industry rates voice in where lodger tax goes” written by Michelle Dressler, President of the Greater Albuquerque Hotel & Lodging Association. Below is the guest column followed by the Journal link to it:

The Greater Albuquerque Hotel & Lodging Association (GAHLA) is concerned about the process for selecting projects and the manner in which the Lodgers Tax fund is spent. GAHLA represents over 100 lodging organizations and allied members with 7,480 guest rooms contributing to the fund.

GAHLA looks forward to working in conjunction with the hospitality industry at large, the city’s marketing agencies, the administration and City Council to use the occupancy tax responsibly and to keep our local economy growing.

https://www.abqjournal.com/1377927/industry-rates-voice-in-where-lodger-tax-goes.html

The Local Election Act (LEA) was passed by the New Mexico Legislature in 2018. The Local Election Act provides for consolidated local elections to be conducted in New Mexico.

The upcoming November 5, 2019 election will be the first consolidated elections for the City of Albuquerque, which will include 4 City Council races and City capital improvement bonds, elections for the Villages of Tijeras and Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, the Albuquerque Public School Board, a continuation of a tax levy for APS school maintenance, CNM, the Albuquerque Metropolitan Arroyo Flood Control District and the Ciudad Soil and Water Conservation Board. Voters will get one ballot for the races that pertain to them when they go to vote based on their voter registration.

The race for City Council District 2 is one of the 4 Albuquerque City Council races that will be on the November 5, ballot and it is the most contested race. City Council District 2 is the city-center district encompassing downtown, old town, parts of the University of New Mexico and the entire valley east of the river and is heavily Hispanic. District 2 incumbent City Councilor Isaac Benton has 5 opponents who qualified for the ballot seeking to replace him. The candidates are: Steve Baca (D), Joseph Griego (D), Robert Raymond Blanquera Nelson (D), Zack Quintero, (D) and Connie Vigil, (I).

ALBUQUERQUE JOURNAL CANDIDATE BIOS, QUESTIONS

Every election, and a few weeks before an election, the Albuquerque Journal sends out a questionnaire to candidates and ask them the very same questions. Further, the Journal editors invite the candidates to call in and make an appointment with the Journal Editorial staff, and the editors and perhaps along with a reporter, interview the candidates for the paper’s endorsement. Endorsement editorials are then published a week to 10 days before the actual election.

On Sunday, October 13th, 2019, the Albuquerque Journal began to run its long anticipated and first in a series of stories on the contested races for the Albuquerque City Council in the Nov. 5 election. You can read the full story on the District 2 City Council race published by the Albuquerque Journal at this link:

https://www.abqjournal.com/1377702/six-candidates-vying-for-district-2-council-seat.html.

Below are the candidate’s biographies or profiles published by the Albuquerque Journal with Journal questions and candidate answers that appeared at the end of the article:

STEVEN BACA

POLITICAL PARTY: No comment.
PLACE OF RESIDENCE: Albuquerque
AGE: 30
EDUCATION: Associate’s degree in psychology, certificate in criminal investigations from Santa Fe Community College (2016).
OCCUPATION: Freelance process server/skip-tracer since 2012.
FAMILY: Jacqueline Valdez, girlfriend of 7 years.
POLITICAL/GOVERNMENT EXPERIENCE: Political Convention 2016 Alternate Delegate, district captain for the non-partisan group Convention of States Action.
MAJOR PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENT: Obtaining my associate’s degree and certificate to further my career goals, while graduating under the National Society of Leadership and Success.
MAJOR PERSONAL ACCOMPLISHMENT: Obtaining every single signature to get on the ballot for City Council by myself. I wanted to see if it was possible, and it is.

Q: What specific steps do you think the city should take to address the homelessness crisis?
A: Crack down on public order crimes like trespassing, drug use, and camping on public property. If offenders don’t have a place to go, then a city shelter should be offered, but offenders can’t camp in city parks.

Q: Besides hiring more officers, what do you think the council could do to improve public safety?
A: End the McClendon Settlement Agreement, which would give APD Officers the to ability arrest for all misdemeanor crimes. The Department of Justice Settlement agreement needs to be ended or renegotiated to allow Police Officers to do their job.

Q: Do you think the city should pass a paid sick leave mandate? If so, would you support the paid leave ordinance passed by the Bernalillo County Commission or what changes would you propose?
A: No, the city should not pass a paid sick leave ordinance. Voters already decided this issue in 2017.

Q: What is your top idea for boosting the city’s economy?
A: Lowering Albuquerque’s gross receipts tax to lowest level in the state, which makes the cost of doing business in Albuquerque manageable.

Q: What can the city do to keep — and attract — more young people?
A: Focus on business-friendly policies, such as low taxes, which will create more jobs. Make the business licensing and zoning process quick, efficient, and free.

Q: What, if any, changes would you like to see to the city’s Integrated Development Ordinance?
A: As of right now, the city’s IDO is fair. It’s a new ordinance, so if needs arise, changes should be made accordingly.

Q: What is the greatest infrastructure need the city faces and how would you fund its resolution?
A: Repairing streets and sidewalks in older areas. We need to put an end to unneeded government projects: i.e. Albuquerque Rapid Transit, $30,000 crosswalks, $20,000 toilets, $53,000 statues, and corporate welfare.

Q: Under what circumstances, if any, would you support a tax increase?
A: I would never support a tax increase under any circumstances. There can always be cuts, like not giving millions to corporations such as NBC Universal, or spending money on illegal aliens.

Q: Would you support a tax increase to build a soccer stadium in Albuquerque?
A: Absolutely not.

Q: What has been Mayor Tim Keller’s best move so far and what do you think has been his administration’s biggest misstep?
A: I liked that Mayor Keller is an Albuquerque cheerleader and encourages advertisement and visits to our city. His biggest misstep is not fighting crime and failing to give APD the tools to do their job.

Q: What one issue would you like to focus on as a councilor the next four years?
A: Ending crime and giving our Police Department its teeth back.

Q: Have you or your business, if you are a business owner, ever been the subject of any state or federal tax liens?
A: No.

Q: Have you ever been involved in a personal or business bankruptcy proceeding?
A: No.

Q: Have you ever been arrested for, charged with, or convicted of drunken driving, any misdemeanor or any felony in New Mexico or any other state?
A: No, but to be honest, I have a few speeding tickets, all of which were deferred or dismissed.

ISAAC BENTON

POLITICAL PARTY: Democratic
AGE: 68
EDUCATION: Bachelor of Fine Arts degree (1973) and bachelor’s in architecture (1974) from the Rhode Island School of Design; studied liberal arts and sciences at Emory University (1969-1971)
OCCUPATION: full-time Albuquerque City Councilor; previously architect (retired)
FAMILY: Wife Elaine, two children
POLITICAL/GOVERNMENT EXPERIENCE: City Councilor since 2005; City Council president, (2017 and 2009); Committee of the Whole Chair (2016); Land Use Planning and Zoning Committee (2005-present, current chair); Albuquerque/Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority Board (2006-2008, Vice-chair 2008 and 2006); Metropolitan Transportation Board (2006-present, chair 2016-17); Rio Metro Regional Transit District Board (2006-present, chair 2009-11); Mid-Region Council of Governments Board (2006-present); Albuquerque Bernalillo County Government Commission (2009-present, chair 2012); Alvarado Transportation Center Task Force; Railyards Advisory Board; Visit ABQ Executive Board.
MAJOR PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENT: My colleagues inducted me into to the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects in recognition of my career in social architecture, leadership within the Institute and service to the community.
MAJOR PERSONAL ACCOMPLISHMENT: Serving the great people and neighborhoods of our very unique and historic district.

Q: What specific steps do you think the city should take to address the homelessness crisis?
A: Strengthen collaborative behavioral health and addiction prevention. Construct “triage” centers with emergency on-site shelter and services. Increase partnerships for scattered-site supportive housing. Improve the coordinated systems approach, starting with collecting better data on Albuquerque’s homeless.

Q: Besides hiring more officers, what do you think the council could do to improve public safety?
A: Embrace community policing and bike patrols. Reduce gun violence, banning firearms in city facilities. Increase a Police Service Aide “pipeline” for the Police Academy. Encourage citizen neighborhood watches, crime reporting, participation in Community Policing Councils.

Q: Do you think the city should pass a paid sick leave mandate? If so, would you support the paid leave ordinance passed by the Bernalillo County Commission or what changes would you propose?
A: Yes. As a former small business employer, I know that flexible schedules and a humane understanding of employees’ family needs, like paid sick leave, are absolutely necessary to large and small business success.

Q: What is your top idea for boosting the city’s economy?
A: Having spearheaded the original purchase of the Railyards, I’m excited about city partnership therewith CNM’s film institute. A redeveloping Railyards will spur tourism, jobs, new housing and small businesses for our center city and district.

Q: What can the city do to keep — and attract — more young people?
A: Build walkable urbanism, quality public spaces and streets, affordable housing, transit, the creative arts economy and our great “sense of place.” Our Downtown, central historic neighborhoods, and the commercial corridors that serve them are key.

Q: What, if any, changes would you like to see to the city’s Integrated Development Ordinance?
A: Annual updates to the IDO are mandated, with localized public planning processes built into the framework. I’m facilitating that process, with an emphasis on protecting historic neighborhoods left behind during Albuquerque’s rapid growth and industrialization.

Q: What is the greatest infrastructure need the city faces and how would you fund its resolution?
A: District 2 has our oldest infrastructure. The needs are complex and challenging. Through bonding and federal grants, we need modern streets, modern storm infrastructure, restored tree canopy, transit and walkability that serve neighborhoods and businesses.

Q: Under what circumstances, if any, would you support a tax increase?
A: I would support a “sunsetting” tax increase for a serious known public need such as safety, or for economic investment where high return on investment and public benefits can be demonstrated.

Q: Would you support a tax increase to build a soccer stadium in Albuquerque?
A: No. The city extravagantly funded supposed “sports tourism” like softball fields on the far Westside with limited tourist appeal/payback. I support the Mayor’s proposal to fund a soccer stadium through existing funds and partnerships.

Q: What has been Mayor Tim Keller’s best move so far and what do you think has been his administration’s biggest misstep?
A: Under the Mayor’s leadership in partnership with Council, we’re rebuilding APD including critical investments in community policing. An early misstep was reversing Downtown walkability improvements, a misunderstanding of an existing city policy that was corrected.

Q: What one issue would you like to focus on as a councilor the next four years?
A: Preparing for climate change to make our city resilient and liveable for future generations. This includes stronger building energy codes, focused energy conservation, reforestation, renewable energy, alternative transportation options, storm drainage, water and local agriculture.

Q: Have you or your business, if you are a business owner, ever been the subject of any state or federal tax liens?
A: No.

Q: Have you ever been involved in a personal or business bankruptcy proceeding?
A: No.

Q: Have you ever been arrested for, charged with, or convicted of drunken driving, any misdemeanor or any felony in New Mexico or any other state?
A: No.

JOSEPH GRIEGO

POLITICAL PARTY: Democratic
AGE: 29
EDUCATION: Valley High School and Rio Rancho High School, attended Fresno State University, CNM, and Trident University.
OCCUPATION: Owner of Care tactics CPR since 2012
FAMILY: Single, two children
POLITICAL/GOVERNMENT EXPERIENCE: U.S. Navy (2008-2011), former police officer with Bosque Farms Police Department and emergency medical technician.
MAJOR PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENT: Becoming a small business owner right here in Albuquerque.
MAJOR PERSONAL ACCOMPLISHMENT: Of course being a father to two children.

Q: What specific steps do you think the city should take to address the homelessness crisis?
A: Serving as a Board Member of Heading Home we will continue to work with the City of Albuquerque … bringing together business leaders, medical professionals, and advocates to develop real solutions to our growing homeless populations.

Q: Besides hiring more officers, what do you think the council could do to improve public safety?
A: The Department of Justice oversight is causing many officers (to not want to become) a member of our police force. Begin the process of negotiating the exit of the DOJ. We need to recruit officers who can work within the (DOJ) framework.

Q: Do you think the city should pass a paid sick leave mandate? If so, would you support the paid leave ordinance passed by the Bernalillo County Commission or what changes would you propose?
A: The voters have spoken on this and voted it down. While I support paid sick leave, I believe we need … a common sense approach and agree … the county’s ordinance doesn’t quite meet the standard needed.

Q: What is your top idea for boosting the city’s economy?
A: Infrastructure. We need to make infrastructure our number one priority. We need to increase funding for LEDA (Local Economic Development Act) and also create incentives for local businesses to bid and win small projects such as curb and façade.

Q: What can the city do to keep — and attract — more young people?
A: My generation wants to see someone like me working in a position of City Councilor, first thing we can do is elect me to District 2.

Q: What, if any, changes would you like to see to the city’s Integrated Development Ordinance?
A: I think the IDO is a great starting point for us … to determine how we want to grow. We need to be better listeners to businesses and allow for flexibility for staff to help them be successful.

Q: What is the greatest infrastructure need the city faces and how would you fund its resolution?
A: Roads, lighting, and parks. New Mexico will have a billion dollars in new revenue this year. Infrastructure needs to be our number one priority and ask of the New Mexico Legislature and Governor.

Q: Under what circumstances, if any, would you support a tax increase?
A: We desperately need transparency of our city budget. If it was comparable across the entire city and was truly dedicated to what it was for.

Q: Would you support a tax increase to build a soccer stadium in Albuquerque?
A: I would support tax incentives for a public private partnership to build a soccer stadium.

Q: What has been Mayor Tim Keller’s best move so far and what do you think has been his administration’s biggest misstep?
A: The Mayor has been dealing with a hard situation left by the previous administration so being analytical of the problems and methodically addressing them is his strength. I don’t believe his administration has made many missteps but him endorsing candidates in this race is one.

Q: What one issue would you like to focus on as a councilor the next four years?
A: If elected I will increase accessibility to Early Childhood Education in District 2. I will rebuild our community centers and parks. I will improve our infrastructure. If I do not … I will not seek another term.

Q: Have you or your business, if you are a business owner, ever been the subject of any state or federal tax liens?
A: No.

Q: Have you ever been involved in a personal or business bankruptcy proceeding?
A: No.

Q: Have you ever been arrested for, charged with, or convicted of drunken driving, any misdemeanor or any felony in New Mexico or any other state?
A: I was charged with assault in 2017. Case was dismissed.

ROBERT BLANQUERA NELSON

POLITICAL PARTY: Democratic
AGE: 39
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in psychology, bachelor’s degree in creative writing from the University of New Mexico (2003).
OCCUPATION: Nonprofit manager with The Grants Collective for three years; previously owner of RRN Consulting.
FAMILY: Lisa Nelson, no children
POLITICAL/GOVERNMENT EXPERIENCE: Chair, Housing and Neighborhood Economic Development Fund Committee, City of Albuquerque (2017-present).
MAJOR PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENT: In 2011, I helped found Albuquerque Heading Home, a community wide initiative to place the most chronically and medically vulnerable homeless in permanent affordable housing. I was a member of their Core Vision Team.
MAJOR PERSONAL ACCOMPLISHMENT: In 2017, I co-founded Young Asian Americans of Albuquerque, a community group dedicated to building community with Pan-Asian American youth.

Q: What specific steps do you think the city should take to address the homelessness crisis?
A: First, we must create our first Public Health Department to address the root causes of homelessness. Next, prioritize solutions that vulnerable communities need, such as more affordable housing and access to drug use rehabilitation.

Q: Besides hiring more officers, what do you think the council could do to improve public safety?
A: Creating a community-based Blue-Ribbon Commission on public safety, allowing for new and better solutions, such as hiring Police Service Aides as a way to reduce the cost of onboarding new officers.

Q: Do you think the city should pass a paid sick leave mandate? If so, would you support the paid leave ordinance passed by the Bernalillo County Commission or what changes would you propose?
A: Yes, I would support continually improving the ordinance and policy to make it easier for small businesses to afford. I would also support applying for grant funding for small businesses during a transition period.

Q: What is your top idea for boosting the city’s economy?
A: First, making Albuquerque the top city in the country to start a small business by reducing red tape and increasing small business support resources like micro-loans. Second, closing equity gaps to create an inclusive economy.

Q: What can the city do to keep — and attract — more young people?
A: As a city, we have foster industries that are conducive to the creative interests of recent graduates. That means being business-friendly to growing creative industries like tech, renewables, and film.

Q: What, if any, changes would you like to see to the city’s Integrated Development Ordinance?
A: Make the zoning process simpler and less restrictive for property owners. I would also work with community stakeholders to streamline zoning overall and make Albuquerque more attractive to the industries we want.

Q: What is the greatest infrastructure need the city faces and how would you fund its resolution?
A: The most critical infrastructure our city needs is financial infrastructure. We need more access to large amounts of capital for the kinds of projects that will turn our city into a hub.

Q: Under what circumstances, if any, would you support a tax increase?
A: No need to raise taxes when we have the opportunity to bring new money through federal grants and national investments. We will stop wasting money when the community is engaged in developing the solution.

Q: Would you support a tax increase to build a soccer stadium in Albuquerque?
A: No, because we can find better ways to pay for it.

Q: What has been Mayor Tim Keller’s best move so far and what do you think has been his administration’s biggest misstep?
A: Creating the Office of Equity and Inclusion was the most innovative thing the Keller administration has done, and his biggest missed opportunity is not addressing crime and homelessness at the root.

Q: What’s one issue would you like to focus on as a councilor the next four years?
A: The biggest priority is public health because the cycle of systemic poverty, homelessness, and crime are all public health issues. That means instituting our City’s first public health department and addressing our systemic issues.

Q: Have you or your business, if you are a business owner, ever been the subject of any state or federal tax liens?
A: No.

Q: Have you ever been involved in a personal or business bankruptcy proceeding?
A: No.

Q: Have you ever been arrested for, charged with, or convicted of drunken driving, any misdemeanor or any felony in New Mexico or any other state?
A: No.

ZACKARY QUINTERO

POLITICAL PARTY: Democratic
AGE: 28
EDUCATION: Juris Doctorate of Law, University of New Mexico School of Law (2019), Bachelor’s degree in economics and bachelor’s degree in government, New Mexico State University (2014).
OCCUPATION: Legal analyst with Roybal Mack and Cordova Law since 2019, Law clerk with the New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty (2017-2018); City economist/economic development specialist with the city of Santa Fe (2014-2016).
FAMILY: None.
POLITICAL/GOVERNMENT EXPERIENCE: Former president of the statewide Young Democrats of New Mexico, former city economist, former Foreign Service Fellow.
MAJOR PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENT: I built and managed a statewide portal to connect graduates to jobs in New Mexico in order to keep our talent here. I also drafted and managed workforce contracts and investments between the city and the creative arts sector.
MAJOR PERSONAL ACCOMPLISHMENT: I served on the law review of UNM and wrote about how we need to prepare for climate change shifts that will affect our environment.

Q: What specific steps do you think the city should take to address the homelessness crisis?
A: We need to pass the bond for a homeless center and provide wrap-around services that connect people to mental health and addiction resources. This has not been a priority for council in over five years.

Q: Besides hiring more officers, what do you think the council could do to improve public safety?
A: We need to establish a residential burglary unit team within APD and invest in shot detection systems that help our officers triangulate gun related crimes.

Q: Do you think the city should pass a paid sick leave mandate? If so, would you support the paid leave ordinance passed by the Bernalillo County Commission or what changes would you propose?
A: I support paid sick leave and would want to see what businesses and workers within the city limits can provide and afford in order to make a fair and thoughtful decision.

Q: What is your top idea for boosting the city’s economy?
A: Connect 5,000 graduates to jobs in health care, tech, education, government, and the creative arts through a coordinated jobs plan. Promote a stronger local spend rule within city contracts and LEDA (Local Economic Development Act ) funds.

Q: What can the city do to keep — and attract — more young people?
A: The median age of our city is 38. This is not reflected in any office within our city. Having an intergenerational Council shows opportunity is possible and that we are inclusive and geared towards the future.

Q: What, if any, changes would you like to see to the city’s Integrated Development Ordinance?
A: Many neighborhoods lost protections they once had. The IDO calls for the city to review 12 community planning areas over five years, we need to invest in planning personal to cut that to two years.

Q: What is the greatest infrastructure need the city faces and how would you fund its resolution?
A: Although the city doesn’t govern APS schools, the city can and should work with the water utility authority to remove lead and update water lines that service our schools.

Q: Under what circumstances, if any, would you support a tax increase?
A: We’re anticipating an increase in revenue once we start taxing online purchases in two years and we just passed a tax increase. If critical services are not being met, I would support a tax increase.

Q: Would you support a tax increase to build a soccer stadium in Albuquerque?
A: There are other ways we should be utilizing taxpayer dollars right now, and there are other sources of revenue that we can look at for paying for a soccer stadium.

Q: What has been Mayor Tim Keller’s best move so far and what do you think has been his administration’s biggest misstep?
A: Best move has been prioritizing public safety after the previous administration and council cut public safety. His misstep is not moving fast on his promise to help business grow by an increment of 1.

Q: What one issue would you like to focus on as a councilor the next four years?
A: I would focus on core parts of public health and public safety. That would involve fully funding community policing and health care options that help us alleviate homelessness, behavioral health, and addiction.

Q: Have you or your business, if you are a business owner, ever been the subject of any state or federal tax liens?
A: No.

Q: Have you ever been involved in a personal or business bankruptcy proceeding?
A: No.

Q: Have you ever been arrested for, charged with, or convicted of drunken driving, any misdemeanor or any felony in New Mexico or any other state?
A: I was charged with trespassing on NMSU property in the desert when I was 16. I was building an Indiana Jones-themed zip line. Government didn’t agree with my use of land. Charges were dropped.

CONNIE VIGIL

POLITICAL PARTY: Declined to say.
AGE: 62
EDUCATION: Master’s degree in technical communications from New Mexico State University (1988); bachelor of science degree from New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (1980); completed fellowship work toward a master’s degree in microbiology from the University of New Mexico.
OCCUPATION: President of the Greater Albuquerque Business Alliance since 2018; K-12 science, English and substitute teacher (2015-2019); life insurance agent (2007-2016), Habitat for Humanity executive director (2003-2005).
FAMILY: One child.
POLITICAL/GOVERNMENT EXPERIENCE: Wells Park Neighborhood Association Board (April 2019-present); founder Albuquerque Roundtable Discussion Group (2013-2014); city council and school board representative in Star, Idaho (1996-1998).
MAJOR PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENT: Procurement of federal grant for a community center. Assisted in first pediatric bone marrow transplant in VT. Built three homes in two years with hundreds of volunteers from three states. Beating an incumbent!
MAJOR PERSONAL ACCOMPLISHMENT: My amazing son Gabriel received a full scholarship, state symphony win two years, golf team and captain from eighth through 12th grade. I ran a half marathon in 3 hours at age 50 after back injury.

Q: What specific steps do you think the city should take to address the homelessness crisis?
A: Work with federal and state legislators to create long-term residential treatment centers for mentally ill and drug addicted, co-fund transitional housing/job campus, hold state and Bernalillo County accountable for tax received for behavioral health.

Q: Besides hiring more officers, what do you think the council could do to improve public safety?
A: Drug addiction fuels 99% of crime! Albuquerque lacks narcotics agents, leaving drug sales rampant! I would increase agents, and help APD enforce laws against violence, vandalism, theft, and public camping. Citizen safety is #1!

Q: Do you think the city should pass a paid sick leave mandate? If so, would you support the paid leave ordinance passed by the Bernalillo County Commission or what changes would you propose?
A: Albuquerque voters said no. I would work with state legislators to pass laws like Oregon’s, so federal tax credits could help smaller businesses comply. I support equitable and uniform leave laws for all New Mexicans.

Q: What is your top idea for boosting the city’s economy?
A: The path to economic success is a safe, and crime-free city! The steps: 1) stop drug sales, vandalism, theft and violent crime; 2) create addiction/mental treatment centers; 3) increased drug courts, and community service sentencing.

Q: What can the city do to keep — and attract — more young people?
A: Stop crime/create a safe environment to do business. Also, give tax incentives for long-term companies to stay and new companies to come to Albuquerque! Incentivize local recruitment from New Mexico universities.

Q: What, if any, changes would you like to see to the city’s Integrated Development Ordinance?
A: The IDO must align with pre-existing sector plans. I recommend a major review, simplification, and alignment with neighborhood plans. Also, mandatory resident/business input with sign notification on site for on any neighborhood development going forward.

Q: What is the greatest infrastructure need the city faces and how would you fund its resolution?
A: Maintenance of sidewalks, bike paths, streets and street lighting are the four top needs. Funding should be covered with existing taxes by ending frivolous spending on PR campaigns, and Civic Center slides!

Q: Under what circumstances, if any, would you support a tax increase?
A: None. The Mayor promised no new taxes. I recommend an audit on executive spending and moratorium on raises to top employees and campaign funding while we have a major crime issues, and failing infrastructure!

Q: Would you support a tax increase to build a soccer stadium in Albuquerque?
A: No. It’s best done with private funding once the team, and revenue stream is better established, and the Sunport Road extension is complete. I fully support and congratulate NM United for their outstanding accomplishments!

Q: What has been Mayor Tim Keller’s best move so far and what do you think has been his administration’s biggest misstep?
A: Tabling bus transfer station in North Valley. Lack of knowledgeable staff or long-term plan to stop crime, and solve the homeless influx to improve quality of life issues and business success in Albuquerque.

Q: What one issue would you like to focus on as a councilor the next four years?
A: Creating a solution to homelessness and associated drug and mental health issues and crime. This issue will be the #1 tipping point to Albuquerque improving and flourishing or collapsing as Portland, Ore., has.

Q: Have you or your business, if you are a business owner, ever been the subject of any state or federal tax liens?
A: No.

Q: Have you ever been involved in a personal or business bankruptcy proceeding?
A: No.

Q: Have you ever been arrested for, charged with, or convicted of drunken driving, any misdemeanor or any felony in New Mexico or any other state?
A: No.

COMMENTARY AND ANALYSIS

The Albuquerque Journal’s line of questioning, although informative, were not at all exhaustive. Other questions or areas that could have been asked would include:

1. Candidates position on the gun control measures pending in city council.
2. The candidates position on the New Mexico legislatures attempt to legalize recreational use of marijuana and if they feel municipalities should have the option to opt out of allowing the sale in the community or have zoning authority over businesses who sell recreational marijuana.
3. City Public Campaign finance reform and if the candidates feel that the city’s campaign finance laws should be repealed.
4. The candidates position on education and if City of Albuquerque should have representation or be included on the Albuquerque School board, the University of New Mexico Board of Regents and the Community College of New Mexico Board?
5. The city council enacted a resolution making Albuquerque and immigrant friendly city. Should Albuquerque be a “sanctuary city” and should such a question be voted upon by the public?

All too often, city council races are ignored by many voters and the campaigns do not really heat up until the very last month of the campaign. Most city council races are won with direct voter contact and candidates going “door to door” looking for support and votes.

Each City Council District has approximately 75,000 residents. Historically, only 2,000 to 4,000 votes are cast in each City Council District. Low voter turnout in city elections with any luck will be a thing of the past with the municipal elections moved from October to November and with the consolidated election ballot.

Each vote can and does make a difference. Voters should demand and expect more from candidates than fake smiles, slick campaign flyers, and no solutions and no ideas. Our City needs more than promises of better economic times and lower crime rates for Albuquerque.

Voters need to demand answers and find out what candidates really stand for and what they intend to do once elected. Unless you vote, real change can never occur and if you do not vote you have no business complaining about the condition of our city.

Please vote on Tuesday, November 5 and get involved.

For a related blog article see:

2019 ABQ City Council Candidates And Issues

Below is a guest opion article submitted for publication on this blog by private business owner John B. Strong. Mr. Strong grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma and moved to New Mexico in 1997. He started and Art Gallery in Santa Fe in 2000 that he now operates with his partner Carlos Acosta. John Strong has been investing in startups since 2004. He is a co-founder or board member at several different companies, mostly in technology, healthcare, and financial services. Mr. Strong was recently the Chairman of Scout Security, a company that was taken over from Kickstarter to an IPO and listing on the Sydney Stock Exchange. Mr. Strong describes himself as being “obsessed with entrepreneurship and small businesses.” In the interest of full disclosure, John B. Strong is also a member of the Advisory Board of Devvio, a local firm mentioned in the article.

(NOTE: The opinions expressed in this article are those of John Strong and do not necessarily reflect those of the political blog www.petedinelli.com blog).

The following article is the article:

“Not many people yet realize that there is an emerging technology that is set to dwarf all others, including the internet and the advent of cellphones. This technology will be transformational to almost every industry in the world, and to us as individuals as well. It’s the blockchain, not to be confused with crypto currencies, which most people are now becoming at least aware of if not familiar with. Crypto currencies will basically reside on the blockchain itself, which is an immutable ledger of transactions. That doesn’t sound like such a big deal until you consider what it can do.

So if you’ve read this thus far, the next time you meet one of your elected officials or political figures, ask them what they are doing to claim our share of the largest emerging industry on earth. And if they don’t know what your talking about tell them to study up. Our future may depend in it.”
___________________________

POSTSCRIPT:

See the below links for related article:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/caitlinlong/2019/03/04/what-do-wyomings-new-blockchain-laws-mean/#7befce9b5fde

https://www.jhnewsandguide.com/jackson_hole_daily/local/legislators-look-to-add-real-estate-banking-to-blockchain-laws/article_53830417-349a-5423-a8e4-6f5ccd51efe3.html