Fine art is said to be the type of gift that keeps on giving over many years and is appreciated by its owners and the public. It is said that you never buy art for an investment and only if you truly like it because you may never find another buyer once you become tired of it. Business administration principals provide the basic understanding about running a successful business to make a profit and not to destroy a business.

Mayor Tim Keller attended Notre Dame where he studied Art History and he went on to earn a Masters of Business Administration with honors from the Harvard Business School. You would think Keller actually learned something about art as well as business administration given what his education cost him.

In the city of Albuquerque, and in Keller’s own warped “BURQUE” world, the city’s fine ART work is a poorly designed bus system along central that has destroyed many a thriving businesses. The ART bus line operates in the “red” and continues to be a drain on city resources with few riders.

PAINTING THE TOWN RED

It has been reported that the city is continuing with its efforts to try and make the disastrous and poorly designed ART Bus along central more user friendly, this time with red paint. On Tuesday, May 25, city maintenance crews began to paint ART Bus lanes with a bright red. The paint job will be in areas along Central Avenue to signal the areas where busses go in either direction in one lane so as to make it easier for other drivers to avoid driving head on into the buses. The central blocks are in east downtown, west downtown and the area in front of UNM which has already been painted.

The city’s Transit Department Director Danny Holcomb said the red lanes had to get federally approved before the work could begin and he said:

“This is the same funding we got for the entire ART project. … We had some money left over, and we wanted to do as many safety improvements as we can. … “We’re moving the stop bars back a little bit on the intersection so if you’re on a lane next to a bus, you can actually see the bus next to you while you’re making your left turn or u-turn.”

In addition to making safety improvements, the city needs to hire more bus drivers. People can apply on the city’s website.

https://www.kob.com/albuquerque-news/art-lanes-get-bright-red-makeover/6121700/?fbclid=IwAR0_qchk2xBK11leXKT_RRL8hTDcYd9r8JamCREvfuKyE0-PFVDgrmF1ixw#.YK5SFWWVq68.facebook

2020 CITY OF ALBQUERQUE PROGRESS REPORT AND TRANSIT BUDGET

On March 2, the City of Albuquerque released the biennial progress report for 2020. It’s a summary of progress across eight major goals set by the city council, compiled by the Indicators Progress Commission (IPC). The survey was conducted by the respected and highly accurate Research and Polling. According to the polling under Infrastructure, the city’s bus ridership per capita is less than 1% and is reported to be an extremely disappointing 0.20% for the integrated transportation system.

https://www.petedinelli.com/2021/05/25/taking-the-pulse-of-a-city-2020-albuquerque-progress-report-and-2019-citizens-satisfaction-survey-2020-census-and-data-book-highlights/

The city’s Transit Department provides fixed routes in the form of ABQ Ride and the rapid transit (ART) bus service and Para-Transit (SunVan) service for the mobility impaired population.

The fiscal year 2022 approved budget for the Transit Department Operating Fund is $49 million, an increase of $1.7 million or 3.5% above the Fiscal year original budget. The transit department employs 574 full time employees. In 2020, the ART bus line was reported to have a total of 814,295 boarding’s for the entire year, Rapid ride had 152,381 total boarding for the year and commuter total boarding were 98,000.

Pages 161 to 164, City of Albuquerque budget:

https://documents.cabq.gov/budget/fy-22-proposed-budget.pdf

Historically, city bus ridership has plummeted.

According to one report, the 2020 bus boarding’s were down a whopping 43% over previous year or 3.9 million fewer boarding’s. Boarding’s were down by 61% since 2012 peak which is 7.9 million fewer boarding. While ridership plunged, the Transit Department’s budget increased by 28%

https://www.abqreport.com/single-post/abq-bus-system-near-collapse-ridership-down-61-percent

COMMENTARTY AND ANALYSIS

Might as well call ART the “red line” that destroyed historic route 66, and Mayor Keller has had a lot to do with that.

Mayor Tim Keller a few months after being elected announced that the ART Bus project was “a bit of a lemon”. Instead of abandoning the project, Keller made the deliberate decision to finish the ART Bus Project. Keller spent over half of his term to complete the ART Bus project and the city is still trying to make it work.

Since starting service November 30, 2019, the ART buses have had accident after accident and upwards of 25 major accidents and upwards of 30 minor accidents. The accidents range from a minor “fender benders” to more serious crashes, including two that temporarily sidelined two buses. Multiple crashes have resulted in damage to other vehicles, including at least 3 that involved Albuquerque police officers. There have also been crashes involving pedestrians, one of which left an 18-year-old woman dead.

Notwithstanding all the accidents, and the proof of a poorly designed project, Keller refused to shut down the bus line and find alternative uses for the bus stop platforms. Berry’s Boondoggle became Keller’s Crisis Project that has now destroyed historic Route 66.

https://www.abqjournal.com/…/car-crashes-into-art-bus…

Keller with great bravado ordered the filing of a breach of contract lawsuit against the bus manufacture saying in part:

“We’re no longer going to be guinea pigs [for the bus manufacturer] anymore … Obviously, we very concerned about what we’ve been put through as a city … I think down the road, we’re interested in being fairly compensated for what we have been misled on these buses.”

A few weeks later, Keller settled the case with a mutual dismissal of claims. Absolutely no damages were paid to the city by the bus manufacturer, even for the loss revenue to the city for the delay.

The ART Bus was temporarily suspended as a result of the corona virus pandemic. During the temporary closure of the bus line, the Keller Administration began spending in January, 2021 over $200,000 more to construct “pin curbs” which are concrete edging to form barriers to boundaries for the dedicated bus lanes to prevent vehicles from traveling into the dedicated lanes.

The ART Bus project will never be appreciated let alone used and is a failure from the standpoint of business administration as ridership continues to plummet. Keller’s taste for ART is a waste of investment.

Links to related blog articles are here:

Dinelli Blog Articles On ART Bus Project Listed

Taking The Pulse Of A City: 2020 Albuquerque Progress Report And 2019 Citizens Satisfaction Survey; 2020 Census And Data Book Highlights

On April 27, Mayor Tim Keller announced the appointment 3 top managers for the newly created “Community Safety Department” (ACS). ACS will include trained social workers, housing and homelessness specialists, violence prevention and diversion program experts.

The department once fully implemented will give 9-1-1 dispatch an option when a community safety response is more appropriate than a paramedic, firefighter or armed police officer. The goal of the ACS is to bolster and expand investments in violence intervention, diversion programs and treatment initiatives.

https://www.cabq.gov/mayor/news/mayor-keller-announces-top-leadership-team-for-innovative-new-albuquerque-community-safety-department?fbclid=IwAR2r3goYDBk_nrDwkK6jkAKW9JQga6YqJ-_HSgIKCMpt0OWKSyyAjNzd33s

https://www.informationark.com/?p=31536

MANAGEMENT TEAM ANNOUNCED

Following are the 3 appointments announced:

Mariela Ruiz-Angel, Director of Albuquerque Community Safety

Mariela Ruiz-Angel was born and raised in the border city of El Paso, Texas. Ruiz-Angel holds a Master of Business Administration in Human Resources and a Master of Social Work in Leadership and Administration. Prior to her appointment as Director of ACS, Ruiz-Angel was the City Coordinator for the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs (OIRA). In her new role leading the third branch of public safety, Ruiz-Angel is working to ensure that the department follows through with its mission of advocating and promoting a citywide culture that values the voices of all residents. She brings to the City of Albuquerque an extensive background in education, business development, and corporate customer relations.

Jasmine Desiderio, Deputy Director of Policy and Administration

Jasmine Desiderio previously served as the Project Director of a Native American Youth Suicide Prevention program, where her roles included strategic action planning, policymaking, program development and evaluation, community outreach and engagement, data surveillance, grant administration and training facilitation. Desiderio holds a Master of Arts in Professional Counseling and Guidance from New Mexico Highlands University, and a Bachelor of Arts in both Psychology and Criminology from the University of New Mexico. She is currently in the Organization, Information and Learning Sciences Ph.D. program at the University of New Mexico. Desiderio has eight years of experience in coordinating multidisciplinary, interservice and interagency teams to strategically design and implement injury prevention services ranging from crisis intervention, suicide prevention and postvention programs in northwestern New Mexico.

D’Albert Hall, Deputy Director of Field Response

D’Albert Hall comes to Albuquerque by way of Las Vegas, Nevada. Hall holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with an emphasis in social welfare and a Master of Arts in Sports Management. Prior to his appointment, Hall was employed as a Family Service Specialist and Child Development Specialist for Clark County Department of Family Services. There he addressed mental health, domestic violence, substance abuse, physical abuse and child abuse/neglect concerns. Much of his time was spent working with families in their homes or at an emergency shelter. He provided treatment and behavioral intervention to abused, neglected and abandoned children, many of whom are behaviorally or emotionally impaired or medically fragile. Hall provided crisis intervention, family and child counseling and mediation principles and techniques.

https://www.cabq.gov/mayor/news/mayor-keller-announces-top-leadership-team-for-innovative-new-albuquerque-community-safety-department?fbclid=IwAR2r3goYDBk_nrDwkK6jkAKW9JQga6YqJ-_HSgIKCMpt0OWKSyyAjNzd33s

Mariela Ruiz-Angel, Director of Albuquerque Community Safety, said in the fall of 2021, dispatchers will be able to send ACS first responders, along with police and firefighters to an emergency. She had this to say:

“This time a year ago, our administration realized that we needed to start thinking about something different than just a police officer or a firefighter when we went out to 911 calls. I think we’re going to be able to go to a lot of different types of calls. … Those would include abandoned vehicles, one of our top calls that we see, doesn’t always require a badge or a gun.

This is about making sure that we meet community where they are at, and that we’re not necessarily experts in what they right? In their lives, or we want to bring them to the table to let us know, are we doing this right, are you feeling like you’re being heard. “

The link to quoted source material is here:

https://www.kob.com/albuquerque-news/albuquerque-community-safety-department-plans-to-adapt-to-needs-of-the-city/6121694/?cat=500

SEVERLY PAIRED DOWN NEW DEPARTMENT

It was on Monday, June 15, 2020 Mayor Tim Keller announced plans to create a new Albuquerque Community Safety Department (ACS). It was proposed in part as a response to police shootings happening throughout the country, especially after the killing of African American George Floyd. Keller proclaimed it was the “first of its kind” department in the country. Keller received national news coverage on the concept, including the in the Washington Post. It turns out the only “first of its kind” aspect was a department. Using social workers to take call for service instead of cops has been going on for years in other major cities.

The new department as originally announced was to have 192 positions with 32 people for each of the 6 area commands, staffed around the clock, to respond to tens of thousands of calls for service a year. The estimated annual cost of the new department was $10,201,170. The ACS as Keller originally presented to the public was to have social workers, housing and homelessness specialists and violence prevention and diversion program experts. They were to be dispatched to homelessness and “down-and-out” calls as well as behavioral health crisis calls for service to APD. The new department was to connect people in need with services to help address any underlying issues. The intent is to free up the first responders, either police or firefighters, who typically have to deal with down-and-out and behavioral health calls.

On Thursday, September 3, Mayor Tim Keller released his proposed budget for the 2020-2021 fiscal year. The new city department was pared down significantly to $7.5 million in personnel, equipment and contractual services. Not a single licensed mental health professional, social worker, councilor, housing and homelessness specialists and violence prevention and diversion program experts were included.

Keller cut the new ACS Department from the originally suggested 192 positions to 100 employees with 60 positions taken from other city departments. The 100 employees included 40 transit security officers, 13 security staffers from the Municipal Development Department, 9 parking enforcement workers, 6 crossing guard supervisors and one from the city’s syringe cleanup program.

On October 15, the proposed Keller budget for the new department was slashed to the bone from $7.5 million to $2.5 million for fiscal year 2021. The City Council removed virtually all of the positions originally proposed by Keller. Cut from Keller’s proposed budget for the new department were 83 employees and a $7.5 million cost. The staffing cut include 53 security personnel, 9 parking enforcement employees and 6 people from the city’s crossing guard program.

During last year’s budget process, the Albuquerque City Council severely parred down the proposed new department. The new department as originally proposed by Keller was to have 192 employees, Keller cut it to 100 positions and then the City Council gutted it to 13 positions. The projected budget went from $10.9 Million as originally proposed by Keller then it was reduced to $7.5 Million, the City Council then slashed the budget further to $2.5 Million.

The 2022 proposed city budget provides for a Community Safety budget of $7.7 million with 61 total employees across a range of specialties in social work and counseling to provide behavioral health services.

AMBASSADOR PROGRAM

On May 5, the Albuquerque Police Department (APD) announced the creation of an new “Ambassador Program”. The Ambassador Program has assigned to it upwards of 18 police officers and city employs. The goal of the Ambassador Program is to bridge the gap between police and communities that may not completely trust officers.

https://www.kob.com/albuquerque-news/apd-launches-ambassador-program-to-build-trust-with-various-communities/6097864/?cat=500

APD spokeswoman Rebecca Atkins said the APD officers assigned to the Ambassador Program will receive advanced training in community relations and will take concerns to APD Police Chief Harold Medina once a month. According to Atkins, the Ambassador Program will start with five groups: the Asian, Hispanic, Black and Native American communities, and the LGBTQ community.

She said the initiative is aimed at establishing “clear, consistent lines of communication” with those that have not had formal relationships with law enforcement in the past. Officers will also work on recruiting to diversify the department.

Chief Medina had this to say in a news release:

“We know there are diverse groups and viewpoints even within these communities,” “Our goal is to build relationships and address concerns about the inequalities in our community. This is a way for our officers to lend an ear and bring those concerns to the appropriate parties so we can help make necessary change. … [The Ambassador Program is aimed at] clear, consistent lines of communication. … We know there are diverse groups and viewpoints even within these communities. … Our goal is to build relationships and address concerns about the inequalities in our community. This is a way for our officers to lend an ear and bring those concerns to the appropriate parties so we can help make necessary change.”

CAUTIOUSLY OPTIMISTIC

Members of the Black New Mexico Movement, an advocacy group, said they were cautiously optimistic that the program will help mend relationships. The Black New Mexico Movement was organized and participated in many protests against racial injustice and the killing of George Floyd.
Torrance Green of the Black New Mexico Movement had this to say:

“I mean, everything so far sounds good, looks good. It’s happening. At this point, it’s the first step. … We’ll see what happens next, we’ll see what happens in the future. But, it’s good to see the see city, APD, working together– looking for a solution and at least trying.”

La’Quonte’ Barry, an organizer with the Black New Mexico Movement, said he likes the idea of the program and has been pleased with the response from APD. He said that after a car drove through a protest on Central across from UNM in September last year, Medina called him personally. Barry added:

“He was upset about that … About three days later, we met up and had a conversation, and that’s when everything started to go into more of what we want, and how we can be an assistance to what they already have.”

Barry had his own history with police at protests. He was charged with carrying a gun on school property in July after he and another activist with the Black New Mexico Movement took guns to Civic Plaza, not realizing they were banned. The case has been dismissed.

Barry said that he has told APD Chief Medina that protesters want to be able to gather and march without the heavy police presence that gives the impression that the group is violent or aggressive. Since his conversation with Chief Medina, Barry said the police presence at protests has been greatly diminished.

“That’s what our movement was about, the community approach … It wasn’t about being violent; it was about getting answers. And that’s where we are now: We’re getting answers; we’re speaking to people.”

Link to news source for quotes:

https://www.abqjournal.com/1521136/apd-launches-community-ambassador-program.html

FAILED PROGRAMS TO BRING DOWN VIOLENT CRIME

In 2019, in response to the continuing increase in violent crime rates, Mayor Keller scrambled to implement 4 major crime fighting programs to reduce violent crime:

1. The Shield Unit

In February 2018 the Albuquerque Police Department (APD) created the “Shield Unit”. The Shield Unit assists APD Police Officers to prepare cases for trial and prosecution by the Bernalillo County District Attorney’s office. The unit originally consisted of 3 para legals. It was announced that it is was expanded to 12 under the 2019-2020 city budget that took effect July 1, 2019.

https://www.abqjournal.com/1325167/apd-expands-unit-that-preps-cases-for-prosecution.html
2. Declaring Violent Crime “Public Health” issue

On April 8, 2019, Mayor Keller and APD announced efforts that will deal with “violent crime” in the context of it being a “public health issue” and dealing with crimes involving guns in an effort to bring down violent crime in Albuquerque. Mayor Keller and APD argue that gun violence is a “public health issue” because gun violence incidents have lasting adverse effects on children and others in the community that leads to further problems.

3. The “Violence Intervention Plan” (VIP program)

On November 22, Mayor Tim Keller announced what he called a “new initiative” to target violent offenders called “Violence Intervention Plan” (VIP). The VIP initiative was in response to the city’s recent murders resulting in the city tying the all-time record of homicides at 72 in one year. Mayor Keller proclaimed the VIP is a “partnership system” that includes law enforcement, prosecutors and social service and community provides to reduce violent crime. According to Keller vulnerable communities and law enforcement will be working together and building trust has proven results for public safety. Mayor Keller stated:

“… This is about trying to get these people not to shoot each other. …This is about understanding who they are and why they are engaged in violent crime. … And so, this actually in some ways, in that respect, this is the opposite of data. This is action. This is actually doing something with people. …”

4. The Metro 15 Operation program.

On Tuesday, November 26, Mayor Tim Keller held a press conference to announce a 4th program within 9 months to deal with the city’s violent crime and murder rates. At the time of the press conference, the city’s homicide count was at 72, matching the city’s record in 2017.

Before 2017, the last time the City had the highest number of homicides in one year was in 1996 with 70 murders that year. Keller dubbed the new program “Metro 15 Operation” and is part of the Violence Intervention Program (VIP) program. According to Keller and then APD Chief Michael Geier the new program would target the top 15 most violent offenders in Albuquerque. It’s the city’s version of the FBI’s 10 most wanted list.

Links to news coverage are here:

https://www.abqjournal.com/1394576/city-launches-violence-intervention-program.html

https://www.kob.com/albuquerque-news/mayor-keller-touts-new-plan-to-tackle-violent-crime/5561150/?cat=500

COMMENTARY AND ANALYSIS

The new Community Safety Department and the Ambassador Program are the 5TH and the 6th major initiatives Mayor Tim Keller has implemented in the last two years in an attempt to bring down the city’s high violent crime rates as he promised to do in 2017 when he ran for Mayor. Based on the city’s high violent crime and murder rates, it appears Keller’s previous programs have been a failure.

The Albuquerque Community Safety Department (ACS) is a department that is supposed to be a solution to reduce APD’s calls for service involving mental health calls and to transfer such calls to another civilian department with mental health experts to deal with those in crisis. It is a department that must be equipped to respond to 911 calls related to addiction problems and behavioral health issues, or it will fail and fail miserably and may even result in a social worker getting killed.

A key component of the new department is to have trained and licensed mental health care professionals. The ACS department as presented in the original proposed budget did not address behavioral health care and long-term counseling nor solutions. Without considerably more licensed health care professionals, the new department is relegated to be a “pickup, delivery or referral” of people in crisis to take them either to jail or to a hospital. In order to be successful, the Mayor’s new department needs to deal with the city’s long-term behavioral health system needs and programs that are desperately needed now and in the future.

No doubt in Mayor Keller’s heart hope springs eternal that the new Community Safety Department and the Ambassador Program will both succeed to some extent before the November 2 municipal election where Keller is seeking a second 4-year term. The cold reality is that time is running out on Keller and 5 month before an election is not enough time to have any significant reduction in violent crime.

The link to a related blog article is here:

Publicity Stunt Keller’s “Community Safety Department” Gutted By City Council; New Department Goes From 192 Positions To 13 Positions; $10.9 Million Projected Budget Goes To $7.5 Million, Cut To $2.5 Million; Still No Mental Health Officials

From April 17 to June 19, 2021, publicly financed candidates for Mayor must gather both 3,000 signatures from registered voters within the City and 3,779 qualifying donations of $5.00 to secure $661,309.25 in public financing.

EDITORS NOTE: Privately financed candidates for Mayor must gather more than 3000 nominating petition signatures from registered voters within the City from June 8 – August 10, 2021.

PROCESSED PETITION SIGNATURES:

As of May 25, following are the updated City Clerk numbers for Processed Petition Signatures starting with the candidate with the most and ending with the least collected:

MAYOR TIM KELLER

Required Petition Signatures: 3,000
Verified Petition Signatures: 2,832 (Before: 2,729)
Rejected Petition Signatures: 385
Remaining Petition Signatures Needed: 168
Percentage of Verified Petition Signatures Met: 94% (Before: 91%)

SHERIFF MANNY GONZALES

Required Petition Signatures: 3,000
Verified Petition Signatures: 1,678 (Before: 1,639)
Rejected Petition Signatures: 203 (No change)
Remaining Petition Signatures Needed: 1,322
Percentage of Verified Petition Signatures Met: 56% (Before: 55%)

PATRICK BEN SAIS

Required Petition Signatures: 3,000
Verified Petition Signatures: 479 (Before: 453)
Rejected Petition Signatures: 420 (Rejected: 391)
Remaining Petition Signatures Needed: 2,547
Percentage of Verified Petition Signatures Met: 16% (Before 15%)

NICHOLAS BEVINS

Nicholas Bevins in a recorded message last week on his Facebook page said he was withdrawing from the race because the pandemic and the special election congressional race made it too difficult to collect nominating signatures and he did not see a path to collecting the required 3,000 petition signatures to make the November ballot by the June 19 deadline. You can review the official withdrawal here on his FACEBOOK page:

https://www.facebook.com/Nicholas.D.Bevins

PROCESSED $5.00 QUALIFYING CONTRIBUTIONS

As of May 24,with more $5.00 qualifying donations, following are the updated City Clerk numbers for Processed $5.00 Qualifying Contributions starting with the candidate with the most collected and ending with the least collected:

MAYOR TIM KELLER

Required $5.00 Qualifying Contributions: 3,779
Verified $5.00 Qualifying Contributions: 2,665 (Before: 2,527)
Rejected $5.00 Qualifying Contributions: 192 (Before 185)
Remaining $5.00 Qualifying Contributions Needed: 1,114 (Before 1,252)
Percentage of Verified $5.00 Qualifying Contributions: 71 %

SHERIFF MANNY GONZALES

Required $5.00 Qualifying Contributions: 3,779
Verified $5.00 Qualifying Contributions: 1,792 (Before: 1,724)
Rejected $5.00 Qualifying Contributions: 93
Remaining $5.00 Qualifying Contributions Needed: 1,978 (Before: 2,055)
Percentage of Verified $5.00 Qualifying Contributions: 47%

PATRICK BEN SAIS

Required $5.00 Qualifying Contributions: 3,779
Verified $5.00 Qualifying Contributions: 3
Rejected $5.00 Qualifying Contributions: 1
Remaining $5.00 Qualifying Contributions Needed: 3,776
Percentage of Verified $5.00 Qualifying Contributions: 0%

https://www.cabq.gov/vote/candidate-information/2021-candidates/petition-qualifying-contribution-tally-1

MAYOR TIM KELLER

Thus far, and based on the 26 remaining days to collect signatures and $5.00 qualifying donations, Mayor Tim Keller is in the most comfortable position to collect both nominating petition signatures and $5.00 qualifying donations. The Keller campaign has collected 94% of the necessary nominating petition signatures and 71% of the $5.00 qualifying donations with 1,114 remaining donations to be collected. Collecting the remaining 1,114 donations is doable, but still difficult, and will require collecting an average of 43 donations a day for the next 26 days.

SHERIFF MANNY GONZALES:

Based on the 26 days remaining, it appears that Sheriff Manny Gonzales is having difficulty in collecting both the nominating petition signatures as well as the $5.00 qualifying donations. Gonzales has collected 56% of the required 3,000 signatures and needs to collect another 1,322 more, which is doable over the remaining 26 day remaining to collect.

However, Gonzales is struggling to collect the verified $5.00 Qualifying Contributions and has collected 1,792 or 47% and needs to collect another 1,978 donations or at least 76 donations a day for the next 26 days. If Gonzales does not qualify for public finance, he could declare he will seek private financing and stay in the race but it will be a major setback to his campaign. Gonzales will no doubt ramp up private donation efforts but donors will be reluctant to contribute to both him and a measured finance committee. Another impact of failure to qualify for public finance will be to dry up private contributions to the two measured finance committees set up to promote him.

Sources are also saying that Republican political operative and consultant Jay McClesky, know for his slash and burn tactics, is managing the Gonzales campaign and for that reason may be trying to turn things around for the Sheriff by tapping into Republican support for Gonzales. McClesky managed both former Republican Mayor Berry’s campaigns for Mayor as well as both campaigns for Republican Governor “She Whose Shall Not Be Named”.

PATRICK BEN SAIS

Based on the numbers for PATRICK BEN SAIS, it is not at all likely he will even make the ballot.

MEASURED FINANCE COMMITTEES

As of May 25, there are 4 measured finance committees with the following donors :

1. RETIRED LAW ENFORCEMENT FOR A BETTER ALBUQUERQUE: $550 CASH BALANCE FROM 2 DONORS

STATED PURPOSE: “SUPPORT ALBUQUERQUE MAYORAL CANDIDATE WHO WILL IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR IT’S CITIZENS AS WELL AS OPPOSE CANDIDATES THAT ARE DETRIMENTAL TO THE FUTURE GROWTH AND SAFETY OF ALBUQUERQUE”

The chairperson of the “Retired Law Enforcement for a Better Albuquerque is Jason Katz and the Treasurer is listed as Sistine Jaramillo. Upon information and belief, Jason Katz is a former and retired Chief Deputy of the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office and is a longtime supporter and has worked for Gonzales. No background information could be located on Sistine Jaramillo.

DONORS

On April 12, Jason Katz donated $300
On May 3, Michael L. Chavez, listed as retired donated $250.

https://campaignfinance.cabq.gov/PublicSite/Reports/FetchReportToPDF.aspx

2. SAVE OUR CITY: $16,495 CASH BALANCE FROM 2 DONORs

https://campaignfinance.cabq.gov/PublicSite/SearchPages/OrganizationDetail.aspx?OrganizationID=7109

STATED PURPOSE: TO ADDRESS THE SERIOUS CRIME AND LEADERSHIP PROBLEM IN ALBUQUERQUE

The Chairperson of “Save Our City” is Sam Vigil and the Treasurer is Republican State Representative Bill Rehm. Sam Vigil is the husband Jacquiline Vigil who was gun down in her car backing out of the family home driveway in the early morning hours as she was leaving for the gym. Republican New Mexico State Representative Bill Rehm, District 31, Bernalillo County, has been a State Representative since 2006. Rehm retired in 2000 from BCSO Sheriff’s office as Captain. Rehm is considered a reliable conservative supporter of law enforcement efforts in the New Mexico Legislature

https://www.abqjournal.com/2381547/vigil-forms-political-action-committee-to-defeat-keller.html

DONORS:

On April 14, ADMIRAL BEVERAGE CORPORATION, BUSINESS/GROUP INFO: GREG BROWN BEVERAGE DISTRIBUTION contributed $15,000.00

On April 15 ADAM CHAVEZ, EMPLOYER: Mining/Energy MUTUAL DRILLING COMPANY ASSOCIATED CANDIDATES contributed $1,500.00

https://campaignfinance.cabq.gov/PublicSite/Reports/FetchReportToPDF.aspx

3. BUILD BACK ‘BURQUE: $0.00 CASH BALANCE REPORTED AND NO DONORS LISTED

https://campaignfinance.cabq.gov/PublicSite/Reports/FetchReportToPDF.aspx

As of April 26, one measured finance committees has been formed to support Mayor Tim Keller’s bid for a second 4 year term . The Measured finance committee is identified as “ BUILD BACK ‘BURQUE”.

STATED PURPOSE: “Support mayor Tim Keller’s re-election to a second term for the city of Albuquerque”

The Chairperson for “Build Back ‘Burque” is Michelle Mayorga. According to the American Association of Political Consultants “Michelle Mayorga has spent nearly 2 decades working on campaigns, progressive issues, and in local and national administrations. She previously served as Western Field Director at the AFL-CIO, Western Political Director at the DCCC, and Coordinated Director for the Democratic Party of New Mexico in 2012.”

https://theaapc.org/awards/40-under-40/class-of-2016/michelle-mayorga/

The Treasurer for “Build Back ‘Burque” is Robert Lara. Mr. Lara is a licensed New Mexico attorney and is the former State Treasurer of the Democratic Party of New Mexico.

https://campaignfinance.cabq.gov/PublicSite/SearchPages/OrganizationDetail.aspx?OrganizationID=7112

4. ABQ FIREPAC:NO CASH BALANCE AND NO FINANCE STATEMENTS FILED

On May 12, a fourth measured finance committee named ABQ FIREPAC when it filed its registration with the city clerk. The stated purpose is to “ SUPPORT CANDIDATES WHO SUPPORT PUBLIC SAFETY & FIRE FIGHTER ISSUES”. What this measured finance committee is the local firefighter’s union. Every election year, the local firefighters get very involved with municipal elections with endorsements and contributing to campaign efforts. The fire fighters union not only provides campaign materials such as sign, but also provide volunteers for phone banking and other activities. Four years ago, ABQFIREPAC reported that it raised and spent $67,000 on the Mayor’s and City Council races.

https://campaignfinance.cabq.gov/PublicSite/SearchPages/OrganizationDetail.aspx?OrganizationID=7121

Search web page with name of measured finance committee in the below link:

https://campaignfinance.cabq.gov/PublicSite/SearchPages/CommitteeSearch.aspx

COMMENTARY AND ANALYSIS

The two measured fiancé committees set up to promote Sheriff Gonzales have raised a paltry $17,050 combined with one single donation of $15,000. The measured finance committee needs 75 more $15,000 donors and raise about $1,125,000 before they can really help Gonzales. It is not at all likely they will be able to raise the amount of public financing of $661,309.25 that is available. It is the $661,309.25 in public finance that would make Sheriff Gonzales a viable candidate. As a candidate for Sheriff, Gonzales neve came close to raising such a large sum of money. Keller on the other hand has done it. Both the measured finance committees for Gonzales are headed up by individuals who are ostensibly volunteers, totally unaccustomed to or who do not have access to the type of massive political contributions necessary to run a Mayor’s race.

Mayor Tim Keller’s measured finance committee identified as “ BUILD BACK ‘BURQUE” on the other hand has two highly connected individuals in the Democratic Party. Further, the Chairperson for “Build Back ‘Burque” is Michelle Mayorga and she has 20 years’ experience working on campaigns, progressive issues, and in local and national administrations. It’s likely “Build Back Burque will be relying upon Mayor Tim Keller’s contribution list of donors that contributed hundreds of thousands in campaign donations to his campaigns for State Senate and State Auditor. Keller’s measured finance committee may have not raised anything to date, but that will change dramatically as the race heats up.

THE CHALLENGES WE FACE

If things continue as they are, there will be only 2 candidates for Mayor out of the 4 announced, who will make the November 2, ballot. Further, it is more likely than not that Mayor Time Keller will be the only candidate that will qualify for public finance, with Sheriff Manny Gonzales falling far short of collecting the 3,779 qualifying $5.00 donations. It’s a damn shame.

The city is facing any number of problems that are bringing it to its knees. Those problems include the coronavirus pandemic, business closures, high unemployment rates, exceptionally high violent crime and murder rates, continuing mismanagement of the Albuquerque Police Department, failed implementation of the Department of Justice reforms after a full six years and millions spent, declining revenues and gross receipts tax, increasing homeless numbers, lack of mental health programs and little to none economic development.

The city cannot afford another mayor who makes promises and offers only eternal hope for better times that result in broken campaign promises. What is needed is a mayor who actually knows what the hell they are doing, who will make the hard decisions without an eye on the next election, not make decisions only to placate their base and please only those who voted for them. What’s needed is a healthy debate on solutions and new ideas to solve our mutual problems, a debate that can happen only with a contested election.

There is plenty of time for other candidates to run as privately financed candidates and raise private campaign donations. The time for privately financed candidates for Mayor to collect signatures is much later from publicly finance candidates. That time is from June 8 to August 10, 2021. Privately Finance Candidates for Mayor must also gather 3,000 signatures from registered voters within the City.

The commencement time for privately finance candidates to collect the 3,000 nominating petition signatures for Mayor is later and is June 8 to August 10. Privately finance candidates can collect donations at any time.

Anyone one interested in running for Mayor and who has a real love for this city and is concerned about what is happening is encouraged to contact the City Clerk’s office.
The link to the city web site for candidates is here:

https://www.cabq.gov/vote/candidate-information/2021-candidates

https://campaignfinance.cabq.gov/PublicSite/SearchPages/CommitteeSearch.aspx

The Albuquerque Progress Report (APR) has been issued every two years since 1995 to show Albuquerque’s progress toward reaching a set of long-term goals, established with the input of its residents. Residents have convened every two to four years to determine and define Albuquerque’s goals.

The link to the recently published and available progress reports is here:

https://www.cabq.gov/progress

The “Citizen Satisfaction Survey” is a research study commissioned by the City of Albuquerque to assess residents’ perceptions of the overall quality of life in Albuquerque, satisfaction with City services, and issues relating to crime, safety, and the economy. The last citizen satisfaction survey was done in 2019 and released on January 21, 2020.

You can review the entire survey at this link.

https://assets.documentcloud.org/documents/6668008/FINAL-COA-Citizen-Survey.pdf

This blog article is an attempt to glean from both reports overall information to get an understanding the direction the city is going. Further, highlights of the 2020 Census and the New Mexico Data Book are provided to compare the city with the state.

2020 ALBUQUERQUE PROGRESS REPORT

On March 2, the City of Albuquerque released the biennial progress report for 2020. It’s a summary of progress across eight major goals set by the city council, compiled by the Indicators Progress Commission (IPC). The survey was conducted by Research and Polling.

The eight major goals the report looks at are:

• Human Development and Family
• Public Safety
• Public Infrastructure
• Sustainable Community Development
• Environmental Protection
• Economic Vitality
• Community and Cultural Engagement
• Governmental Excellence and Effectiveness

The link to the 2020 Progress Report is here:

https://documents.cabq.gov/progress/2020-albuquerque-progress-report.pdf

MAJOR FINDINGS

Below is a summary of major findings gleaned from the 2020 Albuquerque Progress Report.

QUALITY OF LIFE IN THE CITY

Nearly 60% of residents rated Albuquerque’s quality life as excellent or good, a jump up from 2018. More residents, about half of those surveyed, are feeling hopeful about the direction of the City. The survey found a significant jump in residents who see the City as responsive to their needs.

RESPONDING TO COVID-19

61% of respondents felt the City has handled the pandemic well, citing consistent communication with the public, and keeping residents safe and healthy while balancing support for business.
61% also felt that Albuquerque has done a better job than other cities in responding to the virus
60% felt that Albuquerque has done a good job keeping City services running amid the outbreak.

PUBLIC SAFETY AND APPEARANCE

Residents, like the City of Albuquerque itself, continue to identify crime as the top concern.

The majority felt that the Albuquerque Police Department did a good job of responding to protests. Levels of trust in police officers, reforms at the department and protecting resident’s constitutional rights are all trending upward.

75% of residents surveyed thought the creation of a new Community Safety Department was a good idea. This new cabinet-level department will send trained professionals to non-violent calls related to mental health, homelessness and addiction so police officers can stay focused on violent crime.

More residents are feeling safe alone outside both at night and during the day than in the past.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EIGHT MAJOR GOALS

Below are the statistical highlights taken from each of the 8 categories followed by commentary:

HUMAN DEVELOPMENT & FAMILY (2019 STATISTICS ONLY)

Residents with health insurance coverage: Albuquerque 91.7% ; United States 90.8%
Residents with high school education or more: Albuquerque 89.4%; United States 88.6%
Residents exercising 3 or more days per week 67.0%
Homeowners paying 30%+ of income for housing: Albuquerque 22.1%; United States 21.1%
Renters paying 30%+ of income for housing: Albuquerque 46.0% ; United States 45.1%
Albuquerque Public School high school graduation rate 70.1%; United States 85.3%
Families living in poverty with children under 18 years old: Albuquerque 20.1% ; United States 13.8%
Obesity in population (New Mexico): Albuquerque 31.7% ; United States 30.9%
Number of people served by social services programs in Albuquerque: 915,528
Point-in-time homeless count (sheltered): Albuquerque 1,019

COMMENTARY

According to Dr. David E Peercy, President, APS Board of Education the reported graduation rate of APS for 2020 is not 70% but is 77%. According to Dr. Peercy, the “70%” was likely taken from the New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED) website which includes charters for which APS has no responsibility for their graduation rate. Charter school graduation rates hovers around 49% and therefor brings down the APS graduation rate. The current APS graduation rate without charters is 77%. APS has been very proactive over the past several years to improve graduation rates. APS graduation rate has increased 13% in the past five years alone, including significant improvement in all our group demographics. The comparison with national algorithms used by the state of a “shared accountability” approach to calculating graduation rates is inaccurate and approximately 5% lower than it should be.

Families living in poverty with children under 18 years at 20.1% compared to the United States at the 13.8% is as alarming as it gets. The number of people served by social services programs in Albuquerque is reported at 915,528 ostensibly seriously inaccurate seeing as the recently released 2020 census count reports that Bernalillo County has a population count of 679,121.

https://www.petedinelli.com/2021/05/10/nm-vital-signs-are-clear-the-state-is-a-dying-business-and-elected-leaders-must-find-a-cure-a-path-forward-to-diversification-of-new-mexicos-economy/

PUBLIC SAFETY

Vacant properties count (2019) : 428
Avg. APD priority 1 call response time (receipt to on scene) in minutes: 10:33 minutes
Fatal Crashes per 100,000 population (2018): Albuquerque 14.10, United States 10.30
Residents feel safe outside during the day (survey) 2020: 87%
Residents feel safe outside during the night (survey) 2020: 68%
Property crimes per 100,000 population 2016: Albuquerque 6,179, United States 2,110
Violent crimes per 100,000 population (2019): Albuquerque 1,043, United States 379
Avg. EMS Life Support call response time (receipt to on scene) in mins (2019): 7:54 minutes.
Residents feel APD is respectful to citizen (survey) 2020: 48%

COMMENTARY

Not at all surprising, the most alarming statistics in the 2020 Albuquerque Progress Report are contained in the in the Public Safety category. Property crimes per 100,000 population in Albuquerque is a whopping 6,179 or upwards of 3 times the United States rate of 2,110. Violent crimes per 100,000 population (2019) for Albuquerque 1,043, once again upwards of 3 times the United States rate of 379. A disappointing 48% of residents who feel APD is respectful to citizen. The crime rates make it difficult to reconcile and contradict that 87% residents feel safe outside during the day (survey) at 87% and residents feeling safe outside during the night 2020 at 68%.

PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE

Public transportation riders per capita (2018): 0.20 (Integrated Transportation)
EPA compliance rate (peer average) 2019: 100% (Quality Water and Wastewater System)
Water loss (real and apparent) 2019: 9.1% (Reliable Water and Wastewater System)
PNM renewable energy portfolio standard (40% by 2025) 2020 : 20% (Sustainable Energy)
Residential energy consumption (million Btu) per capita (state-level) (2018): 100%
Walk Score 2020: 42 (Walkability)
Avg. internet download speed (Mbps) 2018: Albuquerque 93.08, United States 96.25 (High Speed Internet Access)

COMMENTARY

The city’s use of public transportation per capita at 0.20% is a reflection as to how big a failure the city has been in its efforts to improve public transportation with projects such as the ART Bus project down central. However, the city’s walkability rate of 42 out of 100 is encouraging.

SUSTAINABLE COMMUNIT DEVELOPMENT

Park Acres as percent of City Area 2019: 23%
Percent of people living within 10 minutes of a park 2019: 87%
Trust for Public Lands City Park Score Rating 2019: 58.0
New construction permits in Centers and Corridors 2019: 15.7%
Housing units per sq. mile 2019: 1,320
Downtown Office Vacancy Rate (H1) 2020: Albuquerque 15.5%, United States 11.4%

COMMENTARTY

With 87% of the city’s residents living within 10 minutes of parks, and close to 25% of the city’s area consisting of park acreage, the city’s investment in open space and planning has paid off substantially improving the overall quality of life.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

Total pounds landfilled per person per day 2019: Albuquerque 3.49, United States 4.5
Open space acres per capita 2020: 0.053
EPA Air Compare (unhealthy days for general pop.) 2019: 0
Ozone Level (US Standard is 0.070 ppm as of Nov 2020) 2019: Albuquerque 0.071, United States 0.073
Gallons per capita per day water usage 2019: 121 gallons
Residential recycling rate 2019: 17%

COMMENTARY

It’s very encouraging that the city is outpacing the rest of the country when it comes to a number of environmental protections issues.

ECONOMIC VITALITY

Business registrations 2019: 4,966
Businesses still in business one year after starting 2019: 71%
Average weekly wages (target of $932) 2019: Albuquerque $945, United States $1139
Net change in working aged people moving to/from the state 2019: -4,803
Employment in government as % total 2019: Albuquerque 20.6%, United States 14.97%
Per Capita Income 2018: Albuquerque $42,536, United States $56,527
Average annual growth in per capita income 2019: Albuquerque 3.6% , United States 3.4%
Unemployment rate MSA (NSA) 2019: Albuquerque 4.6%, United States 3.7%
Residents feel hopeful in direction City is going (survey) 2020: 46%
Income inequality ratio (state-level data) 2019: Albuquerque 0.484, United States 0.485
Annual job growth 2019: Albuquerque 1.32%, United States 1.36%

COMMENTARY

Albuquerque’s low wages, per capita income, unemployment rates and reliance on government spending all point to the fact that the city has failed to diversify its economy. Albuquerque’s per capita income of $42,536 compared to the United States of $56,527 and 20.6% of Albuquerque’s work force is government related compared to the United States as a whole of 14%, are the biggest indicators that the state and city must get serious about economic development.

COMMUNITY AND CULTURAL ENGAGMENT

Total attendance at the ABQ BioPark 2019: 1.22M
Total attendance at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta 2019: 866,414
Total Community Fund and United Way Program Support 2019: 7.2M
Residents rate quality of life as either “excellent” or “good” (survey) 2020: 59%
Voting Participation Rate (% of voting age pop.) 2018: Albuquerque, 35.7% , United States 50.0%
Residents believe cultural & racial relations are positive (survey) 2018: 61%

COMMENTARY

The number one tourist attraction in the state of New Mexico is the ABQBio Park. During the 2015 municipal election, Albuquerque voters wisely approved with an overwhelming majority the voter petition drive initiative to increase the gross receipts tax for the BioPark. The tax will raise $255 million dollars over 15 years for the BioPark. The gross receipts tax initiative for the BioPark was needed because some $20 million dollars plus in repairs and maintenance to the facilities were needed and major repairs were ignored for eight years. There are $40 million dollars in upgrades and exhibits that are occurring to this day

https://www.petedinelli.com/2018/02/28/any-raid-on-biopark-tax-funds-political-bad-faith-betrays-voters-trust/

GOVERNNMENTAL EXCELLENCE AND EFFECTIVENESS

Number of days required for commercial building permit approval 2019: 12 days
311 Call Quality Average 2020: 98%
City responsiveness to community needs (survey, scale 1 to 5): 3.3
General Obligation S&P bond rating 2019: AAA rating

2019 CITIZEN SATISFACTION SURVEY

The “Citizen Satisfaction Survey” is a research study commissioned by the City of Albuquerque to assess residents’ perceptions of the overall quality of life in Albuquerque, satisfaction with City services, and issues relating to crime, safety, and the economy. On January 21, 2020 the City of Albuquerque released the results of the 2019 study, the latest survey taken. The survey was of 607 adults living in Albuquerque and conducted November 8 to 24, 2019 and has a margin of error of plus or minus 4% points.

The 2019 survey questionnaire consisted of 48 questions. The final survey report is 105 pages long and contains multiple bars and graphs to illustrate the results. The survey was done by Research and Polling, consider by many as the very best polling service as to accuracy in Albuquerque.
You can review the entire survey at this link.

https://assets.documentcloud.org/documents/6668008/FINAL-COA-Citizen-Survey.pdf

The 105 page “Citizen Satisfaction Survey” contains an executive summary in 8 major categories:

1. FEELINGS OF PERSONAL SAFETY,
2. CHANGES IN CRIME,
3. HOMELESSNESS, SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES,
4. ALBUQUERQUE POLICE DEPARTMENT
5. ALBUQUERQUE FIRE RESCUE
6. THE ECONOMY
7. YOUTH PROGRAMS
8. MULTIPURPOSE ARENA/SOCCER STADIUM

Following are edited summaries:

1. FEELINGS OF PERSONAL SAFETY

“Overall, the vast majority (87%) of residents say they feel either very safe (57%) or somewhat safe (30%) when alone outside in their neighborhood during the day.

79% feel either very safe (37%) or somewhat safe (42%) in Uptown, compared to just 6% who feel unsafe.
73% feel either very safe (29%) or somewhat safe (44%) in Old Town compared to just 10% who feel unsafe.
70% feel either very safe (29%) or somewhat safe (41%) in the Cottonwood Mall area (just 5% feel unsafe).
67% feel either very safe (30%) or somewhat safe (37%) in City parks in your neighborhood, though 20% of residents feel either somewhat unsafe (11%) or very unsafe (9%)
64% feel either very safe (23%) or somewhat safe (41%) walking, hiking, or biking trails in the City. Eleven percent feel unsafe on these trails.
51% of residents report feeling either very safe (11%) or somewhat safe (40%) in the Nob Hill/University area, though 28% say they feel either somewhat unsafe (21%) or very unsafe (7%).
38% feel either very safe (6%) or somewhat safe (32%) Downtown. Forty-four percent of residents say they feel either very unsafe (17%) or somewhat unsafe (27%) when they are Downtown.
35% of residents say they feel either very safe (8%) or somewhat safe (27%) in the Coors Blvd. and I-40 area, though nearly two-fifths (38%) of residents feel unsafe in this area (12% have no opinion).

When residents who feel each of the different areas of the City are unsafe were asked (unaided) to give the reasons why, they are most apt to mention homelessness, drugs/drug use, and a high crime rate.”

2. PERCEIVED CHANGES IN CRIME

“Residents were asked if they feel different types of crimes in Albuquerque are going up, going down, or not changing. Overall, 64% of residents believe violent crimes are going up and 62% feel that crimes involving guns are going up.

The plurality of residents (43%) feel home burglaries are going up in Albuquerque, compared to 18% who say home burglaries are going down and 31% say this is not changing.”

3. HOMELESSNESS, SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES

“Homelessness, substance abuse, and mental health are major issues facing many cities throughout the nation with no easy solutions. Just 13% of residents give the City positive marks for addressing the homelessness issue. The majority of residents (59%) feel the City is doing a poor job of addressing homelessness, while 26% give the City a mixed review on how it’s handling the issue.

Nineteen percent of residents also agree the City of Albuquerque is doing a good job of providing support for people with mental health issues, though 51% disagree. Although the City of Albuquerque is making considerable efforts to address these issues, many residents appear to be either unaware of what is being done, or do not believe the programs have been effective to date. All of these issues will take time and as the City continues to develop new programs and facilities to address these issues, public perceptions should change over time.”

4. ALBUQUERQUE POLICE DEPARTMENT

“When it comes to the Albuquerque Police Department, half the residents (49%) believe APD is doing a good job addressing public safety issues and making quick responses to emergencies, while 22% have mixed feelings and 27% do not believe APD is doing a good job in this regard. Overall, these results are similar to those observed last year. Residents are somewhat polarized when it comes to how well APD is doing when it comes to interacting with people who have substance abuse and mental health issues.

While 35% believe APD is doing a good job in their interaction with those who have substance abuse or mental health issues, 28% disagree, and another 28% have a neutral/mixed opinion. The survey results also show that 40% of City residents say the Albuquerque Police Department is doing a good job working with the U.S. Department of Justice to implement new policies and reforms designed to reduce the use of force and encourage policing that ensures residents’ constitutional rights. Approximately one-in-five residents (21%) rate APD poorly for implementing the new policies and reforms, while 27% have neutral/mixed feelings.”

5. ALBUQUERQUE FIRE RESCUE

“Residents continue to view Albuquerque Fire Rescue highly as 84% of residents agree the Department is doing a good job responding to emergency medical services needs and making quick responses to medical emergencies, with 53% who strongly agree and just 3% who disagree. The majority of residents (55%) also agree that Albuquerque Fire Rescue is doing a good job interacting with people who have substance abuse and mental health issues, compared to 11% who disagree. It is interesting that 55% of residents feel Albuquerque Fire Rescue is doing a good job interacting with people who have substance abuse and mental health issues compared to 35% who feel APD is doing a good job interacting with this population.”

6. THE ECONOMY

“Residents were read various statements relating to the City of Albuquerque and the economy, and for each one, asked to rate how strongly they either agree or disagree using a 5-point scale where 5 is strongly agree and 1 is strongly disagree.

42% agree the City of Albuquerque is doing a good job of attracting out-of-state companies to open in the city, though 25% disagree and 27% have neutral or mixed feelings.
31% agree the City of Albuquerque is doing a good job of helping local businesses and entrepreneurs create jobs, though 26% disagree and 33% have neutral/mixed feelings.
20% agree the City of Albuquerque is doing a good job of keeping young local talent from leaving the city, compared to 43% who disagree (28% have neutral/mixed feelings) While the City has made strides in encouraging new businesses and economic development, the survey results show that many residents either believe more still needs to be done, or perhaps are not aware of what is being done to encourage more economic development.”

7. YOUTH PROGRAMS

“There is a perceived need for more before school, after school and summer programs for kids, as nearly three-in-four residents (74%) agree that more of these programs are needed, with 54% who strongly agree. Just 7% of residents do not agree that Albuquerque needs more before and after school programs and summer programs. Nearly nine-in-ten (84%) parents with children under the age of 18 feel more of these programs are needed.

Although there is a perceived need for more youth programs, there also appears to be a lack of knowledge about the programs that currently exist. Just two-fifths of the residents surveyed say they are aware the City offers summer and before and after school programs for kids. Among parents with children under 18 years of age, 64% say they are aware of these City programs for kids. Thirty-six percent of the parents with children under the age of 18 say they have kids who participate in the City summer and before and after school programs. Hispanic parents (45%) are much more likely than Anglo parents (26%) to say they have children who participate in the programs.”

8. MULTIPURPOSE ARENA/SOCCER STADIUM OR A PERFORMANCE ART CENTER

“There appears to be strong public support for building a new multipurpose arena that could house soccer games for New Mexico United, or a standalone soccer stadium. Two-thirds of survey respondents say they support building a new multi-purpose arena that could be used for New Mexico United soccer games and other events, compared to 24% who are opposed. Furthermore, 61% of respondents say they support a new standalone soccer stadium for New Mexico United, compared to 29% who are opposed.

In a separate question, residents were informed the City of Albuquerque is considering either building a new performing arts center or renovating existing facilities such as the KIVA Auditorium to bring in Broadway shows, popular musicians, and other national touring acts and further revitalize Downtown. They were then asked, if they would prefer that the City build a new performing arts center or renovate an existing facility, assuming the costs would be approximately the same. The majority of residents (55%) say they would prefer renovating an existing facility, while 30% would prefer building a new performing arts center.”

https://www.petedinelli.com/2020/01/27/annual-citizen-satisfaction-survey-reveals-decreased-optimism-transportation-ignored-citizens-not-one-burque-for-satisfaction-meaning-to-mayor-keller/

2020 CENSUS HIGHLIGHTS

On April 26, the results of the 2020 United States Census were released. Overall, the national growth rate was 7.4% between 2010 and 2020, the second slowest in U.S. history. The 2020 US Census reflects New Mexico had an anemic 2.8% growth in population since 2010.

New Mexico’s growth rate for the years 2010 to 2020 can be described at best as anemic. The census data reflects that New Mexico’s population growth slowed to a disappointing 2.8% over 10 years since 2010. This is the lowest population increase since the state’s 1912 statehood. The census count released puts the state population at 2.1 million in 2020, a net change of just 58,000 additional people since 2010.

The state’s growth was concentrated among adults over 65 which reflects an aging population for the state. According to the census data the under-18 population shrank by 8%. According to the census report:

“Given the status quo, New Mexico is heading toward having more, older New Mexicans using relatively expensive public services including Medicaid and Medicare, and fewer, younger New Mexicans in school and working.”

22% of the state’s total population is age 65 or older and is projected to increase to 42% by 2030.
10.9% of the state’s children are being raised by a grandparent.
47.7% of all households with children are single parent households as compared to the 32.5% national average.
10.8% of the population are veterans.

NEW MEXICO DATA BOOK

On April 10, the New Mexico Human Services Department (HSD) has released the 2021 State of New Mexico Data Book. It is only the second time that it has been compiled. The data book provides a comprehensive, data-driven summary of social, economic and health statistics for New Mexico. It contains specific county-by-county statistics and makes comparisons to national measurements.
The Data Book contains various sections, representing the types of information most frequently requested by a broad range of stakeholders. The link to the 351 page 2021 New Mexico Data Book document is here:

https://www.hsd.state.nm.us/2021-data-boo

Following are major highlights of the Data Book:

POPULATION BREAKDOWN

22% of the state’s total population is age 65 or older and is projected to increase to 42% by 2030.
10.9% of the state’s children are being raised by a grandparent.
47.7% of all households with children are single parent households as compared to the 32.5% national average.
10.8% of the population are veterans.

New Mexico has 5.5 full time primary care physicians per 10,000 people while the national average is 7.9 full time primary care physicians per 10,000 people.
New Mexico has 17.7 general hospital beds for patient care per 10,000 people while the national average is 23.5 beds for patient care per 10,000 people.
New Mexico has 2.2 intensive care beds per 10,000 people while the national average is 2.7 intensive care beds per 10,000 people.
37.2% of New Mexico’s population receives federal Medicaid benefits and Children’s Health Insurance benefits as of July, 2020 as compared to the 23% National Medicaid enrollment.

COMMENTARY AND ANALYSIS

The results of the 2020 Albuquerque Progress Report and 2019 Citizens Satisfaction Survey, when reviewed together amount to taking the pulse the city, its private and public sectors and of its citizens.

No city can be just a cop on every corner, a fire truck on every street, a jail in every quadrant, a garbage dumpster at every turn, streets without potholes and buses like ART that no one will ever use. Any truly great city must include facilities that enhance the quality of life of its citizens, such as libraries, zoos, museums and aquariums, facilities like the ABQ Biopark, Balloon Museum, parks and recreation facilities and open space.

When reviewing both together, it is clear that Albuquerque has a long way to go to catch up with the rest of the country. However, when compared with the rest of the State, the city is doing much better.

From April 17 to June 19, 2021, publicly financed candidates for Mayor must gather both 3,000 signatures from registered voters within the City and 3,779 qualifying donations of $5.00 to secure $661,309.25 in public financing.

EDITORS NOTE: Privately financed candidates for Mayor must gather more than 3000 nominating petition signatures from registered voters within the City from June 8 – August 10, 2021.

NOMINATING PETITION SIGNATURES

Each name and signature on the nominating petition is reviewed and compared to the voter registration rolls. If the person who has signed the petition name is not on the voter registration rolls, the signature is disqualified. Therefore, far more than 3,000 signatures are needed to take into account disqualified signatures. Consequently, as many signatures above the 3,000 requirement is recommended for a “buffer” in order to ensure the minimum number of nominating signatures are secured.

$5.00 QUALIFYING CONTRIBUTIONS FOR PUBLIC FINANCE

From April 17 to June 19, 2021, or 64 days, is also the only time allowed to collect 3,779 qualifying donations of $5.00 for public financing of $661,309.25. The $5.00 donations are made directly to the City and the $5.00 donations must come from only registered city of Albuquerque city voters.

In order to collect 3,779 qualifying donations over the 64 days allotted, a candidate’s campaign must collect at least 59 donations a day plus 3 more.

(64 collection days X 59 donation collected each day = 3,776 + 3 more donations = 3,779 required donations from registered city voters).

None of the donations can come from those who do not reside within the city limits nor come from any one not a resident of the city. In 2017, there were 8 candidates for Mayor with only Tim Keller qualifying.

CANDIDATES FOR MAYOR

According to the City Clerks web site, there are 4 candidates registered for Mayor. The 4 candidates for Mayor listed in the order of appearance on the City Clerks web page are:

1. NICHOLAS BEVINS:

According to news reports, Bevins, who is autistic, is not currently employed, and said he dedicates his time to volunteering and activism. Bevins is a grassroots activist and was a Bernie Sanders for President 2020 campaign organizer. In a recent FACEBOOK video Bevins announced his withdrawal from the race.

2. MANUEL GONZALES, III: Sheriff Manuel Gonzales III was sworn into office on January 1st 2015. He is a two term Bernalillo County Sheriff who is term limited and whose term as Sheriff ends January 1, 2023. The link to the Sheriff’s biography is here:

http://www.bernalillocountysheriff.com/bernalillo-county-sheriff/sheriff-manuel-gonzales-iii.aspx

3. TIM KELLER: Mayor Tim Keller is seeking a second 4-year term. He is a former State Senator and former NM State Treasurer. A link to the Mayor’s biography is here:

https://www.cabq.gov/mayor/about-mayor-timothy-m-keller-and-first-lady-elizabeth-j-kistin-keller-phd-sb

4. PATRICK BEN SAIS:

Patrick Sais, 53, is a retired school bus driver who said he has been active with the Young American Football League and has served as a volunteer on Donald Trump’s presidential campaign. Sais lives in Southwest Albuquerque and running for Mayor is the first time he has sought elective office.

https://www.abqjournal.com/2383801/several-vying-for-abq-mayors-office.html

PROCESSED PETITION SIGNATURES:

As of Friday, May 21, with more signatures gathered on Saturday and Sunday, following are the updated City Clerk numbers for Processed Petition Signatures starting with the candidate with the most and ending with the least collected:

MAYOR TIM KELLER

Required Petition Signatures: 3,000
Verified Petition Signatures: 2,729
Rejected Petition Signatures: 361
Remaining Petition Signatures Needed: 271
Percentage of Verified Petition Signatures Met: 91%

SHERIFF MANNY GONZALES

Required Petition Signatures: 3,000
Verified Petition Signatures: 1,639
Rejected Petition Signatures: 203
Remaining Petition Signatures Needed: 1,361
Percentage of Verified Petition Signatures Met: 55%

PATRICK BEN SAIS

Required Petition Signatures: 3,000
Verified Petition Signatures: 453
Rejected Petition Signatures: 391
Remaining Petition Signatures Needed: 2,547
Percentage of Verified Petition Signatures Met: 15%

NICHOLAS BEVINS

Required Petition Signatures: 3,000
Verified Petition Signatures: 366
Rejected Petition Signatures: 58
Remaining Petition Signatures Needed: 2,634
Percentage of Verified Petition Signatures Met: 12%

Bevins in a recent recorded message on his Facebook page said he was withdrawing from the race because the pandemic and the special election congressional race made it too difficult to collect nominating signatures and he did not see a path to collecting the required 3,000 petition signatures to make the November ballot by the June 19 deadline. You can review the official withdrawal here on his FACEBOOK page:

https://www.facebook.com/Nicholas.D.Bevins

https://www.cabq.gov/vote/candidate-information/2021-candidates/petition-qualifying-contribution-tally-1

PROCESSED $5.00 QUALIFYING CONTRIBUTIONS

As of May 21,with more $5.00 qualifying donations gathered on Saturday and Sunday, following are the updated City Clerk numbers for Processed $5.00 Qualifying Contributions starting with the candidate with the most collected and ending with the least collected:

MAYOR TIM KELLER

Required $5.00 Qualifying Contributions: 3,779
Verified $5.00 Qualifying Contributions: 2,527
Rejected $5.00 Qualifying Contributions: 185
Remaining $5.00 Qualifying Contributions Needed: 1,252
Percentage of Verified $5.00 Qualifying Contributions: 67%

SHERIFF MANNY GONZALES

Required $5.00 Qualifying Contributions: 3,779
Verified $5.00 Qualifying Contributions: 1,724
Rejected $5.00 Qualifying Contributions: 93
Remaining $5.00 Qualifying Contributions Needed: 2,055
Percentage of Verified $5.00 Qualifying Contributions: 46%

NICHOLAS BEVINS

Required $5.00 Qualifying Contributions: 3,779
Verified $5.00 Qualifying Contributions: 28
Rejected $5.00 Qualifying Contributions: 0
Remaining $5.00 Qualifying Contributions Needed: 3,751
Percentage of Verified $5.00 Qualifying Contributions: 1%

PATRICK BEN SAIS

Required $5.00 Qualifying Contributions: 3,779
Verified $5.00 Qualifying Contributions: 3
Rejected $5.00 Qualifying Contributions: 1
Remaining $5.00 Qualifying Contributions Needed: 3,776
Percentage of Verified $5.00 Qualifying Contributions: 0%

https://www.cabq.gov/vote/candidate-information/2021-candidates/petition-qualifying-contribution-tally-1

COMMENTARY AND ANALYSIS

As of May 24, there are only 26 remaining days until June 19 for candidates for Mayor to collect the mandatory 3,000 nominating petition signatures from registered city of Albuquerque voters and to collect the 3,779 qualifying donations of $5.00 from city of Albuquerque registered voters.

MAYOR TIM KELLER

Thus far, and based on 26 remaining days to collect signatures and $5.00 qualifying donations, Mayor Tim Keller is in the most comfortable position to collect both nominating petition signatures and $5.00 qualifying donations. The Keller campaign has collected 91% of the necessary nominating petition signatures and 67% of the $5.00 qualifying donations with 1,252 remaining donations to be collected. Collecting the remaining 1,252 donations is doable, but still difficult, and will require collecting an average of 48 donations a day.

SHERIFF MANNY GONZALES:

Based on the time remaining, it appears that Sheriff Manny Gonzales is having difficulty in collecting both the nominating petition signatures as well as the $5.00 qualifying donations. Gonzales has collected 55% of the required 3,000 signatures and needs to collect another 1,361 more, which is doable over the remaining 26 day remaining to collect.

Gonzales is struggling to collect the verified $5.00 Qualifying Contributions and has collected 1,724 donations or 46% and needs to collect another 2,055 donations or at least 79 donations a day for the next 26 days. If Gonzales does not qualify for public finance, he could declare he will seek private financing and stay in the race but it will be a major setback to his campaign. Gonzales will no doubt ramp up private donation efforts but donors will be reluctant to contribute to both him and a measured finance committee. Another impact of failure to qualify for public finance will be to dry up private contributions to the two measured finance committees set up to promote him.

Sources are also saying that Republican political operative and consultant Jay McClesky, know for his slash and burn tactics, is managing the Gonzales campaign and for that reason may be trying to turn things around for the Sheriff by tapping into Republican support for Gonzales. McClesky managed both former Republican Mayor Berry’s campaigns for Mayor as well as both campaigns for Republican Governor “She Whose Shall Not Be Named”.

NICHOLAS BEVINS

Bevins has collected a mere 366 nominating signatures out of 3, 000 and even fewer 28 qualifying $5.00 donations out of 3,779, will likely not make the ballot as a “public finance” candidate but could still opt to run as a privately financed candidate or a write in candidate.

PATRICK BEN SAIS

Sais has collected has collected a mere 453 nominating signatures out of 3, 000 and a paltry 3 qualifying $5.00 donations out of 3,779. It’s Sais will not make the ballot as a “public finance” candidate but could still opt to run as a privately financed candidate or a write in candidate.

AMOUNT RAISED BY MEASURED FINANCE COMMITTEES

Under the City of Albuquerque’s campaign finance laws, a Measure Finance Committee is a political action committee (PAC), person or group that supports or opposes a candidate or ballot measure within the City of Albuquerque. Measure Finance Committees are required to register with the City Clerk within five (5) days once they have raised or spent more than $250 towards their purpose.

Measure finance committees are not bound by the individual contribution limits and business bans like candidates. No Measure Finance Committee is supposed to coordinate their activities with the individual candidates running for office, but this is a very gray area as to what constitutes coordination of activities and it is difficult to enforce.

According to City Clerk records, 3 measured finance committees have been formed for the 2021 municipal election, 2 measured finance promoting and spending money on behalf of Manny Gonzales and one promoting Tim Keller. The measured finance committees and what they have raised according to the Second Campaign Finance Reports filed on May 10, 2021 are as follows:

1. RETIRED LAW ENFORCEMENT FOR A BETTER ALBUQUERQUE: $550 Cash Balance

https://campaignfinance.cabq.gov/PublicSite/Reports/FetchReportToPDF.aspx

STATED PURPOSE: “Support Albuquerque mayoral candidate who will improve the quality of life for its citizens as well as oppose candidates that are detrimental to the future growth and safety of Albuquerque.”

The chairperson of the “Retired Law Enforcement for a Better Albuquerque is Jason Katz and the Treasurer is listed as Sistine Jaramillo. Upon information and belief, Jason Katz is a former and retired Chief Deputy of the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office and is a longtime supporter and has worked for Gonzales. No background information could be located on Sistine Jaramillo.

2. SAVE OUR CITY: $16,495 Cash Balance

STATED PURPOSE: To address the serious crime and leadership problem in Albuquerque.

The Chairperson of “Save Our City” is Sam Vigil and the Treasurer is Republican State Representative Bill Rehm. Sam Vigil is the husband Jacquiline Vigil who was gun down in her car backing out of the family home driveway in the early morning hours as she was leaving for the gym. Republican New Mexico State Representative Bill Rehm, District 31, Bernalillo County, has been a State Representative since 2006. Rehm retired in 2000 from BCSO Sheriff’s office as Captain. Rehm is considered a reliable conservative supporter of law enforcement efforts in the New Mexico Legislature.

https://campaignfinance.cabq.gov/PublicSite/SearchPages/OrganizationDetail.aspx?OrganizationID=7109

https://www.abqjournal.com/2381547/vigil-forms-political-action-committee-to-defeat-keller.html

3. BUILD BACK ‘BURQUE: $0.00 Cash Balance

https://campaignfinance.cabq.gov/PublicSite/Reports/FetchReportToPDF.aspx

As of April 26, one measured finance committees has been formed to support Mayor Tim Keller’s bid for a second 4 year term . The Measured finance committee is identified as “ BUILD BACK ‘BURQUE”.

STATED PURPOSE: “Support mayor Tim Keller’s re-election to a second term for the city of Albuquerque”

The Chairperson for “Build Back ‘Burque” is Michelle Mayorga. According to the American Association of Political Consultants “Michelle Mayorga has spent nearly 2 decades working on campaigns, progressive issues, and in local and national administrations. She previously served as Western Field Director at the AFL-CIO, Western Political Director at the DCCC, and Coordinated Director for the Democratic Party of New Mexico in 2012.”

https://theaapc.org/awards/40-under-40/class-of-2016/michelle-mayorga/

The Treasurer for “Build Back ‘Burque” is Robert Lara. Mr. Lara is a licensed New Mexico attorney and is the former State Treasurer of the Democratic Party of New Mexico.

https://campaignfinance.cabq.gov/PublicSite/SearchPages/OrganizationDetail.aspx?OrganizationID=7112

4. ABQ FIREPAC (NO FINANCE REPORTS FILED)

On May 12, a fourth measured finance committee named ABQ FIREPAC when it filed its registration with the city clerk. The stated purpose is to “ SUPPORT CANDIDATES WHO SUPPORT PUBLIC SAFETY & FIRE FIGHTER ISSUES”. What this measured finance committee is the local firefighter’s union.

Every election year, the local firefighters get very involved with municipal elections with endorsements and contributing to campaign efforts. The firefighters union not only provides campaign materials such as sign, but also provide volunteers for phone banking and other activities. Four years ago, ABQFIREPAC reported that it raised and spent $67,000 on the Mayor’s and City Council races.

https://campaignfinance.cabq.gov/PublicSite/SearchPages/OrganizationDetail.aspx?OrganizationID=7121

The two measured fiancé committees set up to promote Sheriff Gonzales have raised a paltry $17,050 combined. It is not at all likely they will be able to raise the amount of public financing of $661,309.25 that is available. It is the $661,309.25 in public finance that would make Sheriff Gonzales a viable candidate. As a candidate for Sheriff, Gonzales never ever came close to raising such a large sum of money. Keller on the other hand has done it. Both the measured finance committees for Gonzales are headed up by individuals who are ostensibly volunteers, totally unaccustomed to or who do not have access to the type of massive political contributions necessary to run a Mayor’s race.

Mayor Tim Keller’s measured finance committee identified as “ BUILD BACK ‘BURQUE” on the other hand has two highly connected individuals in the Democratic Party. Further, the Chairperson for “Build Back ‘Burque” is Michelle Mayorga and she has 20 years’ experience working on campaigns, progressive issues, and in local and national administrations. It’s likely “Build Back Burque will be relying upon Mayor Tim Keller’s contribution list of donors that contributed hundreds of thousands in campaign donations to his campaigns for State Senate and State Auditor. Keller’s measured finance committee may have not raised anything to date, but that will change dramatically as the race heats up.

THE CHALLENGES WE FACE

If things continue as they are, it is more likely than not that there will be only two candidates for Mayor out of the 4 announced, who will make the November 2, ballot. Further, it is more likely than not that Mayor Time Keller will be the only candidate that will qualify for public finance, with Sheriff Manny Gonzales falling far short of collecting the 3,779 qualifying $5.00 donations. It’s a damn shame.

The city is facing any number of problems that are bringing it to its knees. Those problems include the coronavirus pandemic, business closures, high unemployment rates, exceptionally high violent crime and murder rates, continuing mismanagement of the Albuquerque Police Department, failed implementation of the Department of Justice reforms after a full six years and millions spent, declining revenues and gross receipts tax, increasing homeless numbers, lack of mental health programs and little to none economic development.

The city cannot afford another mayor who makes promises and offers only eternal hope for better times that result in broken campaign promises. What is needed is a mayor who actually knows what the hell they are doing, who will make the hard decisions without an eye on the next election, not make decisions only to placate their base and please only those who voted for them. What’s needed is a healthy debate on solutions and new ideas to solve our mutual problems, a debate that can happen only with a contested election.

There is plenty of time for other candidates to run as privately financed candidates and raise private campaign donations. The time for privately financed candidates for Mayor to collect signatures is much later from publicly finance candidates. That time is from June 8 to August 10, 2021. Privately Finance Candidates for Mayor must also gather 3,000 signatures from registered voters within the City.

The commencement time for privately finance candidates to collect the 3,000 nominating petition signatures for Mayor is later and is June 8 to August 10. Privately finance candidates can collect donations at any time.

Anyone one interested in running for Mayor and who has a real love for this city and is concerned about what is happening is encouraged to contact the City Clerk’s office.
The link to the city web site for candidates is here:

https://www.cabq.gov/vote/candidate-information/2021-candidates

https://campaignfinance.cabq.gov/PublicSite/SearchPages/CommitteeSearch.aspx

On Friday, May 21, the Albuquerque Journal Published a guest column entitled “Groups Oppose Bernco Sheriff’s Run For Mayor”. It was written by Brianna Gallegos, the President of the Young Democrats of New Mexico. Below is the guest column in full with the link to the Journal article:

“On behalf of the following caucuses and affiliated organizations within the Democratic Party of New Mexico – the Adelante Progressive Caucus, the Black Caucus, the Hispanic Caucus and the Young Democrats of New Mexico – we must ensure our elected officials uphold values that are key to our Democratic platform.

We stand in strong condemnation of Manny Gonzales and the actions he’s taken as sheriff. He is no Democrat and does not stand for the Democratic values that we fight for, and we cannot support his candidacy for mayor. These opinions are from these Democratic caucuses of the Democratic Party only and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the DPNM or other caucuses within the DPNM.”

COMMENTARY AND ANALYSIS

After reading the 550-word guest column, one can only wonder if the blog article entitled “Führer Trump’s Favorite Democrat Sherriff Manny Gonzales Runs For Mayor; A DINO And Law Enforcement Dinosaur” published on April 20 was used as source material. The link to that blog article is here:

https://www.petedinelli.com/2021/04/20/fuhrer-trumps-favorite-democratic-sherriff-manny-gonzales-runs-for-mayor-a-dino-and-law-enforcement-dinosaur/

The Journal Guest column is very polite, but does indicate the tone of the campaign for Mayor will be taking over the next few months. It is more likely than not, the column was written by organizations that are already supporting Tim Keller for a second term, they just did not come out and say it. You can expect supporters of Sheriff Gonzales will be compelled to write their own column regarding Tim Keller which will likely center on Keller’s weaknesses.

LESS THAN STELLAR KELLER MAKES MANNY VIABLE

Democrats are very reluctant to acknowledge the shortcomings of Mayor Tim Keller out of sure sense of loyalty. Usually, any criticism of Keller in private with Democrats results in extreme hostility that is almost cult like.

There is no doubt that the city’s out of control crime rates will be the number one issue in this year’s Mayor’s race. That is the only reason why Sheriff Manny Gonzales poses a real threat to Keller. Had Mayor Tim Keller done a better job, and kept all of his promises the likes of Manny Gonzales being a viable candidate would not even be an issue.

For more on Keller’s broken promises see the below blog article entitled “Mayor Tim Keller’s Promises Made, Promises Broken As He Seeks Second Term; Voters Will Decide If Keller “Has Done A Good Job”.

Keller is the front runner now because of his incumbency, but as the body count mounts things are only going to get worse for him. His popularity will be taken down with each body count increase. His accomplishments have been less than stellar. The city’s high murder rate is rising even further. There will be more violent crime during the hot summer as people break out of quarantine as things return to normal. Keller has not come close to the change he promised in 2017.

After being elected, Keller signed a tax increase after promising not to raise taxes without a public vote. Keller failed to make the sweeping changes to the Albuquerque Police Department, and his promised implementation of the DOJ reforms stalled so much that he fired his first chief. Keller has appointed Harold Medina – who has a nefarious past with the use of deadly force against two people suffering from psychotic episodes – permanent chief. Keller is not even close to reaching the 1,200 sworn police officers promised nor to community-based policing. Keller’s promise to bring down violent crime never materialized and four programs to bring down violent crime have failed. For three years, murders have hit an all-time record, with many still unsolved.

BURQUE BROS FAIL TO BRING DOWN VIOLENT CRIME

There is little doubt that crime will be the biggest issue in the 2021 election for Mayor. There is one very big thing that Mayor Keller and Sheriff Manny Gonzales have in common and that is they have been both failures in bringing down the cities violent crime. It is disappointing that inept “Burque Bros” Tim Keller and Manny Gonzales are running for mayor and are the two top contenders. Both are seeking public financing and will likely make the ballot.

Mayor Tim Keller, who has been in office for over 3 years, and Bernalillo County Sheriff Manny Gonzales, who has been in office over 6 years, have both been ineffective in bringing down the city’s and the county’s crime rates. Sheriff Manny Gonzales and his BCSO are just as hapless in dealing with spiking crime rates as Mayor Tim Keller and APD.

During the last 3 years under Mayor Tim Keller’s leadership as well as the leadership of Bernalillo County Sheriff Manny Gonzales, things have only gotten worse in the city as well as the county when it comes to murders and violent crime rates. When you listen to both, you hear them say things will get better. Gonzales especially says he can do better than Keller as mayor. Gonzales doing better than Keller as Mayor is not at all likely given he has failed at the county level during his entire tenure as Sheriff and he has failed to keep up with changes in law enforcement and constitutional policing practices.

With Keller and Gonzales, we are faced with walking into a voting booth, holding our nose and voting for the lesser of two evils, or just not voting at all.

The link to a related blog article entitled “Keller And Gonzales Run For Mayor; Both Failures In Bringing Murder Rates, Crime Rates Down; City And County’s 2021 Homicide Rates Likely To Break All Time Record”

https://www.petedinelli.com/2021/04/28/keller-and-gonzales-run-for-mayor-both-failures-in-bring-murder-rates-crime-rates-down-city-and-countys-2021-homicide-rates-likely-to-break-all-time-record/

THE CHALLENGES WE FACE

The city is facing any number of problems that are bringing it to its knees. Those problems include the coronavirus pandemic, business closures, high unemployment rates, exceptionally high violent crime and murder rates, continuing mismanagement of the Albuquerque Police Department, failed implementation of the Department of Justice reforms after a full six years and millions spent, declining revenues and gross receipts tax, increasing homeless numbers, lack of mental health programs and little to none economic development.

The city cannot afford another mayor who makes promises and offers only eternal hope for better times that result in broken campaign promises. What is needed is a mayor who actually knows what the hell they are doing, who will make the hard decisions without an eye on the next election, not make decisions only to placate their base and please only those who voted for them. What’s needed is a healthy debate on solutions and new ideas to solve our mutual problems, a debate that can happen only with a contested election.

There is plenty of time for other candidates to run as privately financed candidates and raise private campaign donations. The commencement time for privately finance candidates to collect the 3,000 nominating petition signatures for Mayor is later and is June 8 to August 10. Privately finance candidates can collect donations at any time.

Anyone one interested in running for Mayor and who has a real love for this city and is concerned about what is happening is encouraged to contact the City Clerk’s office.

The link to the city web site for candidates is here:

https://www.cabq.gov/vote/candidate-information/2021-candidates

LINKS TO RELATED BLOG ARTICLE ARE HERE

Der Führer Trump’s Favorite Democrat Sherriff Manny Gonzales Runs For Mayor; A DINO And Law Enforcement Dinosaur

Mayor Tim Keller’s Promises Made, Promises Broken As He Seeks Second Term; Voters Will Decide If Keller “Has Done A Good Job”

Keller And Gonzales Run For Mayor; Both Failures In Bringing Murder Rates, Crime Rates Down; City And County’s 2021 Homicide Rates Likely To Break All Time Record