The Local Election Act (LEA) was passed by the New Mexico Legislature in 2018. The Local Election Act provides for consolidated local elections to be conducted in New Mexico The upcoming November 5, 2019 election will be the first consolidated elections for the City of Albuquerque, which will include 4 City Council races and City capital improvement bonds, the Albuquerque Public School Board, a continuation of a tax levy for APS school maintenance, CNM, the Albuquerque Metropolitan Arroyo Flood Control District and the Ciudad Soil and Water Conservation Board. Voters will get one ballot for the races that pertain to them when they go to vote based on their voter registration.
ALBUQUERQUE JOURNAL CANDIDATE BIOS, QUESTIONS
Every election, and a few weeks before an election, the Albuquerque Journal sends out a questionnaire to candidates and ask them the very same questions. Further, the Journal editors invite the candidates to call in and make an appointment with the Journal Editorial staff, and the editors and perhaps along with a reporter, interview the candidates for the paper’s endorsement. Endorsement editorials are then published a week to two weeks before the election.
The races for City Council District 2, 4, 6 and District 8 are the 4 City Council races that will be on the November 5. The District 2 race is the most contentious and a separate blog article on that race can be found here:
Below are the District 4, 6 and 8 candidate’s profiles and questions published by the Albuquerque Journal followed by the links to the election articles:
CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 4
District 4 is Albuquerque’s Northeast Heights District with Tramway being the North Boundary, Eubank being the East boundary and Montgomery being the South Boundary and the freeway being roughly the West Boundary. Republican City Councilor Brad Winter is not running for reelection and there three candidates running to replace him: Republican Brook Bassan, and Democrats Athena Ann Christodoulou and Ane Romero.
Below are the District 4 candidate’s biographies with questions and candidate answers followed by the of the Albuquerque Journal article:
BROOK BASSAN
POLITICAL PARTY: Republican
AGE: 39
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, ITT Technical Institute, 2007
OCCUPATION: Household CEO since 2008; Nor Este Neighborhood Association board member since 2017; North Star Parent Teacher Association president since 2018; NM Parent Teacher Association financial officer since 2019; intern with United States Probation & Parole (2006-2007); waitress at Season’s Rotisserie Grill 2005-2007.
FAMILY: Husband, Uri Bassan, and four children.
POLITICAL/GOVERNMENT EXPERIENCE: Intern with United States Probation & Parole (2006-2007).
MAJOR PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENT: It is a privilege to have Councilor (Brad) Winter’s endorsement after directly working with him and my neighbors to add traffic calming measures increasing pedestrian and cyclist safety on streets near our houses and elementary school.
MAJOR PERSONAL ACCOMPLISHMENT: I am honored to represent all New Mexico mothers as the 2019 NM Mother of the Year awarded by American Mothers Inc. Duties include promoting awareness and advocating for all mothers in our state.
Q: What specific steps do you think the city should take to address the homelessness crisis?
A: The city should build a new homeless shelter that doesn’t just warehouse people. It must be a full service, multidisciplinary health care facility that includes drug treatment, social services, and job training.
Q: Besides hiring more officers, what do you think the council could do to improve public safety?
A: As the candidate endorsed by Albuquerque Police Officers Association, I will support strict enforcement of all laws. Criminals must know there will be consequences including jail time that is not a revolving door.
Q: Do you think the city should pass a paid sick leave mandate? If so, would you support the paid leave ordinance passed by the Bernalillo County Commission or what changes would you propose?
A: No. Small business mandates and regulations should be minimized as much as possible. The sick leave ordinance passed by the County has already resulted in a proposed amendment, indicating the bill was not thoroughly vetted. (Editor’s note: Amendments passed Oct. 15.)
Q: What is your top idea for boosting the city’s economy?
A: Increasing consumer spending is key. We must aggressively use tax incentives to attract high paying jobs and expand our partnerships with UNM and CNM to ensure a trained labor force exists to staff those industries.
Q: What can the city do to keep — and attract — more young people?
A: Access to after school programs, abundant sports activities, early childhood education and ensuring training and education for high paying, competitive jobs will entice people to move to our beautiful, diverse and safe city.
Q: What, if any, changes would you like to see to the city’s Integrated Development Ordinance?
A: The IDO should be amended to tailor density consistent with the existing property sites and allow for more community input by establishing a quasi-judicial board comprised of both municipal department officials and public citizens.
Q: What is the greatest infrastructure need the city faces and how would you fund its resolution?
A: Albuquerque streets suffer from lack of maintenance. Potholes and uneven roadway surfaces continually cause damage to our vehicles. Our municipal transportation budget should be spent on basic street repairs and improvements.
Q: Under what circumstances, if any, would you support a tax increase?
A: Taxes should never be increased unless approved by the voters. We must prioritize our current municipal budget on expenditures proven to reduce crime and increase quality of life.
Q: Would you support a tax increase to build a soccer stadium in Albuquerque?
A: Building a local soccer stadium will help Albuquerque develop economically and make us a world class city. If a tax increase is necessary, it should be approved by voters and not imposed by City Council.
Q: What has been Mayor Tim Keller’s best move so far and what do you think has been his administration’s biggest misstep?
A: Incrementally growing the size of APD and greater collaboration with State Police have been the mayor’s best achievements. His biggest mistake was raising the gross receipt tax after Candidate Keller promised he would not.
Q: What one issue would you like to focus on as a Councilor the next four years?
A: A meaningful reduction in Albuquerque’s crime epidemic will promote our city’s prosperity. We should utilize an all-of-the-above approach and implement proven harm reduction strategies to address the consequences of drug addiction and homelessness.
Q: Have you or your business, if you are a business owner, ever been the subject of any state or federal tax liens?
A: No.
Q: Have you ever been involved in a personal or business bankruptcy proceeding?
A: No.
Q: Have you ever been arrested for, charged with, or convicted of drunken driving, any misdemeanor or any felony in New Mexico or any other state?
A: No.
________________________________________________________________
Athena Ann Christodoulou
POLITICAL PARTY: Democratic
AGE: 57
EDUCATION: Professional Science Master’s degree from the University of New Mexico (2012); Master’s degree in environmental engineering from the University of Central Florida (1994); Bachelor’s of civil engineering (1983).
OCCUPATION: Retired; Consultant for the U.S. Department of Energy Solar in your Community Challenge (2017-18); Airbnb hostess (2013-2018); stay-at-home parent (1987-2016); Navy engineer (1982-2005); restaurateur (2004-2007)
FAMILY: Husband, Christos Christodoulou; three adult sons.
POLITICAL/GOVERNMENT EXPERIENCE: Albuquerque Energy Council chair (2017-2019); Consultant/coach for U.S. Department of Energy Solar in your Community Challenge (2017-18); Navy reserves engineer, retired commander (1982-2005).
MAJOR PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENT: Attain and maintain engineering designator in Navy reserves: Had to achieve environmental engineering masters, passed oral boards covering ship design, construction, and systems, updated technical knowledge, and traveled nationally and internationally.
MAJOR PERSONAL ACCOMPLISHMENT: Led the winning team in the 2012 UNM technology business plan competition as a student at UNM despite cancer, relationship reconstruction, family obligations and an inability to speak. Accomplished through God’s grace and watchfulness.
Q: What specific steps do you think the city should take to address the homelessness crisis?
A: More behavioral health outreach; more City-sponsored low-income housing for seniors; secure parking lots with bathroom facilities; a Habitat for Humanity-type home program; requirements for some rent-controlled units in larger apartment buildings.
Q: Besides hiring more officers, what do you think the council could do to improve public safety?
A: Continue developing community policing and working on CASA. Establish police service aides citywide. Push the digital neighborhood watch (real-time crime center registration of private exterior surveillance cameras).
Q: Do you think the city should pass a paid sick leave mandate? If so, would you support the paid leave ordinance passed by the Bernalillo County Commission or what changes would you propose?
A: Amended: Extend the “new business exemption” to 24 months then ratchet up annual accrued hours at the same rate as implementation (24, 40, 56). Limit to employers with more than 50 employees.
Q: What is your top idea for boosting the city’s economy?
A: Stop bagging and start bragging. We turn it on at Balloon Fiesta and events like the Senior games. Good feelings will inspire more investment and businesses. I love my adopted city!
Q: What can the city do to keep — and attract — more young people?
A: Tech transfer is one of my expertises, but unless we begin truly rewarding excellence while still maintaining relationships, we will continue to have many stars born here, but probably not stay here.
Q: What, if any, changes would you like to see to the city’s Integrated Development Ordinance?
A: It has many technical changes and amendments already underway, but ensuring the public has a say in their neighborhood development is key. It currently gives too much control to the DRB (Development Review Board) with little EPC (Environmental Planning Commission) oversight.
Q: What is the greatest infrastructure need the city faces and how would you fund its resolution?
A: My district wants their promised public pool. A county/APS/GO bond collaboration could bring that to fruition within 4 years. In addition, make Central Avenue a free wi-fi zone to offset ART damage.
Q: Under what circumstances, if any, would you support a tax increase?
A: If it were needed to keep our citizens safe and we couldn’t find other ways to tighten our belts to release the necessary funds.
Q: Would you support a tax increase to build a soccer stadium in Albuquerque?
A: Soccer, by far, is the most beloved sport in this city. Somehow UNM and the city need to collaborate to support that love and the need for a pro-level sport.
Q: What has been Mayor Tim Keller’s best move so far and what do you think has been his administration’s biggest misstep?
A: Good: Focus on City unity and branding to help people feel good about ABQ. Misstep: Calling diesel or natural gas a “clean” fuel.
Q: What one issue would you like to focus on as a councilor the next four years?
A: Our children’s future. We have an opportunity to respond to a critical environmental situation. I will develop a plan to create an atmosphere that fosters the right new tech and community to inspire Albuquerque stardom.
Q: Have you or your business, if you are a business owner, ever been the subject of any state or federal tax liens?
A: No.
Q: Have you ever been involved in a personal or business bankruptcy proceeding?
A: No.
Q: Have you ever been arrested for, charged with, or convicted of drunk driving, any misdemeanor or felony in New Mexico or any other state?
A: No.
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ANE C. ROMERO
POLITICAL PARTY: Democratic
AGE: 38
EDUCATION: Master’s Degree in Public Affairs (2011) and Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science with Law Emphasis, Minor in English (2005), both from New Mexico Highlands University.
OCCUPATION: Deputy Legislative Director for Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham since 2019; Policy director for Center Civic Policy (2017-2019); field representative for Sen. Martin Heinrich (2014-2016); senior legislative aide for Congressional Mental Health Caucus for U.S. Congresswoman Grace F. Napolitano (2007-2014).
FAMILY: husband, Ryan Force.
POLITICAL/GOVERNMENT EXPERIENCE: Member of the Northeast Community Policing Council since 2017; member of the University of New Mexico Masters in Public Policy Advisory Board (2019); member of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Policy Council since 2017; board member for the Albuquerque Center for Hope and Recovery, since 2016; Bernalillo County Democrats Care chair (2017-2018); Traveled to Italy and Spain to meet with officials from the Departments of Mental Health (2013 and 2015); National Youth Advocate for Mental Health Parity (sponsored by Sen. Pete Domenici and Congressman Patrick Kennedy) (2005).
MAJOR PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENT: Having led the work that established the formal designation of May as National Mental Health Awareness Month, declared under President Obama, and recognized across all 50 states in 2012.
MAJOR PERSONAL ACCOMPLISHMENT: Working directly with General Peter Chiarelli, 32nd Vice Chief of Staff of the US Army, on efforts to address suicide rates among service members, which led to significant policy changes within the Department of Defense.
Q: What specific steps do you think the city should take to address the homelessness crisis?
A: Start with a plan to eradicate homelessness among veterans, as other cities have done. Build the proposed 24/7 emergency shelter as a critical stop-gap where services are coordinated and permanent housing is the goal.
Q: Besides hiring more officers, what do you think the council could do to improve public safety?
A: Invest in technology using data to identify criminal patterns and repeat offenders; improve lighting in neighborhoods, shopping centers; increase neighborhood watch programs; create a one-stop shop for substance abuse to reduce drug-related criminal behavior.
Q: Do you think the city should pass a paid sick leave mandate? If so, would you support the paid leave ordinance passed by the Bernalillo County Commission or what changes would you propose?
A: I support the county’s current ordinance as a starting point. Businesses need consistency in city and county requirements and law. There should be protections for workers who are sick to get earned time-off.
Q: What is your top idea for boosting the city’s economy?
A: I support an increased investment in the Local Economic Development Act (LEDA). LEDA’s closing funds brought us Netflix, NBC Universal, and Advance Network Management, a high-wage informational technology company located in District 4.
Q: What can the city do to keep — and attract — more young people?
A: Decrease crime, diversify our job market, better pay and job opportunities for wage growth, safer community to live and raise a family, and expand outdoor economy options.
Q: What, if any, changes would you like to see to the city’s Integrated Development Ordinance?
A: Neighborhoods should be able to maintain their existing distance and density rules. More opportunities must be made to include community input. I will work with all involved to ensure these changes happen.
Q: What is the greatest infrastructure need the city faces and how would you fund its resolution?
A: We need to prioritize our capital budget to address public safety. In regards to District 4 infrastructure needs, I would also focus continued investment at the North Domingo Baca Multigenerational Center.
Q: Under what circumstances, if any, would you support a tax increase?
A: I do not see a need to increase taxes. The city’s economy is headed in the right direction which will result in increased GRT, and the state is running large surpluses.
Q: Would you support a tax increase to build a soccer stadium in Albuquerque?
A: I won’t support a tax increase for a soccer stadium. However, I am supportive of the Mayor’s initiative to build a multi-sports complex through the process of refinancing existing bonds, which will not increase taxes.
Q: What has been Mayor Tim Keller’s best move so far and what do you think has been his administration’s biggest misstep?
A: Accomplishments: building up APD, adding more than 100 officers, and securing Netflix. Missteps: the administration’s lack of communication with neighborhoods regarding an idea for a spur line to reduce Balloon Fiesta traffic.
Q: What one issue would you like to focus on as a councilor the next four years?
A: Crime. We must address the root causes of crime by expanding behavioral health and drug treatment services, increasing access to pre-K, and creating new jobs.
A: Have you or your business, if you are a business owner, ever been the subject of any state or federal tax liens?
A: No.
Q: Have you ever been involved in a personal or business bankruptcy proceeding?
A: No.
Q: Have you ever been arrested for, charged with, or convicted of drunken driving, any misdemeanor or any felony in New Mexico or any other state?
A: In 2013, I was cited for speeding in Virginia. The citation was initially sent to the wrong address. Once the error was realized, I immediately paid the ticket and issue was resolved. (This was my first and only speeding ticket.)
Following is the link to the Albuquerque Journal election coverage article:
CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 6
City Council District 6 encompasses the International District, Mesa Del Sol, Nob Hill, Southeast Heights, and the University of New Mexico. There are two candidates running: Pat Davis and Gina Naomi Dennis
Below are the District 4 candidate’s biographies with questions and candidate answers followed by the of the Albuquerque Journal article
PAT DAVIS
POLITICAL PARTY: Democratic
AGE: 41
EDUCATION: Master’s degree in criminal justice from New Mexico State University (2009); certificate in criminal justice education from the FBI National Academy/University of Virginia (2006); bachelor’s degree in political science from Berry College (2000)
OCCUPATION: City councilor since 2015; formerly executive director of ProgressNow New Mexico (2011-2015); special programs officer with the Office of the District Attorney (2009-2011); police lieutenant with the University of New Mexico (2005-2009)
FAMILY: Partner, Christopher
POLITICAL/GOVERNMENT EXPERIENCE: City Councilor since 2015; chair of Governor’s Marijuana Legalization Work Group since 2019; member of the Albuquerque-Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority (2016-2018)
MAJOR PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENT: As a progressive activist coming to Council, some feared I couldn’t work with opponents to accomplish our agenda. I’m proud to have led my colleagues making us immigrant friendly, a solar leader, and smarter on policing.
MAJOR PERSONAL ACCOMPLISHMENT: Growing up gay during “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” I was scared to be me. Now, as one of New Mexico’s few openly gay electeds, I get to help other LGBTQ youth see their own opportunity.
Q: What specific steps do you think the city should take to address the homelessness crisis?
A: Last year, we spent $8M to house more than 800 homeless. Next: Fund outreach services on par with APD so we decriminalize homelessness and provide services in our parks and neighborhoods instead of just Downtown.
Q: Besides hiring more officers, what do you think the council could do to improve public safety?
A: Albuquerque should take the lead on gun violence, targeting repeat offenders quickly with new detectives to follow up on shootings and gun thefts, while also passing gun laws to prevent gun violence in public places.
Q: Do you think the city should pass a paid sick leave mandate? If so, would you support the paid leave ordinance passed by the Bernalillo County Commission or what changes would you propose?
A: Everyone gets sick and some need to care for parents or children. That’s why I introduced legislation providing sick leave to every worker. I hope a new council will pass a version of in 2020.
Q: What is your top idea for boosting the city’s economy?
A: In our last budget, I fought other councilors’ efforts cutting the Mayor’s $1 million local job training program. We should help local companies grow from 5 to 10 employees and expand CNM job skill training.
Q: What can the city do to keep — and attract — more young people?
A: Albuquerque added 3,600 millennials with degrees in the past few years, in part by investing in Downtown and Nob Hill, capitalizing on our strengths, affordability, new tech like scooters and events like SOMOs.
Q: What, if any, changes would you like to see to the city’s Integrated Development Ordinance?
A: I’ve already proposed making liquor sales conditional, giving neighborhoods a voice in decisions. I also proposed electronic notices to neighborhoods and online plan reviews by the public to make our development transparent to residents.
Q: What is the greatest infrastructure need the city faces and how would you fund its resolution?
A: With $400M in ADA sidewalk and street repairs, mostly in older neighborhoods like ours, I oppose sprawling new development. I helped add millions to our bond package for Southeast area streetlights, sidewalks and streets.
Q: Under what circumstances, if any, would you support a tax increase?
A: I supported the new 3/8th-cent tax, but only after passing my amendment requiring that 60% or more be used for public safety, so no future mayor could divert it for pet projects.
Q: Would you support a tax increase to build a soccer stadium in Albuquerque?
A: No. I sponsored the Mayor’s current sports tourism facility funding because it uses existing funds and public-private partnerships to create facilities without increasing taxes.
Q: What has been Mayor Tim Keller’s best move so far and what do you think has been his administration’s biggest misstep?
A: Best: Together, we’ve taken Councilor Benton and my 25% solar plan to 100% by 2030. Misstep: Early economic development fights with Council. Since then, we’ve worked together funding $1M for local business growth and scored Netflix, NBC.
Q: What one issue would you like to focus on as a councilor the next four years?
A: We are on the right track, lowering crime and hiring 200 more officers, but must do more on homelessness. We should fund community-based homeless workers providing case management services in parks and streets, not just Downtown.
Q: Have you or your business, if you are a business owner, ever been the subject of any state or federal tax liens?
A: No.
Q: Have you ever been involved in a personal or business bankruptcy proceeding?
A: No.
Q: Have you ever been arrested for, charged with, or convicted of drunken driving, any misdemeanor or any felony in New Mexico or any other state.
A: Yes. I pled guilty to DWI in 2013. It’s a big part of why I have worked so much to invest in treatment and diversion programs, helping others avoid repeating my mistakes.
_________________________________________________________
GINA NAOMI DENNIS
POLITICAL PARTY: Democratic
AGE: 41
EDUCATION: Master of business administration from American University (2005); Juris doctor law degree from American University (2003); Bachelor’s degree from Spelman College (2000); studied Mandarin Chinese at the Kunming College of Eastern Language in China (2015); studied constitutional law in post-apartheid era at Rhodes University in South Africa (1998)
OCCUPATION: Attorney (federal regulatory law, tribal law) since 2004, most recently for Stetson Law Offices in Albuquerque; president of the District 6 Coalition (2017-present); community organizer (2015-2017); CEO/owner and green building specialist, LEED AP, with Relerience (2009-2017)
FAMILY: Single, no children. I love my family, my parents, my twin brother Gary, my brother Gregory, and my nieces Sidney and Genevieve.
POLITICAL/GOVERNMENT EXPERIENCE: Represented seven tribal-Pueblo governments in New Mexico as an attorney (2017-2019); National Delegate from New Mexico for U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, DNC (2016); trade mission to South Sudan Africa regarding a national renewable energy policy plan, met with the South Sudanese National Minister of Electricity, Dams, Irrigation, and Water Resources, the National Minister of Defense, and the South Sudanese Vice President’s Office, (2013); trade Mission to Brazil, collaborated with the U.S. Department of Commerce for LEED green building meetings (2011); represented the government of Cameroon as an attorney (2007-2008); White House intern for President Bill Clinton (1999)
MAJOR PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENT: When I was President of the District 6 Coalition of 17 Neighborhood Associations, we saved dozens of jobs at Whittier Elementary School and Hawthorne Elementary School by helping those two Albuquerque public schools stay open.
MAJOR PERSONAL ACCOMPLISHMENT: I am a native English speaker and I also speak Mandarin-Chinese and Spanish.
Q: What specific steps do you think the city should take to address the homelessness crisis?
A: Address the underlying issues of homelessness, which are addiction and mental health. Have a robust outreach and treatment model that addresses addiction and mental health, and gets people up and out of homelessness.
Q: Besides hiring more officers, what do you think the council could do to improve public safety?
A: Eighty to 85% of crimes are committed while someone is high or trying to get high. Let’s reduce our opioid addiction rate so that we can reduce our crime rate.
Q: Do you think the city should pass a paid sick leave mandate? If so, would you support the paid leave ordinance passed by the Bernalillo County Commission or what changes would you propose?
A: Yes, an actual paid sick leave (which isn’t a tax) and will benefit both the families and the individuals. A healthy workforce is a better revenue model for our businesses.
Q: What is your top idea for boosting the city’s economy?
A: Follow public input from our small businesses and residents by addressing the failures of ART, such as the many, many problems caused by ART and the over 100 businesses crushed by ART.
Q: What can the city do to keep — and attract — more young people?
A: We have many young people; we need to do better by serving our young people with a good education and good jobs. Our young people will stay here if it’s a safe, healthy, thriving community.
Q: What, if any, changes would you like to see to the city’s Integrated Development Ordinance?
A: The IDO blocks due process by removing neighborhood input. Let’s bring back the public input and empower our neighborhoods.
Q: What is the greatest infrastructure need the city faces and how would you fund its resolution?
A: Get federal funding to address failures of ART, such as the over 100 businesses crushed by ART, excessive speeding and crashes on Lead, Coal, and Copper, and non-ADA compliant infrastructure and sidewalks.
Q: Under what circumstances, if any, would you support a tax increase?
A: It depends on the situation, our City budget, and the public input that we receive from our constituents.
Q: Would you support a tax increase to build a soccer stadium in Albuquerque?
A: We love soccer; however, we’re in the water right now because of the failed ART project and the high crime.
Q: What has been Mayor Tim Keller’s best move so far and what do you think has been his administration’s biggest misstep?
A: Best move: created an Office of Equity and Inclusion.
Biggest misstep: neglecting our ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) disability issues related to infrastructure and sidewalks.
Q: What one issue would you like to focus on as a councilor the next four years?
A: A safe, healthy, thriving community:
-Community Safety: Address addiction and homelessness.
-Get federal funding to address harm from the failed ART project and adjust the flawed design, and federal funding to bring our businesses back.
Q: Have you or your business, if you are a business owner, ever been the subject of any state or federal tax liens?
A: No.
Q: Have you ever been involved in a personal or business bankruptcy proceeding?
A: No.
Q: Have you ever been arrested for, charged with, or convicted of drunken driving, any misdemeanor or any felony in New Mexico or any other state?
A: No.
Following is the link to the Albuquerque Journal election coverage article:
CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 8
District 8 is the city’s far North East Heights District that includes the city’s foothills as the East boundary, Menaul as the Southern boundary, Wyoming as the West Boundry and Iseleta Pueblo makes up a good portion of the Northern boundary . The District is heavily Republican. There are two candidates running, Republican Incumbent City Councilor Trudy Jones and Democrat Maurreen Skowran. .
Below are the candidate’s biographies with questions and candidate answers followed by the link to the Albuquerque Journal article:
TRUDY JONES
POLITICAL PARTY: Republican
AGE: 70
EDUCATION: High school diploma
OCCUPATION: City councilor; previously worked in commercial real estate (1980-2010)
FAMILY: Husband, John M. Henderson III, two daughters
POLITICAL/GOVERNMENT EXPERIENCE: City councilor since 2007
MAJOR PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENT: Being elected to the council after a career as a local business leader. I am proud of my record supporting police and fire, improving our quality of life and standing up for fiscal responsibility.
MAJOR PERSONAL ACCOMPLISHMENT: Marriage to my husband John and helping raise his two daughters, and giving back to this city, which has made so much possible for me.
Q: What specific steps do you think the city should take to address the homelessness crisis?
A: We must get at the root of the problem by dealing with issues such as drug addiction, lack of education and job training. I sponsored the Pedestrian Safety Ordinance to help eliminate dangerous pedestrian/vehicle situations.
Q: Besides hiring more officers, what do you think the council could do to improve public safety?
A: I am the only candidate in this race who supports eliminating the Sanctuary City policy for illegal immigrants who have committed crimes. The Council must also provide APD with all the tools they need to be successful in the field.
Q: Do you think the city should pass a paid sick leave mandate? If so, would you support the paid leave ordinance passed by the Bernalillo County Commission or what changes would you propose?
A: I am opposed to this massive government regulation that would force local, small businesses out of business and make it more difficult to attract companies from outside New Mexico to locate here.
Q: What is your top idea for boosting the city’s economy?
A: We must create a more business-friendly environment with less red tape and low taxes. Albuquerque must be competitive with other cities, or companies will simply move to more business-friendly locations, which is happening now.
Q: What can the city do to keep — and attract — more young people?
A: We all want our children and grandchildren to stay in New Mexico to raise their families. That requires more career opportunities and a higher quality of life — better jobs and less crime.
Q: What, if any, changes would you like to see to the city’s Integrated Development Ordinance?
A: This ordinance is designed to be fluid and responsive to the needs of citizens. I support the current structure, where it is reviewed annually and changes are driven by citizens, neighborhood associations and small businesses.
Q: What is the greatest infrastructure need the city faces and how would you fund its resolution?
A: I believe our greatest infrastructure need is maintaining our roads and streets. We need to expand our busy major roads and repair and repave our neighborhood streets.
Q:Under what circumstances, if any, would you support a tax increase?
A: I do not believe there is any need for a tax increase.
Q: Would you support a tax increase to build a soccer stadium in Albuquerque?
A: I would oppose a tax increase to build a soccer stadium.
Q: What has been Mayor Tim Keller’s best move so far and what do you think has been his administration’s biggest misstep?
A: I support Mayor Keller’s selection of Chief Mike Geier to lead APD and for the willingness to work with City Council to provide funding and increase benefits for police. … Mayor Keller’s biggest misstep has been reckless spending.
Q: What one issue would you like to focus on as a councilor the next four years?
A: Public safety is the top issue. We must protect our neighborhoods from crime, rather than protecting criminals from consequences. That means hiring more police and standing behind them. I’m honored to have the endorsement of the Albuquerque Police Officers.
Q: Have you or your business, if you are a business owner, ever been the subject of any state or federal tax liens?
A: No.
Q: Have you ever been involved in a personal or business bankruptcy proceeding?
A: No.
Q: Have you ever been arrested for, charged with, or convicted of drunken driving, any misdemeanor or any felony in New Mexico or any other state?
A: No.
______________________________________
MAURREEN SKOWRAN
POLITICAL PARTY: Democratic
AGE: 56
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in geography from the University of New Mexico (2017); Associate degree in geographic information technology from Central New Mexico Community College (2013)
OCCUPATION: Data analyst with University of New Mexico Geospatial and Population Studies since 2016; previously a student technical specialist/student GIS technician; copy editor at the Albuquerque Journal (2009-14)
FAMILY: Wife, Sandra Nemeth
POLITICAL/GOVERNMENT EXPERIENCE: U.S. Marine Corps (1980-92). Served in presidential helicopter squadron.
MAJOR PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENT: Investigated fatal methadone overdoses in North Carolina, exposing its dangers in treating pain and addiction. The drug’s low cost had increased its use as a painkiller, although it wasn’t well understood or well monitored.
MAJOR PERSONAL ACCOMPLISHMENT: Moved to Albuquerque to help my father — an Air Force veteran — successfully overcome lung cancer. His renewed health (and encouragement) spurred me to get a college degree and begin a new chapter in my life.
Q: What specific steps do you think the city should take to address the homelessness crisis?
A: Building a campus with a shelter and services on site is a good beginning but doesn’t address a major source of homelessness. I would propose affordable housing set-asides for hard-working families who are at risk.
Q: Besides hiring more officers, what do you think the council could do to improve public safety?
A: Stemming the source of crime, with a program like the Cure Violence public health model, which has succeeded in a number of cities. It uses conflict mediation and help with employment, education and drug treatment.
Q: Do you think the city should pass a paid sick leave mandate? If so, would you support the paid leave ordinance passed by the Bernalillo County Commission or what changes would you propose?
A: I support five days of annual sick leave after 90 days of employment, pro-rated for part-time employees. I am open to phasing this in over a couple of years, as the county ordinance specifies.
Q: What is your top idea for boosting the city’s economy?
A: Reviewing local small business programs and incubators for effectiveness in growing the economy, supporting programs with a record of success, and providing tactical incentives for growth that have been proven to work in other cities.
Q: What can the city do to keep — and attract — more young people?
A: Create opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship in growing industries, maintain affordable housing, expand pre-K programs, improve K -12 public education, further develop parks, and create pockets of local businesses that appeal to younger people.
Q: What, if any, changes would you like to see to the city’s Integrated Development Ordinance?
A: The IDO did a good job of updating land-use regulations. I don’t foresee immediate major changes. Requirements to update the IDO annually and analyze community planning areas every five years will help us keep current.
Q: What is the greatest infrastructure need the city faces and how would you fund its resolution?
A: Maintaining existing infrastructure so that the city does not fall behind and incur more-costly repairs is my immediate concern. I would ask for a proactive maintenance schedule, building those costs into the budget now.
Q: Under what circumstances, if any, would you support a tax increase?
A: Albuquerque is poised for growth. A tax increase would not only dampen that potential, but put a disproportionate burden on those in lower income brackets. I prefer to increase tax revenues through economic growth.
Q: Would you support a tax increase to build a soccer stadium in Albuquerque?
A: I don’t support subsidizing sports arenas. Subsidies are highly likely to provide more profits to the team owners, but they aren’t guaranteed to provide enough economic benefits to cover the cost to the taxpayer.
Q: What has been Mayor Tim Keller’s best move so far and what do you think has been his administration’s biggest misstep?
A: Increasing public safety staffing, including police officers and support personnel, is the mayor’s best move. However, the increase in salary for top-level city officials without an equal concern for rank-and-file city workers is a misstep.
Q: What one issue would you like to focus on as a councilor the next four years?
A: Reducing crime in District 8: analyzing where and when crime occurs, ensuring the district is staffed with enough officers, and assessing whether measures such as better lighting would reduce crime in some areas.
Q: Have you or your business, if you are a business owner, ever been the subject of any state or federal tax liens?
A: No.
Q: Have you ever been involved in a personal or business bankruptcy proceeding?
A: No.
Q: Have you ever been arrested for, charged with, or convicted of drunken driving, any misdemeanor or any felony in New Mexico or any other state?
A: No.
Following is the link to the Albuquerque Journal election coverage article:
https://www.abqjournal.com/1378457/district-8-council-race-analyst-vs-incumbent.html
JOURNAL ENDORSEMENTS ANNOUNCED
On October 19, the Albquerque Journal accounced its endorsements in all 4 of the city council races. The Journal made the following endorsements:
District 2: Democrat Issac Benton, Incumbent
District 4: Republican Brook Bassan
District 5: Democrat Pat Davis, Incumbent
District 8: Republican Trudy Jones, Incumbent
You can read the entire endorsements at the below link:
COMMENTARY AND ANALYSIS
The Albuquerque Journal’s endorsements of Incumbent Democrats Isaac Benton and Pat Davis came as no surprise to city hall watchers and political pundits. Both have strong opposition from other Democrats who are as equally progressive. The Journal always tends to endorse incumbents to maintain the status quo and both Benton and Davis have acted more like Republicans on the city council with their votes. See below related blog article “City Councilors Isaac Benton and Pat Davis Need To Be Thanked For Their Service And Voted Out Of Office.”
The Albuquerque Journal’s endorsements of Republican Incumbent Trudy Jones and Republican new comer Brook Bassan should also come as no surprise. Both conservative Republican Jones and Bassan are running against progressive Democrats and the Districts have always leaned Republican.
There are two weeks until the election, and anything can and often does happen to change the outcome. Incumbency is no longer that big of an advantage and a Journal endorsement is considered by many a “kiss of death” to a campaign, especially in progressive districts.
All too often, city council races are ignored by many voters and the campaigns do not really heat up until the very last weeks of the campaign. Most city council races are won with direct voter contact and candidates going “door to door” looking for support and votes.
Each City Council District has approximately 75,000 residents. Historically, only 2,000 to 4,000 votes are cast in each City Council District. Low voter turnout in city elections with any luck will be a thing of the past with the municipal elections moved from October to November and with the consolidated election ballot. The consolidated elections should result in a significantly higher voter turnout and result in a reduced amount of money to pay for only one election as opposed to 4 or 5 elections.
Each vote can and does make a difference. Voters should demand and expect more from candidates than fake smiles, slick campaign flyers, and no solutions to problems and no ideas. Our City needs more than promises of better economic times and lower crime rates for Albuquerque to improve. Voters need to demand answers and find out what candidates really stand for and what they intend to do once elected. Unless you vote, real change can never occur and if you do not vote you have no business complaining about the conditions of our city.
Please vote on Tuesday, November 5 and get involved.
For related blog articles see: