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

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

This entry was posted in Opinions by . Bookmark the permalink.

About

Pete Dinelli was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He is of Italian and Hispanic descent. He is a 1970 graduate of Del Norte High School, a 1974 graduate of Eastern New Mexico University with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and a 1977 graduate of St. Mary's School of Law, San Antonio, Texas. Pete has a 40 year history of community involvement and service as an elected and appointed official and as a practicing attorney in Albuquerque. Pete and his wife Betty Case Dinelli have been married since 1984 and they have two adult sons, Mark, who is an attorney and George, who is an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). Pete has been a licensed New Mexico attorney since 1978. Pete has over 27 years of municipal and state government service. Pete’s service to Albuquerque has been extensive. He has been an elected Albuquerque City Councilor, serving as Vice President. He has served as a Worker’s Compensation Judge with Statewide jurisdiction. Pete has been a prosecutor for 15 years and has served as a Bernalillo County Chief Deputy District Attorney, as an Assistant Attorney General and Assistant District Attorney and as a Deputy City Attorney. For eight years, Pete was employed with the City of Albuquerque both as a Deputy City Attorney and Chief Public Safety Officer overseeing the city departments of police, fire, 911 emergency call center and the emergency operations center. While with the City of Albuquerque Legal Department, Pete served as Director of the Safe City Strike Force and Interim Director of the 911 Emergency Operations Center. Pete’s community involvement includes being a past President of the Albuquerque Kiwanis Club, past President of the Our Lady of Fatima School Board, and Board of Directors of the Albuquerque Museum Foundation.