On Sunday November 16, the Albuquerque Journal published on its editorial opinion page the below “Local Columnist” opinion column by former three term Albuquerque Mayor Marty Chavez:

Journal Editor’s Headline: “Tim Keller is the right choice in the mayoral runoff election”

Local Column By Martin Chavez

 “Elections are about choices and Dec. 9, Albuquerqueans have a clear choice as to who should be mayor. I’ve never apologized for being conservative and pro-police on crime. Public safety is the first responsibility of local government — little else matters if we’re not safe in our community. That’s why in the runoff between Darren White and Tim Keller, I’m supporting Keller for reelection.

What candidates actually do is far more important than what they say. And here’s White’s actual record at City Hall — one that Keller has spent years working to clean up. When I left office in 2009, I was proud to have grown the Albuquerque Police Department to just under 1,100 police officers. As the chief public safety officer at the city, White helped shrink APD down to 836 officers, nearly a 25% reduction. And folks wonder why crime skyrocketed. It’s criminal that we have fewer police officers today than 16 years ago.

Put aside for a moment the scandals at APD during his tenure, whether it be his well-reported interference with his former wife’s single car crash — police reports indicating impaired driving on her part — or tromping through the death scene of a prominent civil rights attorney, White has proven himself to be the opposite of a law and order candidate. Put aside as well that he quit Gary Johnson’s administration in disgust because Johnson supported legalizing marijuana and then turned around and invested mightily in the marijuana industry, if public safety is your No. 1 priority, White simply isn’t the guy. It’s no wonder that the New Mexico State Police Officers Association voted no confidence on White when he worked at the state level and it’s no wonder that the Albuquerque Police Officers Association is endorsing Keller.

There’s a lot to disagree about with Keller, and the election results indicate a majority of Albuquerqueans are dissatisfied. I hope Tim takes that message to heart. But here are some facts that those not supporting Keller should consider. Homicides this year are down fully 32% over last year. Shootings are down 39% and auto theft 40%. Is it adequate? Of course not. But rather than celebrate it, I know that Keller sees it as a call to action.

While Keller rightly understands how important police are, he also understands that we can’t simply “police” our way out of our public safety challenges. His Albuquerque Community Safety Department is a fascinating experiment and one that I hope will work. In this era of risk-averse politicians, I’m pleased that Keller has been bold enough to take the chance. The same goes for the Gateway Center. I don’t agree with all of his approaches to homelessness but it’s good to see someone try something new. Importantly, I appreciate that he starts from a place of compassion which is where we should all start regarding our fellow humanity.

Finally, Washington, D.C., is in a state few in my generation could have ever imagined. The federal government is a shambles and the occupier of the part of the White House left undemolished spews division here and abroad. We ought not provide him with a willing partner in our Mayor’s Office. Tim Keller’s “One Albuquerque” is a better course for our kids.

Serving as your mayor was the honor of my professional lifetime. I’m proud to be born and raised in Albuquerque and I encourage everyone to join me in voting for another home town kid, Tim Keller. Elections really are about choices and this Dec. 9, the choice is clear.”

The link to the Albuquerque Journal Chavez endorsement column is here:

https://www.abqjournal.com/opinion/article_1b6d37c1-2503-42c2-8486-828bb439b12f.html

COMMENTARY AND ANALYSIS

The Albuquerque Journal has a 600-word limitation on all guest local opinion columns submitted for publication which explains the shortness of the Chavez guest column endorsement. Former Mayor Chavez glosses over or does not mention critical details about Darren White’s history of controversy. For that very reason, Darren White’s history  of controversy and chaos and his divisive campaign for Mayor merits further elaboration for voters to make a truly informed decision on whether Darren White is fit to be Mayor.

DARREN WHITE’S  BIOGRAPHY OF CHAOS AND CONTROVERSY

In 1987, White moved to New Mexico and joined the Albuquerque Police Department Academy.  White holds a B.A. in Management from the University of Phoenix and has one son, Darren II.  After his graduation from the APD Academy, White was assigned and served in the department’s Field Services Bureau, Motorcycle Patrol Unit and Crimes Against Children Unit. He reached the rank of Sergeant. While with APD, White joined the department band “The Force” as the lead singer with the band  performing in their APD uniforms to school children warning them about the dangers of abusing drugs and bellowing out in rock style lyrics “Just Say No To Drugs!” (Hold that thought for later!)           

DAREN WHITE THE CABINET SECRETARY

In 1995, Republican Governor Gary Johnson appointed White to head the New Mexico Department of Public Safety. At 31, White was the youngest state public safety director in the country. White also chaired Johnson’s cabinet council on crime and corrections.

While serving as secretary of the New Mexico Department of Public Safety, members of the New Mexico State Police Officers Association voted 243 – 31 “No Confidence” against White. The state police officers accused White of improperly supplying equipment and cars to its officers, which they felt was an officer safety issue.

https://www.police1.com/police-administration/articles/nm-police-have-no-confidence-in-safety-director-nQZQa5iQFpN4EEU3/

White had a very sudden and dramatic  parting of the ways with Governor Gary Johnson over Johnson announcing his support for the legalization of all drugs. White resigned in a “puff” as cabinet secretary saying he could never support the legalization of drugs.

WHITE WAS AGAINST POT BEFORE HE MADE MONEY OFF POT

White’s previous public statements and actions against marijuana reform have been extensive. In 2007, when medical marijuana became legal in New Mexico, White was vehemently opposed to it. White said this:

“I’ve never supported medical marijuana. … I’m very sympathetic to the patients – I watched my father die of cancer, and it’s the most difficult thing in the world – but I don’t think you have to smoke marijuana to gain the comfort and relief that’s provided by the THC.”

In 2002, as executive director of Protect New Mexico,  Darren White lobbied against both a medical marijuana bill and Johnson’s effort to decriminalize marijuana. White told the Albuquerque Journal at the time that the issue needed more research. When the New Mexico  Legislature rejected Johnson’s decriminalization bill, White said it was “a victory to our children and our neighborhoods.”

In 2007, the medical use  of marijuana was legalized with enactment of a bill by the New Mexico legislature which was signed by Governor Bill Richardson. When Republican Governor Susana Martinez became governor, Darren White changed his tune from “Just Say No To Drugs”  to “Lets Make Money Off  Drugs” on the legalization of  marijuana  and benefited from a state license he was awarded by the Martinez Administration to sell medical marijuana.

White showed what a hypocrite he is when following his career in law enforcement he started his own cannabis dispensary company call PurLife.  He served on the Board of Directors and CEO of Purlife, a medical marijuana distribution company. Despite lobbying against state medical cannabis legalization efforts, White changed his stance on the substance and ran his  medical cannabis company, which sold just before New Mexico legalized recreational use.

https://nmpoliticalreport.com/2015/09/02/green-and-white-former-sheriff-wants-in-on-medical-marijuana/

SEE  Pure Life Management Group.,  LLC,  Business ID number 5545730  at

https://enterprise.sos.nm.gov/search/business

WHITE THE BERNALILLO COUNTY SHERIFF

White was elected Bernalillo County Sheriff in 2002 and reelected in 2006.  As Bernalillo County Sheriff, Darren White helped TruTouch Technologies secure a sole-source contract in the amount of $379,995 to “supply alcohol screening and testing prototype equipment.” White notified the County Commission that “the Sheriff’s Department fully supports the Sole Source contract award to TruTouch Technologies of Albuquerque.” White was also running for US Congress at the time against Martin Heinrich, and received campaign contributions from TruTouch officers during a prohibited time.

https://www.democracyfornewmexico.com/democracy_for_new_mexico/darren-white/

WHITE THE ABQ CHEIF PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICER

Simply put, Republican Darren White blew it big time when he was Chief Public Safety Officer and Director of the Safe City Strike Force appointed by  Republican Mayor Richard Berry. Together they did irreparable damage to the city’s public safety and the Albuquerque Police Department.

WHITE AS DIRECTOR OF SAFE CITY STRIKE FORCE

In December 2009, White was appointed Albuquerque’s Chief Public Safety Offcer overseeing APD and the Fire Department and appointed Director of the Safe City Strike Force by Republican Mayor Richard J. Berry.

The Safe City Strike Force  was responsible for taking aggressive action against nuisance property’s and took code enforcement action against both commercial and residential properties that were determined to be magnets for crime. For  seven  years the Safe City Strike Force  took enforcement actions against 6,500 + properties through out the city. The Strike Force cleaned up Central with the city taking hundreds of  enforcement actions against substandard properties including  dozens of run down motels along Central and tearing down 8 motels and closing violent bars deemed a nuisance.

The Blue Spruce Bar, the most violent bar in the city at the time, was torn down and  Rusty’ Cork and Bottle was permanently closed. Club 7 on downtown Central was shut down by the Strike Force after an underage child died of an over dose of drugs during a RAVE. The Strike Forced closed down two flea markets on the West side that had become magnets for crime and for fencing of stolen property. The program was recognized nationally as a best practice program.

The Safe City Strike Force was order to be dismantled by Mayor Richard Berry and it was Darren White who went out of his way to dismantle the Strike Force because of demands by the business community sector and slum lords who did not like  aggressive code enforcement that held them accountable. Court cases and condemnations stopped and Darren White did nothing when it came to code enforcement against nuisance properties.

DARREN WHITE’S DISTRUCTION OF APD

When Mayor Richard Berry and Chief Public Safety Officer Darren White first took over APD, it was the best trained, best paid and best equipped in the department’s history.  In December 2009,  APD had a total of 1,100 full time sworn police officers, the largest number in its history. Crime rates were down significantly and APD had upwards of 750 sworn police patrolling the streets of Albuquerque with the Department engaged in true Community Policing Practices.

Darren White had no problem with the political  appointment by Mayor Richard Berry of  Republican Gordon Eden as APD Chief. Eden had no experience working within APD an no experience managing a large law enforcement department. Morale within the department plummeted.

Under Berry and White’s leadership, APD sworn personnel plummeted, and it hit low of 850 because the city could not keep up with retirements. To this very day, APD has never recovered from the mass exodus of sworn police and APD currently has 900 sworn police, 200 less than in 2019 when White took over.

It was during White’s tenure as Chief Public Safety Officer that the Department of Justice undertook the investigation of the Albuquerque Police Department for excessive use of force and deadly force. White failed to resist any of the demands made by the Department of Justice (DOJ) contained in the Consent Decree that impacted APD for close to 10 years and that mandated the expenditure of millions of taxpayer dollars.

WHITE TAKES OFF THE GLOVES DEALING WITH CITY HOMELESS

When White was Chief Public Safety Officer, it was he that said it was time to “take the gloves off when dealing with the homeless”  to remove the homeless from downtown Albuquerque.  Three of those arrested later sued the city, which settled the cases for $98,000.

http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2016/12/what-works-albuquerque-homeless-solution-housing-policy-214527

WHITE’S “NO CONFIDENCE VOTE” BY APD

Darren White was given  a vote of no confidence from the APD union because he took away the take home vehicle’s  for cops  and he stopped the pay increases negotiated with the union contract. APD moral plummeted under White’s leadership and he was given a  “No-Confidence” vote by a large majority of the members of the police union. White also imposed  severe pay cuts as a cost saving measure he implemented at the direction of Mayor Berry in violation of the police union contract negotiated in good faith by the police union.

https://www.koat.com/article/police-union-to-vote-no-confidence-in-darren-white/5035368

WHITE INSERTS SELF INTO MARY HAN CASE

One of the most disgraceful things Darren White did when he was Chief Public Safety Officer involved APD’s investigation of the 2010 death of prominent Civil Rights and Defense attorney Mary Han who was often at odds with both the Albuquerque Police Department and the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Department, including when White was Sherriff.

When the call was made to APD reporting that Mary Han was found dead in the seat of her car in her garage, then-city Public Safety Director Darren White and his spokesman, T.J. Wilham  dispatched themselves to the scene along with then APD Deputy Chiefs Beth Paiz, Paul Feist,  Allen Banks, then Valley Area Commander Rae Mason, then-City Attorney Rob Perry, and then police crime lab director Marc Adams and four sergeants, including a designated APD spokeswoman.

They all dispatched themselves to the scene ostensibly to “investigate” and to view Han’s body. They all were given free access to the scene thereby interfering  with the investigation. An  Attorney General investigation later conducted an investigation of how APD mishandled the investigation and reached several “principal findings,” including:

1. The large number of APD personnel given access to Han’s home “materially interfered with the investigation process”.
2. “Significant”  items were either removed from Han’s death scene, including her lap top,  or were “otherwise missing,” further complicating the case by thwarting scientific analysis and evidence collection.
3. A high-ranking APD official made a “precipitous decision” to label Han’s death a suicide before any investigation had been conducted.

Initially, the Office of the Medical Investigator ruled the Mary Han death a suicide, but her family never bought it. The Han family sued the office of medical investigator and succeeded in having Mary Han’s death certificate cause of death change from suicide to undetermined.

WHITE’S FORCED RETIREMENT FROM CITY

On July 15, 2011, Darren White announced his “retirement” from the city a little more than a week after he showed up to the scene of a car crash involving his wife where he took her from the scene and then drove her to the hospital. First responders never gave Kathy White a blood test even though a police report indicates she showed signs of impairment. Darren White released his wife’s urinalysis results that showed a drug screen came back negative. Documents show the test was roughly five hours after the accident which called into question the accuracy the test. Police say that a blood draw is much more comprehensive than a urine test.

White’s “retirement” came shortly after a City Council meeting in which a five-person committee voted to start compiling a list of outside investigators who could be called on to review White’s actions during his wife’s car accident. White maintained that he did nothing wrong and violated no policies but none the less he retired. The Police Oversight Commission exonerated White of any wrongdoing in the incident later that year.

https://www.koat.com/article/darren-white-retires-from-city-post/5036906

THE  “WHITE  LIE” THAT ALBUQUERQUE IS A SANCTUARY CITY

In his March 6  announcement for Mayor, Darren White said this:

“One of Keller’s first acts as Mayor was too make Albuquerque  a Sanctuary City for illegal immigrants who commit crimes. Now we have case after case of violent crimes being committed by illegal immigrants, many of who have been arrested multiple times but turned back onto the streets by this Mayor’s backward policies. As Mayor, I will end the Sanctuary City law immediately.”

The Mayor of Albuquerque does not have the legal authority to declare the city a Sanctuary City and that is the exclusive authority of the Albuquerque City Council.  Albuquerque is not  and has never been a “Sanctuary City” but is an “Immigrant Friendly City” as declared by City Council Ordinance enacted over 24 years ago.

It was in 2001, long before Keller became Mayor, that the city council  declared the city to be an “Immigrant-Friendly City” by City  Council ordinance originally sponsored by former Republican City Councilor Hess Yntema who represented the South East Heights area, including the International District that has the largest immigrant population in the city. The ordinance declares the City of Albuquerque to be an Immigrant-Friendly City. It establishes City Of Albuquerque policies regarding immigrants and their families, regardless of immigration status and establishes a city  immigrant resource program.

A “Sanctuary City” is a jurisdiction that prohibits local law enforcement  from a enforcing immigration laws leaving that work exclusively to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).  A “Sanctuary City” requires  the local government to protect the undocumented from federal authorities.

An “Immigrant Friendly” city on the other hand enacts policies that are favorable to undocumented people to allow services and its local law enforcement personnel do not make arrests for violations of federal immigration laws and only make arrests of undocumented people for violations of local ordinances and state laws. 

Albuquerque’s Immigrant Friendly ordinance prevents city resources from being used for immigration enforcement or for sharing information about an individual’s immigration status, unless legally required. City employees, including law enforcement, and all city  departments are not allowed to ask for a person’s immigrant status, and no department is allowed to maintain statistics on immigrants.

During the November 11 KOB 4 debate, White condemned Keller for the policies he has initiated dealing with the undocumented as being “too dangerous”.  During the debate, Keller remained in support of the city’s “immigrant-friendly” policies enacted by the city council, which forbids any city employee, including police, to collect information about immigration status or assist U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Keller said the city’s current immigrant-friendly policy protects public safety arguing it keeps people from fearing to call 911. Keller said this:

“We don’t ask your status when the fire department comes to help you or when the police come to keep you safe.” 

White said if elected he would let APD share arrest information with federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and said he would permit APD to cooperate with Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE). White said this:

“They are preying on our communities and the mayor is shielding them with his policy, which says ‘we are not going to provide any information to immigration’.’”

Mayor Keller accused Darren White of using fearmonger tactics and said this:

“Make no mistake, this is him trying to resurrect his own failed public safety career. … And what you heard today is why it’s never worked — because it’s based on fear, it’s based on slogans and some sort of savior complex that’s not about substance, that’s not about governing.”

Albuquerque is a “minority-majority” city with a Hispanic population of 49.2%, a Native American population of  4.81%, an African American population of  3.16% and an Anglo population of 37%. Because of its racial makeup, Federal ICE authorities no doubt view the city as fertile ground for Trump’s immigration raids. There  is little doubt that White as Mayor would order APD to cooperate with and welcome masked Federal ICE agents into the city to terrorize and arrest residents without due process of law or probable cause and any one they racial profile and suspect as being undocumented immigrants.

The link to quoted or relied upon news sources are here:

https://www.abqjournal.com/election/article_6ae409bf-03a9-43b7-baff-2a447fe926a0.html#tncms-source=home-featured-7-block

WHITE’S “DAY ONE TAKE DOWN” OF HOMELESS ENCAMPMENTS

Darren White has made the homeless crisis a cornerstone to his campaign for Mayor. White has said the homeless crisis has grown untenable under Mayor Keller’s leadership with the homeless numbers tripling under his watch and that Keller’s policies are not working. White has boldly proclaimed:

“When I’m elected, the homeless tent cities will come down on day one.”

In the November 11 debate, Keller called White’s approach “Trump-style roundups and chaos and violence”  with White saying  “take the gloves off”  to deal with the homeless when he was the city’s Public Safety Director. Keller was ostensibly referring to when White said it was “time to take the gloves off” to remove the homeless from downtown which resulted in the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)  initiating a lawsuit on behalf of 3 homeless. The lawsuit resulted in the city settling the case for $98,000.

During the November 11 debate, White said  “You bet I said take the gloves off ” and said had Keller done the same the city would not be dealing with the homeless crisis today. White’s inflammatory rhetoric “When I’m elected, the homeless tent cities will come down on day one” makes a great Trump like sound bite to win votes, but it is a very simplistic and dangerous approach to the homeless crisis. The remark shows a complete ignorance of the law and the courts. It’s likely White will get slapped senseless with a court injunction if he tried to carry out his threat that “tent cities will come down on day one.”

The city is in litigation initiated by the American Civil Liberties Union over Mayor Keller’s closure of Coronado Park and the removal and displacement of up to 150 homeless from the park. White has promised to remove all homeless encampments across the city on “day one,” but the legality of such an operation is unclear. Whether White’s proposed approach to homeless people is legal depends on the outcome of the lawsuit leveled against the city.

The city has been sued by eight  homeless people removed from Coronado Park  in a lawsuit that alleges that the city’s encampment sweep violated their Eighth Amendment right and constituted a “cruel and unusual punishment.” The lawsuit argues that city policy does not allow homeless people to exist in public spaces and that the city failed to offer a suitable alternative.

In its defense, the city is relying on a 2025 United States Supreme Court landmark case that empowers city’s and state’s to enforce its vagrancy, trespass and illegal camping laws. The case has already gone before the New Mexico Supreme court once and the trial on the merits is scheduled for October 2026. The case will no doubt be a landmark decision on what government can do when it comes to the homeless and enforcing city and state law on vagrancy, trespassing and illegal camping.

WHITE’S FLORIDA PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION

On Sunday, June 29, 2025 it was reported that Darren White took a $50,000 Florida property tax exemption on a  beachside home he owns in a small Florida town that resulted in him saving payment  in property taxes. Government documents show White purchased the property in 2019. The house is a single-family home located in Port St. Joe, a town in the Florida panhandle with a population of approximately 3,775 residents. According to a Zillow search, homes in St. Joe sell for upwards of $500,000.

The property tax break requires the property owner to be a Florida resident.  Emails available to the public, voting records and property show that White has claimed a house in Port St. Joe, Florida, as his primary residence since 2022. The Florida Gulf County Appraiser’s Office, which oversees property assessment duties for Port St. Joe, confirmed that White has received the homestead exemption since 2022. White has also paid  taxes on the house since buying it in 2019. An email from 2022 between White and the Appraiser’s Office shows that White confirmed he wanted the property tax exemption.

White confirmed that he owns the house in Florida but stated it is not his permanent residence and that he would contact the appropriate appraiser to have the $50,000 exemption removed. White  further argued that the situation amounted to nothing more than a “simple oversight” when asked if he felt like he should reimburse Florida State Gulf County.”

White offered the following explanation:

“I briefly lived in Florida but moved back in 2022 and changed my voter registration accordingly. I still have a home in Florida that is now a rental property. The property tax designation was inadvertent. It has been corrected, and all my taxes are up to date and paid in full. … We are confident voters care more about crime in Albuquerque than property tax technicalities in Florida.”

https://www.abqjournal.com/news/article_e21410a0-00dc-4b77-99a2-5c721ff19922.html

FINAL COMMENTARY

It’s noteworthy that Republican Darren White has been endorsed by MAGA Republican City Councilors Dan Lewis, Renee Grout and Dan Champine who sharply oppose Mayor Tim Keller.

White has not been  endorsed by major Republican former elected officials who have actually worked with him and know him such as Republican former Mayor Richard Berry,  former Republican Governors Suzana Martinez and Gary Johnson and former Republican Lt. Governor John Sanchez and  former Republican Party Chairman Harvey Yates and you must ask why? The answer is that Darren White’s campaign for Mayor can only be described as one of hate, contempt and divisiveness including within the Republican Party.

Voters will ultimately decide who to vote for and in all likelihood ignore all endorsements. Notwithstanding, former Mayor Marty Chavez’s  endorsement of Mayor Tim Keller can only be considered a major development in the 2025 runoff election between Tim Keller and Darren White. The Chavez endorsement is an alarm to voter’s as to what is at stake in this year’s election.

Early voting is from December 1 to December 6. The runoff election is December 9 and as usual voter turnout will be critical.

The link to a related article is here:

KOB 4 TV Debate Between Tim  Keller And Darren White Degenerates Into Political Mud Slinging Match; Voters Real Losers Of Debate; Please Vote December 9

Bill Tallman is a former Democratic NM State Senator who served in the New Mexico legislature from January 2017 to January 2025. Former Senator Tallman also served for 35 years as either a city manager, deputy city manager  and county administrator in Ohio, Illinois, New York, Connecticut and New Mexico.

EDITORS DISCLAIMER  Bill Tallman submitted the below guest column to be published on www.PeteDinelli.com. He was not compensated for it. His column is being published as a public service. The opinions expressed in the opinion column are not necessarily those of www.PeteDinelli.com.

Mayor Keller Administration Diverts $600,000 Appropriation For Downtown Multi-Purpose Arena Study To Soccer Stadium Electric Utility Site Plan; Action Violated Law On Capital Outlay Funding; City Needs Downtown Multipurpose Arena

In March 2023, during my tenure as a Senator in the New Mexico Legislature, I earmarked $600,000 in junior bill appropriation  funds to the City of Albuquerque for the explicit purpose of hiring a consultant to study the financing and location of a multi-purpose arena.

Instead of using the above-mentioned funds as appropriated, Mayor Keller directed the $600,000 to the site of the soccer stadium at the Balloon Fiesta grounds in far northern Albuquerque – $556,056 for an electric utility site plan and $43,948 for a traffic study.

Mayor Keller took this action without contacting me to request a change in the use of the appropriated junior bill appropriation  funds. I hypothesize that he didn’t contact me because the City Council advised Mayor Keller that they would not approve any additional funds for the soccer stadium, and the Council and the Mayor all knew I would not approve of the funds being expended on the soccer stadium. 

Over the past 5 years the  ABQ Journal has published 3 op eds in which I have spelled out the need for a downtown multi purpose arena.  I am well aware of what such a facility can do for a downtown, since as the City Manager of Moline, Il. I was an ex officio  member of the Quad Cities Civic Center  Authority which planned and constructed a multi purpose arena in Downtown Moline on land donated by Deere & Co.

 Mayor Keller’s use of the $600,000 in junior bill appropriation  funds  for the soccer stadium is a flagrant violation of the law since the junior bill appropriation funds were not used for their intended purpose. After learning about Mayor Keller’s misappropriation of junior bill appropriation  funds, I initiated legal action in late November 2024. The City of Albuquerque dragged their feet in responding to the IPRA (Inspection of Public Records Act) request during early 2025. As a result, I took additional legal action to cease this delay by the City.

Mayor Keller filed a motion to dismiss the case in late spring; on September 23, 2025, a judge ruled against Mayor Keller, failing to grant the motion to dismiss.

The case number is D-202-CV-2025-00490. The complaint is a mere seven pages, given that it is a very simple, straightforward case.

CITY IN NEED OF  MULTI-PURPOSE ARENA

There is discussion once again to build a multi-purpose arena in Albuquerque. That is the good news; however, the bad news is the proposed location of the NM Fairgrounds is a dreadful location, as outlined below.

To begin, let’s consider the need for a modern arena in ABQ. This facility, which is long overdue, should have been built 2-3 decades ago. Nearly one million people reside within 50-60 miles of downtown ABQ. The ABQ metro is the only metro area with a population of a million or more without a modern multi-purpose arena. The PIT is a single-purpose facility, Tingley Arena is an antiquated “barn” constructed nearly 70 years ago, and the Santa Ana Arena is too small to attract big-name entertainers and is located on a two-lane road 20 miles from the center of population.

I have some experience with arenas; during my tenure as the City Manager of the City of Moline, IL (headquarters of Deere & Co.), I was a board member of the Quad City Civic Center Authority that planned and oversaw the construction of a 12,000-seat arena that became highly successful. A wide variety of events are held in the facility, including minor league ice hockey and basketball as well as exhibitions of John Deere construction and agricultural equipment, attracting folks from around the world. Additionally, as a college basketball fan, I attended NCAA basketball tournament games held in 20 different arenas over the span of 23 years; all were located in downtowns.

The proposed Albuquerque facility, which would be transformational for downtown, belongs in the center of town and not at the Fairgrounds for several reasons:

ACCESSIBILITY: Downtown is a transportation hub, making it easier for folks to access the facility via multiple highways and bus routes. The fairgrounds would require travel over fewer and narrower roads as well as generate more neighborhood noise and traffic.

ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION: The facility would spark redevelopment in an otherwise stagnant downtown. The ABQ Chamber of Commerce states in a recent publication that successful downtowns include “a play environment” that includes shopping, entertainment, and open spaces, pointing out that more activity downtown would help to revitalize downtown. When downtown arenas empty out, the local hotels are full, and restaurants and entertainment venues are bustling. The atmosphere is vibrant and electric. None of this activity will happen at the fairgrounds. Folks will have to climb into their cars to travel to hotels, restaurants, or additional entertainment. Finally, city governments are more likely to fund arenas when they are tied to broader urban development goals.

HIGHER VISIBILITY AND PRESTIGE: A downtown arena would give the downtown a sense of place, importance and become a civic landmark, enhancing the visual and culture identity of the city.

PARKING: There would be no need to construct more parking since most events are scheduled during the evenings and weekends when the existing parking garages are mostly empty.

 YEAR-ROUND ACTIVITY: A multi-purpose arena would host an extensive list of activities and events including but not limited to concerts, conventions and sports. A downtown location ensures constant foot traffic and aligns well with the amenities and energy of downtown areas.

 CONCLUSION

The $600,000 junior bill appropriation funds that were  misappropriated  needs to be clawed back by the state and reapplied as originally mandated in the 2023-24 state budget. Furthermore, The City of Albuquerque should be sanctioned and punitive damages assessed for their misconduct.

The City has a pressing need for a downtown modern multi -purpose arena for all the reasons  described earlier.  There are many compelling reasons why the vast majority of arenas are located in downtowns.

On November 11, two term Democrat Mayor Tim Keller and Republican former two term Bernalillo County Sherrif Darren White entered the “politcal arena” and debated live on KOB-TV Channel 4 for thirty minutes. KOB reporters Tessa Mentus and Trevor Thompson acted as moderators asking questions. It was the first time both debated with each other since the November 4 election where they both qualified for the runoff. On November 4, Keller secured 36% of the vote and White secured 31% of the vote with both failing to secure 50% of the vote to avoid a run off in a field of seven candidates. The November 11 debate quickly degenerated into an emotional mud wrestling match to the point where the moderators had to remind the candidates not to talk over each other and when their time was up.

The link to view the full debate here.

CONTRAST WITH PAST DEBATES

In past debates, White and Keller have exchanged accusations over crime statistics and the homeless crisis, but those debates and accusations were somewhat subdued with other candidates appearing with them on stage. During the televised November 11 debate, White took a much more aggressive and hardline approach and saying that the city’s crime rates are “out of control.” Keller for his part countered with accusing White of being a complete failure when it came to crime and APD and it was he who had to clean things up when White left the city.

CRIME, STATISTICS AND RECORDS

As expected crime was a major topic of discussion. Keller has argued that crime is down in all categories under his leadership. The day before the debate, the city’s crime statistics released by the Albuquerque Police Department detailed those decreases. Despite this, Keller said that residents still perceive crime to be high.

Keller said this:

“I understand that the perception may not be that crime is going down, in fact, I would agree with that perception. But I will tell you if we continue doing this for several more years, we will absolutely feel safer because we are safer. … [Crime has] been going down for the past nine months for the first time in 10 years. …”

White aggressively disagreed that crime is down and essentially accused Keller of lying and said  APD’s statistics were a false representation of crime in the city. White said this:

“Mayor Keller, nobody believes that [crime is going down] … I believe Albuquerque is at a tipping point. I think the crime, we’ve seen record-breaking crime. … The mayor is going to tell you that we’re on a comeback. This is not a comeback. This is a crisis.”

White  cited the city’s rising homicides saying there were 30 in 2014 and 106 in 2024, though APD statistics show 96 homicides in 2024.

Keller responded to White  saying he was “picking a year when we had the best year for crime” and noted homicides are down, with crime declining across all categories over the past nine months. APD statistics show a 32% drop so far this year.

Keller said this:

“Now is the time for strong, experienced leadership because change, real change, deep change, takes time. It’s not the flip of a switch. It’s not a slogan. It takes hard work every day for years.”

To deal with crime, White said that if elected Mayor, he would appoint a new APD Chief that people would be proud of to restore confidence in APD, reduce the number of command staff, order APD to get back to “pro active” policing with more traffic stops and creating a juvenile crime unit.

White  said the city must  push for tougher state laws to address juvenile crime and said this:

“Our juvenile laws were created for kids that pack lunches, not guns. …We have to go to Santa Fe and we need to restructure our juvenile codes so that they have some teeth, so they have some accountability.”

Keller for his part argued that his policies and programs have in fact reduced crime and he said he would continue reliance on technology such as traffic camera speeding enforcement. Keller also argued he has been on the forefront of criminal justice reform.

Keller and White exchanged statistics about how many homicides had occurred under each other’s time in office, with both essentially calling each other’s statistics false. White said that there have been over 750 homicides in the city during Keller’s tenure as Mayor. Keller countered that there were over1,000 homicide state wide during Whites tenure as the Cabinet Secretary for Public Safety under Republican Governor Gary Johnson.

Keller aggressively criticized White’s public safety career and labeled it a “failure.” Keller referenced a 2011 “no confidence” vote against White by APD’s police union  and the 1999 vote of “no confidence” vote  against White by the State Police Union. In 2011, as the City’s Chief Public Safety Officer who oversaw APD, more than half of APD’s 1,100 sworn APD officers voted “no confidence” in Darren White because White took away take-home car privileges and White imposed severe pay cuts in violation of the police union contract negotiated in good faith by the police union. White did so at the direction of then Republican Mayor Richard Berry. Under White’s tenure, APD ranks fell from 1,100 sworn to approximately 900.  In 1999, while serving as the Secretary of the New Mexico Department of Public Safety who oversaw the New Mexico State Police, the State Police union voted 243 – 31 “No Confidence” in White because they felt White wasn’t doing enough to get State Police needed equipment and cars.

Keller said this

“A lot of the things I’ve had to clean up started under your watch [as Chief Public Safety Officer], including the [Department of Justice consent decree], including officers leaving, including the no confidence vote in you as their boss.”

DEALING WITH THE HOMELESS CRISIS

After Keller and White discussed crime and their records, the moderators shifted the debate immediately to the homeless crisis and how it should be dealt with.

White said the homeless crisis has grown untenable under Mayor Keller’s leadership with the homeless numbers tripling under his watch  and that Keller’s policies were not working. White boldly proclaimed:

“When I’m elected, the homeless tent cities will come down on day one.”

White said he would offer services but strictly enforce laws for those who refuse.

Keller called White’s approach “Trump-style roundups and chaos and violence” and  White  said “take the gloves off”  to deal with the homeless when he  was the city’s Public Safety Director and it cost the city “$130 million in lawsuits because they’re illegal.”  Keller was ostensibly referring to when White said it was “time to take the gloves off” to remove the homeless from downtown which resulted in the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)  initiating a lawsuit on behalf of 3 homeless. The lawsuit resulted in the city settling the case for $100,000. Where Keller got his figure of $130,000 million in lawsuits is unknown and appears to be made up.  White said  “You bet I said take the gloves off ” and said had Keller done the same the city would not be dealing with the homeless crisis today.

White  criticized the city’s recent filing of a civil complaint against Quirky Books, a used bookstore that has allowed homeless people to camp in its parking lot. The bookstore owner has been repeatedly cited by the city for violating city ordinances, and rather than prohibiting the unhoused from camping on his property he has simply paid the fines. The civil complaint filed by the city is asking the Court  to find the property a “public nuisance” under the city’s nuisance abatement ordinance. White said Keller and the City are hypocritical filing the action while thousands of people live unsheltered on sidewalks, at parks and in front of businesses across the city. White pointedly asked Keller this:

“If that business owner in Nob Hill is a public nuisance, what does that make you?”

FEDERAL IMMIGRATION LAW ENFORCEMENT

Whether APD should assist federal immigration enforcement was also hotly debated by Keller and White.

In his March 6  announcement for Mayor,  Darren White said this:

“One of Keller’s first acts as Mayor was too make Albuquerque  a Sanctuary City for illegal immigrants who commit crimes. Now we have case after case of violent crimes being committed by illegal immigrants, many of who have been arrested multiple times but turned back onto the streets by this Mayor’s backward policies. As Mayor, I will end the Sanctuary City law immediately.”

EDITORS NOTE: The Mayor of Albuquerque does not have the legal authority to declare the city a Sanctuary City and that is the exclusive authority of the city council.  Albuquerque is not  and has never been a “Sanctuary City” but is an “Immigrant Friendly City” as declared by City Council Ordinance enacted over 20 years ago.   A “Sanctuary City” is a jurisdiction that prohibits local  law enforcement  from a enforcing immigration laws leaving that work exclusively  to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).  A “Sanctuary City” requires  the local government to protect the undocumented from federal authorities. “Immigrant Friendly” cities on the other hand enact policies that are favorable to undocumented people to allow services and its local  law enforcement personnel do not make arrests for violations of federal immigration laws and only make arrests of undocumented people for violations of local ordinances and state laws.  Albuquerque’s Immigrant Friendly ordinance prevents city resources from being used for immigration enforcement or for sharing information about an individual’s immigration status, unless legally required.  City employees, including law enforcement, and all city  departments are not allowed to ask for a person’s immigrant status, and no department is allowed to maintain statistics on immigrants. 

During the debate White condemned Keller for the policies he has initiated  as being “too dangerous”.  During the debate, Keller remained in support of the city’s immigrant-friendly policies enacted by the city council, which forbids any city employee, including police, to collect information about immigration status or assist U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Keller said the city’s current immigrant-friendly policy protects public safety arguing it keeps people from fearing to call 911. Keller said this:

“We don’t ask your status when the fire department comes to help you or when the police come to keep you safe.” 

White said he would let APD share arrest information with federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and said he would permit APD to cooperate with Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE) if elected. White said this:

“They are preying on our communities and the mayor is shielding them with his policy, which says ‘we are not going to provide any information to immigration’.’”

Mayor Keller accused Darren White of using fearmonger tactics and said this:

“Make no mistake, this is him trying to resurrect his own failed public safety career. … And what you heard today is why it’s never worked — because it’s based on fear, it’s based on slogans and some sort of savior complex that’s not about substance, that’s not about governing.”

The link to quoted or relied upon news sources are here:

https://www.abqjournal.com/election/article_6ae409bf-03a9-43b7-baff-2a447fe926a0.html#tncms-source=home-featured-7-block

The link to view the full debate here

https://www.kob.com/new-mexico/albuquerque-metro/decision-2025-albuquerque-mayoral-debate/?fbclid=IwY2xjawOA5PdleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFCUDZHSzdmc25jQjVKMEh1c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHltHUaUNO12a12C

COMMENTARY AND ANALYSIS

The debate was a mere thirty minutes long and for that reason alone all it did was exhibit the vast differences in debate skills between the two as they assailed each other’s records.

Darren White was clearly by far the most aggressive, looking directly at Keller, often raising his voice and pointing his finger at Keller and ignoring the moderators. Keller on the other hand essentially ignored White’s theatrics, spoke firmly and looked directly into the camera as he deflected much of what White said and also ignored the moderators.

In the final analysis, both Keller and White supporters argued that their candidate won. The real losers of the debate were the general public because the debate failed to address in any meaningful way the underlying solutions the candidates have to solve the cities complex problems.

Early voting is from December 1 to December 6. The runoff election is December 9 and as usual voter turnout will be critical. Please vote!

The link to a related article is here:

Race For ABQ Mayor Expected To Be Most Negative Race In City’s History Between The Two Most Disliked Candidates Running; The Uballez Vote Could Decide Election For Keller If They Vote; Runoff December 9; Please Vote!

Each Veterans  Day I am compelled to pay tribute to members of my family who have served in our military and who have given so much and sacrificed so much to protect our freedoms and to protect this great country of ours. All these family members were born and lived in New Mexico, two were born in Chacon, New Mexico and the rest born and raised and educated in Albuquerque.

One gave the ultimate sacrifice during time of war.

My father and uncle were first generation born Americans and the sons of Italian immigrants who settled in Albuquerque in the year 1900 to live the American dream. In 1900 Albuquerque had a population of 10,000 and New Mexico did not become a state until 1912.

My father Paul Dinelli and my Uncle Pete Dinelli, for whom I was named after, both served in the US Army during World War II when the United States went to war with Italy, Germany and Japan. My Uncle Pete Dinelli was killed in action when he stepped on a land mine.

My father Paul Dinelli was a disabled American Veteran when he returned to Albuquerque after World War II and was honorably discharged because of a service-connected disability. Years after the war, my father met my mother Rose Fresques at the Alvarado Hotel where she had worked as a Harvey girl. After the couple married, my father went to barber school in Denver, Colorado, returned to Albuquerque and opened “Paul’s Barber Shop” which was located at Third and Lomas.

The Fresques family dates back to the year 1650 in northern New Mexico. My uncles Fred Fresques and Alex Fresques, my mother’s two brothers, also served in World War II. My Uncle Alex Fresques served in England and was in the Air Force.

My uncle Fred Fresques saw extensive action in the US Army infantry during World War II and was awarded 2 Bronze Star medals and a purple heart for his service. The Bronze Star medal is awarded to individuals who, while serving with the Armed Forces of the United States in combat, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service. The purple heart is awarded for being injured in combat or dying in combat.

My Uncle Fred would never talk to anyone about what he saw. After the war, my Uncle Fred returned to Albuquerque and raised a family in Barelas. Over many years, my Uncle Fred was active in the Barelas Community Center and was a trainer for the “Golden Gloves” competition teaching young adults the sport of boxing.

My father-in-law, George W. Case, who passed away at the age 93, served in the United States Navy during World War II and saw action while serving on a destroyer. My father-in-law George Case was so proud of his service that he wore a World War II Veterans cap every day the last few years of his life. After the war, my father-in-law George Case returned to Albuquerque was married to my mother-in-law Laurel Del Castillo for 50 years, raised a family of 4 girls. George eventually owned a liquor store for a few years and then went on to build, own and operate the Old Town Car wash, which still stands today, and he was in the car wash industry for a number of years.

My nephew Dante Dinelli, the son of my brother Veron and his wife Rosemary, was born and raised in Albuquerque,  and he  joined the service a few years after graduating from Cibola High School. Dante served 20 + years in the US Navy, retired as a Chief Petty Officer and worked in a civilian capacity for the Navy.

My two nephews, Matthew Barnes and Brandon Barnes, the sons of my younger sister Pauline and her husband Marvin, were born and raised in Albuquerque and went to Bosque Prep. Both Mathew and Brandon are in  the United States Marine Corps and both continue to climb the promotion ladder in the Marine Corps.  Both have achieved the rank of Lt. Colonel and both have worked at the pentagon. My nephew Lt. Colonel Brandon Barnes is a graduate of the US Naval Academy. My nephew Lt. Colonel Matthew Barnes graduated from UNM with honors and served a tour in Afghanistan.

To all the wonderful and courageous men and women who have served and continue to serve our country to protect and secure the promise of freedom and the ideals upon which the United States was founded upon, and to those who made the ultimate sacrifice, I thank you for your service to our Country.

Your service and sacrifices to this great country of ours will never be forgotten. God bless you all and God Bless this great country of ours!

After a full week and the dust settling somewhat since the November 4 2025 vote in Albuquerque Mayors, it’s becoming painfully obvious that the runoff between two term Incumbent Mayor Tim Keller and former two term Bernalillo County Sherriff  Darren White will probably be  the most negative runoff in the city’s history.

None of the seven candidates on the ballot for mayor reached the 50% needed to win and prevent a runoff election between the top two candidates. The final vote reported is as follows:

• Tim Keller 47,902 votes (35.69%)
• Darren White 41,131 votes (30.65%)
• Alexander Uballez 25,213 votes (18.79%).
• Louie Sanchez: 8,645 (6.44%)
• Mayling Armijo: 7,672 (5.72%)
• Eddie Varela: 2,280 (1.70%)
• Daniel Chavez: 1,660 (2.0%)

(Chavez dropped out of the race before Election Day but still appeared on the ballot,)

According to unofficial election results nearly 135,000 votes were cast in this year’s Albuquerque mayoral race, or about 37.1% of registered voters in the city. That surpassed the 32% turnout mark from the city’s last mayoral election in 2021.

ABQ JOURNAL POLL RECALLED

On Sunday, September 28, just 38 days before the November 4 election,  the Albuquerque Journal published its opinion poll on the Albuquerque’s Mayor race.  Following are the poll results:

• Tim Keller:               29%
• Darren White:          16%
• Alex Uballez:            6%
• Louie Sanchez:        6%
• Mayling Armijo:        1%
• Eddie Varela:            2%
• Daniel Chavez:         1%
• Undecided                37%
• Decline To Say          2%

TOTAL:                            100%

https://www.abqjournal.com/election/article_bf155bf7-2226-486b-ac34-07ca23e0173b.html

JOURNAL POLL BREAKDOWN ACCORDING TO PARTY AFFILIATION

Tim Keller’s total 29%  Journal poll number was broken down  as being 43% registered Democrat, 8% being registered Republican and 28% being registered Independent.

Darren White’s 16% total Journal poll number was broken down as being 5% registered Democrat, 35% being registered Republican and 9% being registered Independent.

Alex Uballez’s Journal  poll number of 6% broke down as 9% Democrat, 1% Republican and 5% registered Independent. Uballez  positioned himself as a progressive alternative to Keller and received more support from younger voters than did White. But Uballez’s support withered among voters age 50 and older, who tend to be more reliable voters.

Louie Sanchez’s Journal poll number of 6% broke down as 3% Democrat, 12% Republican and 4% Independent.

The 37% total of the “undecided or don’t know” voters was broken down evenly as consisting of 35% registered Democrat, 36% registered Republican and 47% registered Independent.

Although the Albuquerque Journal Poll found that Mayor Tim Keller had the  lead in his bid to win reelection to a third term, the poll found that less than half of city voters approve of the job he’s done over the last seven-plus years.  A total of 47% of voters surveyed expressed disapproval of Keller’s job performance, while 42% approved of the way he has handled being mayor. The remaining voters were unsure or declined to say.

The link to the quoted or relied upon Albuquerque Journal article is here:

https://www.abqjournal.com/election/article_bf155bf7-2226-486b-ac34-07ca23e0173b.html

KELLER AND WHITE EXCHANGE SALVOS

After finishing as the top two candidates,  Mayor Tim Keller and challenger Darren White wasted no time going after each other and each other’s records signaling a very contentious runoff race.

Darren White said this:

“Two-thirds of the voters last night rejected an eight-year incumbent, and that’s because crime and homelessness are out of control.   …  We have received overwhelming support …  and we’re going to be on a campaign that will provide us with resources to go toe-to-toe with the mayor. … It’s not just me. It’s every single person in the city who wants change and who knows we deserve better, that’s who I’m going to have in my corner fighting Mayor Tim Keller.”

White said his campaign will  be competitive with Keller when it comes to fundraising in the run-up to the December  9 runoff election.

Mayor Keller for his part likened the start of the runoff election to “halftime” of this year’s election cycle, saying he was ready for a strong second-half showing. Keller said this:

“Now it’s a two-person race, and the differences could not be more clear. … Albuquerque cannot afford a Trump-aligned mayor who would take us backward across the board. … He has a record and I have a record. And the good news is, it’s really clear for voters what you want. There are no unknowns. … We’re actually ready for a one-on-one match up.”

Mayor Keller  will receive an additional $377,973 in public campaign financing after being the only candidate to qualify for public financing and Mayor Keller has already been given $755,000 in public financing.

Keller’s campaign manager said Keller would draw a “sharp contrast” with White on issues including the city’s stance on immigration.

COMMENTARY AND ANALYSIS

It is  important to compare the final results of the November 4 vote to the Albuquerque Journal Poll to gauge the impact of the 38 days of campaigning and the money spent.

The day after Election Day, Darren White was likely shocked by the unofficial election returns that showed him just 5% points behind Mayor Keller with 36% of the votes cast for Mayor Keller and 31% for Darren White. White almost doubled his 16% in the Journal Poll garnering 31% of the final vote on November 4.

Mayor Tim Keller was likely shocked that after spending upwards of $755,000 of his public finance money over 38 days since the Journal poll, he only improved his poll number by 6.69% going from 29% in the Journal poll to 35.69% on November 4.  The  47% disapproval of Mayor Keller’s performance  by voters  surveyed in the Journal poll was an apparent drag on Keller’s ability to attract undecided voters.

It was Alexander Uballez that had the most impressive final vote going from a meager 6% in the Albuquerque Journal poll to more than tripling his final vote and garnering 19% of the vote on November 4. Alexander Uballez was also a drag on Keller’s progressive Democratic vote.

It is clear that the 37% of the undecided in the Albuquerque Journal poll first broke to Uballez who tripled his number from 6% in the Journal poll  to 19% in the November 4 vote. The undecided vote also broke to White taking him from 16% in the Journal poll to 31% on November 4.  Both Uballez and White made significant gains despite being seriously underfunded and outspent by Keller who was the only candidate who qualified for public finance.

THE UBALLEZ FACTOR

Alexander Uballez mounted the fiercest challenge of the other four  candidates  receiving 24,718 votes or 19%.  Uballez positioned himself as a more  progressive alternative to Keller saying that Keller was not doing enough to deal with protecting undocumented immigrants  and that Keller has been a failure dealing with the homeless in a compassionate manner.

The outcome of the December 9  runoff election between Democrat Keller and Republican White will likely hinge on the 19% of the votes cast for Democrat Alex Uballez if and only if they actually get out and vote on December 9.  On election night, Progressive Democrat Uballez  urged his supporters not to support White but stopped short of endorsing Mayor Keller outright.  Alexander Uballez said this of his third place finish:

“While we wanted to be in the runoff, our campaign is not stopping here. 20% is the bloc that will decide the runoff. … We cannot allow the keys to Albuquerque to be handed over to Darren White who would roll-over for Donald Trump.”

Brian Sanderoff, the president of Albuquerque-based Research & Polling Inc. that did the Albuquerque Journal poll, told the Journal a Uballez endorsement of Mayor Keller could be politically significant noting that Uballez received as much as 60% of the votes cast in one University of New Mexico voting precinct considered progressive Democrat.  Sanderoff said it’s unlikely that Uballez supporters would back White, but it is not a certainty that they would support Keller in the runoff election or just stay home.

Sanderoff said this:

“The question is, will they vote?”

According to Sanderoff, if Mayor  Keller is able to win the support of most Uballez voters, that could put him over the 50% threshold needed to claim victory over Darren White on November 9.

If Darren White were to win over voters who backed Louie Sanchez (6.44%), Mayling Armijo (5.72% ), Eddie Varela (1.70%) and Daniel Chavez (1.02%)  and retain his own supporters of 30.65% , it would still leave him short of the 50% mark at 45.53%.

CONTENTIOUS RACE

There is little doubt that the city will now see the most contentious runoff in the city’s history as Keller and White vilify each other and point out each other’s flaws. We now have a battle between the two most disliked candidates who ran for Mayor. One candidate is the progressive Democratic Mayor with the very low approval rating of 42% who is perceived as failing to deal with the homeless crisis and the city’s high violent crime rates despite all of his promises, millions spent and programs initiated. The other is a Republican former elected official with a decade’s history of controversial public service. White resigned in controversy from both state and city cabinet level positions. Darren White now seeks to divide the voters by vilifying the homeless and undocumented immigrants akin to Donald Trump on the national level. Keller will rely on his Progressive Democratic party base and White will rely on his MAGA Republican party base as they both seek support from moderates to prevail.

Early Voting is from December1 to December 6.The runoff election is December 9 and as usual voter turn out will be critical. Please vote!

Links to quoted or relied upon news sources are here:

https://www.kob.com/new-mexico/albuquerque-mayoral-race-down-to-2-candidates-for-runoff-election/

https://www.koat.com/article/albuquerque-mayor-election-results-2025/69206982

https://www.krqe.com/news/politics-government/elections/krqe-political-analyst-weighs-in-on-upcoming-runoff-election/

https://www.pressreader.com/usa/albuquerque-journal/20251105/281479282668702

https://www.abqjournal.com/election/article_8cf48d11-9550-4ed2-88dc-d037f637ba46.html

https://nmindepth.com/2025/kellers-36-wasnt-weak-it-was-normal-for-abq-politics/

On December 3, 2024 Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham announced plans to move the New Mexico state fairgrounds to a different location and redevelop the 236 acre State Fair property into a mixed-use development. Among the many ideas suggested for the development of the 236 acres of prime property include low income and affordable housing and commercial retail business development.

On March 21, in response to the Governor’s announcement to redevelop or move the state fair, the New Mexico legislature passed legislation creating the “State Fairgrounds District,” a governing board which has redevelopment funding authority over the existing State Fair grounds area. The board has no authority to move the fairgrounds and it will be up to the New Mexico State Fair Commission to make the decision to move the fair grounds. The State Fairgrounds District Board is empowered to raise property taxes and issue up to $500 million in bonds to fund future development of the property, to make improvements to repurpose the property. According to the legislation, the board will govern the development of the district for six years.

Voting members of the State Fairgrounds District governing Board are:

• Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, chairperson
• Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller
• Senator Mimi Stewart, Senate President Pro-Tempore, International District, #17
• State  Representative Janelle Anyanonu whose district the fair grounds is located
• City Councilor Nichole Rogers whose district the fair grounds is located
• County Commissioner Adriann Barboa whose district the fair grounds is located
• Peter Belletto, President, District 6 Neighborhood Coalition

STANTEC CONSULTING SERVICES INC

On June 18,  the state General Services Department announced that a $844,433 contract with Stantec Consulting Services Inc. was entered into by the State for Stantec to create a master plan for repurposing the 236-acre tract of land that has since 1938 hosted the annual New Mexico State Fair. Stantec has agreed to develop a master  that will make suggestions for the land’s use. According to the Governor’s Office the master plan is expected to be completed by next spring. Once approved, work on the project could begin next year and be completed by fall 2029.

Stantec is a multinational consulting firm headquartered in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, with four local offices in New Mexico. This contract isn’t Stantec’s first in New Mexico. The company previously worked with the Department of Transportation to revamp roads and highways in Silver City, Hobbs and Fort Sumner. Stantec also worked with the city of Jal in the southeast corner of New Mexico to produce a community development plan.

FOURTH MEETING OF STATE FAIRGROUNDS DISTRICT GOVERNING BOARD

On October 30, the State Fairgrounds District governing board met for the fourth time. The meeting was chaired by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. On the agenda were the following two major items:

1. A presentation by Stantec on three separate development concepts strictly for the eight-acre area Southwest corner consisting of private property and existing businesses to be acquired by the state for development. The private property to be acquired is bordered by San Pedro street on the West, Central street on the South, the paved Midway area to the north and existing State Fair parking area to the East. The plans call for the elimination of the parking lot area with roughly 1,500 spaces that’s typically used by fair attendees, along with the demolition of some existing structures.

EDITORS NOTE:  It was during the September 22 meeting of the State Fair District Board that it approved spending of up to $22.5 million to acquire an eight-acre area on the southeast corner at San Pedro and Central  bordering the fairgrounds. The private property is about 17 parcels and 13 condominium units and businesses.

2. A Resolution Approving the Adoption of the District Redevelopment plan.

“PRE-DEVELOPMENT DRAFT CONCEPTS” ENVISION 10 ACRE PARK AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Stantec designer Nancy Locke made the presentation on the three “pre-development draft concepts” to the State Fair District Board. It was stressed the designs are preliminary and subject to change based on the public’s input at upcoming meetings. Stantec does not take a stance on the key issue of whether the state fair will remain at its current location.

The three design concepts Stantec presented to the State Fair District Board open up the site with green space, parks and amenities, including an arena or other large community venue, along with an unspecified number of mixed-income housing units, including affordable housing, rental units and residential home units. The design also includes “traffic-calming” measures along Central and San Pedro, including more crosswalks, pedestrian-activated streetlights and at least one more stoplight to slow traffic down.

The intersections on both sides of the fairgrounds, where Central Avenue crosses San Pedro Drive and Louisiana Boulevard, are the two most dangerous intersections in New Mexico for pedestrians, according to state Transportation Department data. Forty-two crashes involving pedestrians occurred at those two intersections in 2024.

All three of concept plans focused on redevelopment plans strictly for the 49-acre tract in the southwest corner of the State Fairgrounds which is along Central Avenue and San Pedro Drive. The property to be developed includes a 14-acre parcel of land the State Fairgrounds District Board voted to purchase for $22.3 million in its September meeting.

During past presentations to the State Fair District Board, Stantec presenters have said people living around the New Mexico State Fair grounds in the heart of Albuquerque should start imagining the 236-acre state-owned site, now mostly covered in asphalt and concrete and surrounded with tall stucco walls, with open green space, inviting entrances, a park and a pond and affordable housing and entertainment areas. All three concept plans essentially dove tail into the vision articulated by Stantec that they claim are the result of public outreach and input.

All three of the preliminary concept plans include a park and Central and San Pedro edge improvements. All three plans include major mixed use development to include affordable housing. All three plans include what was referred to by Stantec as “opportunities and catalytic elements to support a vibrant district.”

Concept 1 and 2  of the conceptual designs for the area feature a new sports stadium or arena, along with new park areas. Other proposed options include a mixed-use commercial center, a cultural arts facility and a new hotel.

The predevelopment plan identified as the Concept 3 Plan appears to be the most radical of the 3 plans because it calls for a 10 acre park in the center and other public areas in the center of the redevelopment area and pedestrian-friendly upgrades. There  would be four gateways or entrances: one on San Pedro, one on Central, the State Fair main gateway  entrance and the Event Parking entrance. There would be an entertainment hub area and a “mixed use residential area evenly distributed.”

Concept 3 calls for the elimination of a parking lot with roughly1,500 spaces that’s typically used by fair attendees, along with the demolition of some existing structures. The predevelopment plan that includes the 10 acre public park with green spaces includes pedestrian-friendly upgrades along the boundary of the Fairgrounds. The planned park will include stormwater management, plazas, trails, play areas and restrooms.

STATE FAIR DISTRICT BOARD OKS $67M IN INFRASTRUCTURE

On October 30, the State Fairgrounds District Governing Board unanimously voted to give initial approval for spending for the project’s early phases, including $16 million for demolition and land preparation, $27 million for internal roadways and utilities, $19 million for a 10-acre park and $6 million for “off-site” pedestrian safety improvements.

The $67 million the board authorization includes $6 million in “off-site” improvements detailed in the pre-development concepts, money that could go to the pedestrian safety measures. It includes  $2 million for intersection improvements, $2.6 million for sidewalk and landscape improvements and $140,000 to improve the existing bus stops there.

The money to pay for the infrastructure improvements would come from bonds backed by future gross receipts tax revenue. A bill approved during this year’s 60-day legislation session created the new State Fairgrounds District and empowered the governmental subdivision to issue up to $500 million in bonds.

While the board authorized the $67 million in bonding capacity for infrastructure, spending that money is still a good way off. The Legislature must approve the funding during the 2026 Legislative session  when it convenes in January for it 30 day session. Once the legislature approves the funding, the state Finance Board will issue the bonds at a later date.

The funding for up to the $433 million in remaining bonding capacity the Legislature gave the Fair District Board will  come in subsequent phases. Governor Lujan Grisham  and state Rep. Janelle Anyanonu (D-Albuquerque) said they might seek even more funding for the project during  the January legislative session.

BOARD REACTION TO PLANS

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham said this about the concept plans

“[The  neighborhood is overdue for update]. … It just never got what it deserves to be a meaningful community that reflects the people who live there who have always deserved this level of prioritization and support.”

Albuquerque City Councilor Nicole Rogers said the plans are a great start, going in the right direction for her district.  Rogers said this:

“This is stuff that we can do right away, regardless of what happens with the fair, if it stays or goes. Community wants green space, the community wants better pedestrian safety around the fair, and we need to lower the heat index.”

Dr. Peter Belletto, president of the District 6 Neighborhood Coalition, said this:

“The State Fairgrounds District Board has taken the first step to transform the southeastern District 6 into a thriving economic hub. This action will drive public investment, job growth and small business development.”

Governor  Michelle Lujan Grisham said the unanimous vote of the State Fairgrounds District Board shows broad support for revitalizing both the fairgrounds and the surrounding neighborhood. The Governor said this:

“I look forward to continued community discussion and work on this vitally important project.”

During the October 30th meeting of the State Fair District Board,  Governor Lujan Grisham said  she’d like to see the project break ground before she leaves office at the end of next year.  She asked Stantec designer Nancy Locke who made the presentation on the three development concepts if that was possible and Locke said:

“We’ll have to move fast.”

Community members are encouraged to visit the District website, www.fairgroundsdistrict.nm.gov, which includes an FAQ section and a Resource Library, as well as a community survey that will be open until mid-November.

The next meeting of the State Fairgrounds District Board is scheduled for December 11.

Links to quoted or relied upon news sources are here:

https://www.krqe.com/news/albuquerque-metro/preliminary-ideas-released-for-potential-new-mexico-state-fairgrounds-redevelopment/

https://www.koat.com/article/albuquerque-board-approves-678-million-plan-for-state-fairgrounds-redevelopment/69222373

https://www.kob.com/new-mexico/predeveloment-plan-approved-for-state-fairgrounds/

https://www.abqjournal.com/news/article_d45c7360-88b9-4a7d-87b1-f665f1ccfb0e.html

https://sourcenm.com/2025/10/30/new-nm-state-fair-board-oks-67m-in-infrastructure/

https://www.kanw.org/new-mexico-news/2025-10-30/new-nm-state-fair-board-oks-67m-in-infrastructure

https://www.kob.com/new-mexico/predeveloment-plan-approved-for-state-fairgrounds/

https://sourcenm.com/2025/09/25/nm-fairgrounds-redevelopment-board-approves-property-acquisition-begin-new-planning-phase/

STRONG OPPOSITION TO MOVING STATE FAIR

Governor Lujan Grisham’s proposal to moving the state fair has been met with strong opposition from area residents of Albuquerque’s International District, which has dealt with rampant and rising drug use and homelessness in recent years. The development may mean the annual State Fair will need to be moved.

The proposed redevelopment has proven controversial with residents in the International District who say that they are concerned the funding will do little to help the neighborhood, will uproot the historic annual State Fair and will, like past efforts at fairgrounds redevelopment, be a flop.

On February 26, Bernalillo County Government  held meeting to discuss and provide information on a proposed Tax Increment Development District (TIDD) for the New State Fairgrounds. Upwards of 200 residents attended. Most if not all of the public present for the February 26 meeting were very hostile to the State moving the state fair and spoke out against moving the state fair to another location.

Audience members were given the opportunity to speak after the presentation on the proposed Tax Increment District (TIDD). Audience members said that the City and the Mayor Keller Administration have been a total failure in cleaning up Central and the city has failed to address the homeless crisis on Central. Audience members argued that before anything is spent on improving or moving the Fair Grounds, money would be better spent cleaning up Central, dealing with the homeless, drug addicted and mentally ill and providing them with services to get them off the streets.

COMMENTARY AND ANALYSIS

It was downright laughable, very misleading and very disingenuous for Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham to say the “unanimous vote” of the State Fairgrounds District Board showed “broad support” for revitalizing both the fairgrounds and the surrounding neighborhoods. The Governor’s remarks are akin to Linda  Richman, played by Mike Myers on Saturday Night Live, saying “I’m a little verklempt” then saying “Talk amongst yourselves.” The Governor and State Fair Board are only talking amongst themselves and Stantec and only about what is in the best interests and needs of the International District and not EXPO New Mexico.

The blunt truth is that the 7 member State Fair District Board is not at all reflective of all the “surrounding neighborhoods”. The is no representation for the West, North and East neighborhoods and business of the fairgrounds that will no doubt be impacted. Five out of the seven State Fair District Board members are the  elected officials and the neighborhood coalition representative for the International District. Those five are only interested in what can be done for the International District by using the fairgrounds.

Thousands of residents who have lived in the areas West, North and East of the Fair Ground for decades, in established neighborhoods and who truly understand the area are essentially being ignored and cut out of the process. Hundreds of affected businesses in the same areas are also being ignored and are not represented on the State Fair District board.

The neighborhoods to the North and the West have virtually no representation on the board with the Governor while residents of the other areas are relegated to trying to make their opinions known to the board who take no public comments or questions during their meetings.

USING STATE FAIR GROUNDS IS NO PANACEA TO SOLVE INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT ILLS OF HIGH CRIME AND HOMELESS

The State Fair is not the problem when it comes to crime, the unhoused and business development in the International District. Notwithstanding, the State Fairgrounds redevelopment is being promoted by the Governor and her appointed  State Fair District Board as being some great  panacea to solve those very problems of crime, the homeless and lack of  affordable housing in the International District.

The Fair Grounds cannot be characterized as the cause or as a magnet for crime within the International District. No statistics have been presented to the State Fair board on the extent of crime that occurs on the State Fairgrounds itself. No discussion has been held or proof offered as to what extent the State Fair grounds is responsible for crime in the International District.

The International District, which is bordered by Central South of the State Fairgrounds has had for decades some of the highest violent crime, property crime and drug offense rates, so much so that it was at one time referred to as the WAR ZONE.  The International District continues to be plagued by high crime rates but now has become a magnet for the homeless with encampments constantly popping up and cleaned up by the city only to pop up again.

Crime and the unhoused is what is destroying  private investment, job growth and small business development in the International District.

After all the millions are spent to redevelop the fairgrounds, to improve infra structure and traffic flow, building a park, adding public spaces and allowing businesses and low income housing, the problems of high crime rates and the unhoused will remain the same in the International District because they have never been solved for decades. No businesses will want to relocate to the State Fair grounds after it is developed into commercial property, and it will become a magnet for crime and for the homeless.

ACQUIRE AND REDEVELOP VACANT COMMERCIAL PROPERTY IN INTERNATIOAL DISTRICT 

Businesses have shut down in the International District because of crime and the homeless, so much so that the area has become a “food dessert” and major retail outlets such as the Walmart Super Center, the CVS and Walgreens pharmacies have closed, and the commercial properties are vacant and for sale. Development of affordable housing or subsidized housing within the existing neighborhoods South and East of the fairgrounds and in the International District itself  is where the development is needed and not on the State Fair grounds property.

Rather than salivating over existing State Fair property to convert it into affordable or low-income housing or commercial property, the Governor and her board should seek the state, the Mortgage Finance Authority, or even the city, to acquire vacant commercial properties that are actually within the International District for redevelop into low-income housing or grocery stores. Examples of such  acquisitions would be the massive vacant Walmart Super Center on San Mateo South of Central and north of Zuni which could be used for low income housing development. The vacant CVS pharmacy at Louisiana and Central is currently in foreclosure by the city for outstanding liens and the vacant Walgreens’s pharmacy at San Mateo and Central is for sale and both could easily be remodeled and used for area grocery stores.

Such acquisitions and rededications would dove tale into the multiple conversions around the city of commercial properties into affordable housing such as the 15 story and 10 story buildings at San Mateo and Central. There are also vacant properties directly East of the fair grounds and the race track and casino that could be acquired for development.

FIXATION ON AFFORDABLE HOUSEING BY BOARD AND STANTEC

Efforts to address “affordable housing” continue to be a major target and goal for the State Fairgrounds District Board and were a very  big part of the presentations made to the board by Stantec  and the three redevelopment plans for the property. Proposing to commandeer a good portion of the Expo NM State Fair Property for affordable housing is as absurd as it gets.

The term affordable housing is about as misleading as it gets. It is a term often used by politicians, elected officials and developers to promote their own personal or political agendas. Simply put construction costs are consistent when it comes to housing and in today’s market are extremely high as are existing housing costs.  When the term “affordable housing” is used by the politicians, elected officials and developer’s, what is usually meant is “subsidized government housing”. 

Affordable housing or subsidized housing for low-income income earners is not the highest and best use of any portion of the 236 acres of prime property for development in the center of Albuquerque. It would put a small dent in the  projected shortage of housing. Efforts for such use for the State Fair grounds should be abandoned in that it would impair the overall goal and development of the property for projects that benefit the entire community as a whole and for public use.

CITY NEEDS TO TAKE AGGRESSIVE ACTION TO DEAL NUISANCE PROPERTIES AND UNHOUSED AROUND FAIR GROUNDS

The City of Albuquerque must and can as it has in the past take aggressive action to deal with nuisance properties that are magnets for crime in the immediate surrounding neighborhoods, especially in the International District. Mayor Tim Keller needs to aggressively enforce the city’s vagrancy laws to deal with the homeless, including making arrests if need be and to  provide services to them designed to get them off the streets.

From 2001 to 2009, East Central in the International District was in fact cleaned up before by the Safe City Strike Force with aggressive code enforcement action against Central motels and violent bars that the city tore down or closed. The bars located near the State Fair that were closed or torn down by the Safe City Strike Force included the Blue Spruce Bar (Central and Louisiana), Rusty’s Cork and Bottle (San Pedro and Central) and the Last Chance Bar and Grill (Central and Louisiana). The Safe City Strike Force took code enforcement action against 48 of the 150 motels along central, many near the State Fair grounds and forced compliance with building codes and mandated repairs to the properties.

BUILDING A NEW MULTI PURPOSE ARENA

One major project that is being suggested that merits serious discussion is building a new arena as part of the redevelopment of the existing Expo New Mexico property. The new venue would be a modern arena that would have the capacity to support year-round large-scale concerts and events. It would replace the existing Tingley Coliseum. Demolishing the 60-year-old Tingly Coliseum and building a multipurpose entertainment and sports facility with the capacity of upwards 20,000 has been a dream of many a Governor, State Fair Commissions and Fair Managers.

Tingley Coliseum was built in 1957 and has a  seating capacity for 11,000 people. Over the years it’s been repeatedly remodeled and upgraded. Tingley Coliseum last year had $2 million worth of upgrades geared toward replacing old seats and fixing the electrical system. The work that began in November permanently removed the benches and outdated 80’s-era seats for new, wider ones. In the process, the coliseum lost roughly 700 of its total 10,000 seats, but officials plan to make up the loss with more standing-room availability.

The City of Albuquerque for decades has needed a large capacity, multipurpose entertainment venue after demolition of the 30 year old Albuquerque Civic Auditorium in 1986. It was back on February 25, 2019 that it was reported that there is a need for such a facility and EXPO New Mexico was in the final stages of conducting a feasibility study on the construction of a new arena on the state fairgrounds. Absolutely nothing ever happened with the feasibility study and its collecting dust somewhere in the State Fair manger’s office.

HIGHEST AND BEST USE OF PROPERTY IS EXPO NEW MEXICO

The highest and best use of property is Expo New Mexico. Expo New Mexico can be revitalized into an Entertainment and Commercial Hub area with creation of all new commercial property areas leased by the State Fair for shops, restaurants, theaters and entertainment venues that would also be used for operations of the annual State Fair. There should be no affordable housing and no other housing on the state fair property. No portion of the State Fair acreage should be sold to any developer.

The development of an Entertainment and Commercial Hub must include a major effort undertaken to revitalize neighborhoods to the South and East of the Fair Grounds in the International District itself undertaken by private developers perhaps with state and city development and tax incentives to build subsidize housing.

OTHER VENUES

Getting rid of the “midway” ride area on the South side and replacing it with year-round entertainment venues and facilities is in order. Demolishing existing, aging specialty exhibition halls, such as the Manuel Lujan building and livestock exhibition stables and replacing them with new, larger facilities with multipurpose usages likewise is in order. Removing the flea market and replacing it with a Farmers Market or a permanent arts and crafts shopping area should be in the mix.

There are two major facilities that could be integral parts of an entertainment and commercial district hub: the Downs Race Track and Casino if they want to still be a part of the State Fair and the proposed new multipurpose arena. Part of the redevelopment of the existing Expo New Mexico property would be the building of a new, modern arena to replace Tingly Coliseum that would support year-round large-scale concerts and events. It’s a capital improvement project that needs to go forward. With the continuing historical  state revenue surpluses, the building of a multipurpose state of the art arena to replace Tingly Coliseum would be an investment for future generations.

FINAL COMMENTARY

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller, Senate Pro Tempore Mimi Stewart, State Representative Janelle Anyanonu, City Councilor Nichole Rogers and County Commissioner Adriann Barboa who are the elected officials and politicians on the “State Fairgrounds District Board” need to keep their greedy little hands off the State Fair grounds and abandon any effort to move it or dedicate it for affordable housing. Simply put, the surrounding neighborhoods, businesses and their constituents want the State Fair to remain where it is.

Governor Lujan Grisham has said she’d like to see the project break ground before she leaves office at the end of next year. This lends credence to her rushing things for the sake of her being able to have a legacy project.

Affordable housing is not the highest and best use for the property. The highest and best use of the 236 acres of property is the State Fair itself and keeping it as Expo New Mexico and developing a year-round Entertainment District and to preserve the New Mexico State Fair and Expo New Mexico where it is now.

The links to related articles are here:

Stantec Consulting Services Inc. Holds First Of Three Public Meetings On Redevelopment Plans For State Fair Grounds; State Fairgrounds District Board Approves $22.5 Million For Property Acquisition; Expo New Mexico With No Affordable Housing Highest And Best Use For State Fair Grounds Property

Second Meeting Of State Fairgrounds District Board Held With Update Of Master Plan Presented; Neighborhoods Surrounding Fair Grounds Falsely Characterized As “Statewide Epicenter of Homicide, Violence, Homeless Despair, Drug Addiction And Criminal Activity”; Highest And Best Use Of Property Is Expo New Mexico With No Affordable Housing

“State Fairgrounds District Board” Holds First Meeting; Gov. MLG Merely Suggests State Fair May Not Be Moved Contrary To Her Expressed Thoughts; Development Of Master Plans Moves Forward; Highest And Best Use Of Property Is “Expo New Mexico” And Creation Of Year Around Entertainment District With No Affordable Housing   

Creation Of “State Fair Grounds” District And Award Of $844,433 Contract For State Fair Master Plan Is Gov. MLG’s Backhanded Move To Force Moving Fair Grounds Over Public Objections; Gov. MLG  Rushes To Achieve Legacy Project With 18 Months Left In Office; July 3 “State Fair Grounds District” First Organization Meeting With Governor Scheduled At State Fair Grounds