Berry avoids mayoral runoff with general election victory

Photo: MG Bralley

Albuquerque's Mayor-elect Richard Berry says he's ready to roll-up his sleeves and get to work.

State Rep. Richard Berry avoided a runoff election and defeated three-term Mayor Marty Chavez and Richard Romero, both Democrats, in Albuquerque's 2009 municipal election on Tuesday night.

With all 186 precincts reporting, voters sent Berry to the 11th floor at City Hall with 36,466 votes or 43.83% of the total vote.

Berry, and his campagin staff, celebrated with hundreds of his supporters at the Sheraton Uptown. He told the crowd that he will focus on the job at hand and pledged to bring "commonsense leadership" to city hall.

"Bottom line is I want to serve Albuquerque. This is a great city. I want to take a commonsense approach to government. Take my business experience, my legislative experience, and just roll up my sleeves and try to move Albuquerque forward."

A city rule, which requires mayor's to devote their full attention to the post, means Berry will have to resign his seat in the legislature. The state Republican Party, will pick a resident in Berry's district, to replace him. The party will give that name to Bernalillo Commissioners who will then forward it to the Governor.

Berry, will be in Santa Fe for the special session beginning on October 17th.

Chavez, term-limited by voters, pledges a smooth transition.

Chavez told his supporters at O'Niell's Bar in Nob Hill that he'd called Berry earlier in the evening and promised a smooth transistion.

"I've spoken to RJ and congratulated him on a great campaign. He and I will be meeting at noon."

Chavez, could only muster 35.02%, or 29,140 votes. Romero, placed a distance third with 20.98% of the vote, or 17,458 votes.

Chavez, 57, told his misty-eyed supporters that it has been an incredible honor to be mayor of his hometown. His only other political loss was in 1998 to Gary Johnson for Governor of New Mexico, offered his perspective on the results.

"All you have to do is look around, to see what we have done together, to transform this community," Chavez said. "I believe in my heart these races and the mayorship, it is not a football game, it’s not a baseball game, with a winner and a loser. It’s a relay race. And each mayor has to move that baton, have to move that team forward. And, I am proud we’ve moved the city of Albuquerque forward immeasurably."

The outgoing mayor, who was first elected mayor in 1993, said someone had approached him at a polling site and told him, "Albuqeurque was like the little ugly duckling, but under your administration it's spread its wings, and today it's like a beautiful swan."

Throughout the campaign both Berry and Romero had criticized the mayor's approach to crime and the city's budget.

In fact, Berry, has been a victim of crime four times in 2009. This spring he even had his work truck stolen. Berry said he'll focus on reducing property crime and end Chavez' "sanctuary city policy for criminal."

"Public safety is number one," said Berry. "I want to do what I can as a mayor to make sure they have the resources they need to not just to do their jobs well, as they do now, but to make sure they get home safe at night.

Republicans will also have control of the city council.

Chavez was not the only incumbent defeated on Tuesday.

City Councilor Michael Cadiagan, who dropped out of the mayor's race in time to run for re-election in District 5, will be replaced by Republican Dan Lewis. With 17 of 17 precincts reporting, Lewis beat Cadigan by nearly 12%, picking up 55.98%, or 6,229 votes to Cadiagan's 44.02% or 4,898 votes.

Republican incumbent Dan Harris easily won re-election defeating David Barbour with 6,392 votes to 1,677.

Democrat incumbent Isaac Benton won re-election by defeating one-time city councilor, and incumbent Bernalillo County Commissioner Alan Armijo.

Ken Sanchez, a Democrat incumbent, was unopposed. Mike Cook received 95.69% of the vote in District 7. Incumbent Republican Sally Mayer dropped out of the race in August.

In December the council will have 5 republicans and 4 democrats.

Voters extend transportation tax, bonds, and charter amendments

Albuquerque voters approved a 10-year extension of a one-quarter cent transportation tax, $159.4 million dollars in general obligation bonds, and all 10 city charter amendments.

Since 2000, the City of Albuquerque has imposed a voter approved one-quarter cent Transportation Infrastructure Tax that provides funding for road rehabilitation, maintenance, deficiencies and transit operation.

Proponents said the tax allowed the transit department to extend bus operation hours by 28% and in the last ten years bus ridership had increase 75%.

Analysts had been closely watching the results of several propsoed charter amendments. With all 10 passing, the city attorney and city clerk will have a bit more independence from the mayor after their appointment and confirmation by city councilors.

And city councilors, who unanimously over-rode a mayoral veto of the charter amendments, could be getting a raise after voters approved a five-panel independent commission to review their and the mayor's salaries.

All the results are posted online here.

"Mayors' Races That Won't Even Be Close"

Updated: 12:40 pm

Some races around the country will be clearly competitive, including the open seat races in Houston, Atlanta, Seattle Charlotte, Miami and even Toledo. Others, in cities like New York, likely will not be close according to a national blog.

We still don't know just how close the three-way race for mayor is in Albuquerque, because there hasn't been any published or broadcast polling, and the campaigns are not sharing their own internal polling.

We anticipate the Albuquerque Journal will publish its polling results on Sunday, Sept 27th -- just one week before the election.

Josh Goodman, who writes for Ballot Box, a blog which covers City Hall politics (among other things), wrote yesterday:

Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chavez is facing two state legislators who are giving him a stiff test.

Well, Goodman got it half right. Romero is a former state senate president pro-tem and State Representative Richard "RJ" Berry has been juggling summer sub-committee meetings with his mayoral campaign.

Goodman says there won't be much suspense in the New York City mayor's race, "Michael Bloomberg has led in every poll by double digits. His lead, combined with his limitless supply of campaign cash, suggests to me that, just like in 2005."

His post also provides analysis on mayors' races in Detroit, Pittsburgh, St. Paul, Minneapolis, Raleigh, and say's the safest incumbent is in Buffalo. Byron Brown won re-election there on Tuesday.

The closest race appears to be in Boston, home of the New England Patriots (okay, so I'm a huge fan of the team). Goodman wrote:

The toughest case is Boston. There's a reason that Thomas Menino is sometimes called "mayor for life." He's been mayor for 16 years, winning reelection easily three times. In the most recent poll of which I'm aware, he scored a 73% approval rating.

To avoid a runoff election in Albuquerque, one of the three candidates will have to at least 40% of the vote.

Albuquerque Mayoral Candidates Outline Their Economic Development Plans

All three Albuquerque mayoral candidates brought their "A" game to this morning's ABQ Economic Development Board forum. Each man shared his vision for bringing new industries and high paying jobs to the city. Each said reducing crime, improving the regulatory environment, and improving educational outcomes is the key to landing new business in the Duke City.



The 48-minute forum format allowed each candidate a brief introduction and closing statement. The men also answered three questions that each had received before the meeting. No one in the crowd asked any question at the conclusion of the closing statements.

Incumbent Mayor Martin J. Chavez listed his accomplishments completing the San Juan River Project, and amenities like the Big-I landscaping projects in his opening statement. Chavez says it's good to see the city appear on the right end of so many national lists during a slow economy. Chavez said in tough times one of the benefits to re-electing him to a record fourth term, will be that he'll provide steadiness at the helm.

Richard Berry, a second term state legislator, told the crowd he was chosen by the Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce as legislative rookie of the year for his work on the appropriation and finance committees in Santa Fe. Berry said he has the right mix of business and legislative experience to lead the city, and would use a scalpel to eliminate budget overlaps and eliminate government inefficiency. Berry said the city needs to have a rainy day fund and be prepared for slow private sector growth.

Richard Romero said the first thing businesses considering relocating to the city look at is the high crime rate. He said he would take "politics out of the Albuquerque Police Department," and said the mayor, after 12 years, should take responsibility for the high property crime rates, which have increased more than eight percent in the last year. He said he's seen to many images of crime appear in the national media and said he believes it drives away business from the Duke City.

Romero also compared the city's Triple Bond ratings to similar ratings in California a few years ago. Romero says those bonds are now rate Triple B and the state is having to pay bills with I.O.U's.

But, Chavez said one of the first things election campaigns tend to sacrifice are the "facts and truth." He says there has been zero growth in all four of his last budget plans. He says the identical $475 million dollar operating budgets he's submitted in his current administration prove he's "reigning government in." He also repeated that while violent crime is down, it is still "unacceptably high."

Chavez says he's proud that he has not had to cut any city jobs and reminded the crowd that he has not forced any tax increases on voters. He re-pledged to have no tax increase without voter approval.

This fall, voters will decide whether or not to re-instate an 1/8 cent transit tax for the next 10 years. A current tax expires this December because of a sunset clause in the original measure.

"I have not endorsed all of the stimulus plan," said Chavez, "but I do support every penny coming to Albuquerque." Chavez told the crowd that a $11.3 million dollars from the American Recovery and Reinvestment act will be used for new bus shelters, new self-serve ticket kiosks, and to upgrade bus fare boxes. Chavez said the bids went out to bid on Tuesday.

Chavez also said some stimulus money is being spent to improve river crossings for pedestrians and bike riders.

Romero said he would "end the bickering" between the mayor's office and city councilors, but Chavez counter by saying "I'm easy to get along with."

Berry commented that the city could have the highest unemployment in the history if it were not for Sandia National Labs. And Mayor Chavez said he would work with Representative Martin Heinrich to saving the NM National Guard's "Flying Tacos."

Opponents Characterize Chavez' Endorsement from APD Officers as "Machine Politics" At Work

Incumbent Mayor Martin J. Chavez has picked up another endorsement in his re-election bid for a record fourth term, and third straight campaign for Mayor of Albuquerque.

Just before noon today, members of the Albuquerque Police Officers Association publicly stated they're backing Chief Ray Schultz' boss. That makes it a clean sweep for Chavez. He has already won endorsements from AFSCME Council 18 and from city fire fighters in the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF).

The President of the Albuquerque Police Officers Association Joey Sigala said the mayor has an unmatched, proven record of being tough on crime:

He's a strong leader with a vision for our future. That's why the APOA is proud to endorse him.

Chavez said he wished everyone in Albuquerque got to see the men and women of the APD the way he gets to see them. He says one of his goals is to form power teams in each of the six area commands. Chavez said the compensation package for officers is the best in the state and one of the best in the region.

In his brief speech, Chavez said, "I've got their back and I'm so pleased to have their back today."



The APOA has bought commercial time on 770KKOB. The union urges listeners to support the mayor's campaign because of his focus on public safety.

The endorsement does not come as a surprise. 770KKOB took this photo of the APOA banner hanging inside the mayor's campaign headquarters last Monday, a full week before today's endorsement was made public.

In March 2008, police officers received the "biggest pay raise in city history." At the time, Chavez said, "This package shows our commitment to public safety." But just one month later, veterans with the force filed a prohibited labor practices complaint with the city's labor board. It was settled this March.

In April, officers who had been moved from their coveted four ten-hour shifts were allowed to bid on them for overnight shifts again. Last week, the mayor told us that while violent crime is down, the crime rate is still "unacceptably high."

Mayor Martin Chávez with the USA's top cop U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, center, with Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy Gil Kerlikowske, seated left, at the June 5, 2009, Homeland Security Advisory Council Meeting at the University of New Mexico hosted by Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano.

Earlier this month, Chavez ordered APD to add another 100 officers to its 1100-member force. The announcement marked the third time Chávez has ordered the police department to increase its ranks. But in years past, the department has had a hard time reaching the new goals because of a lack of qualified applicants.

Chávez has not specified where the money to pay for the officers would come from, although he said 25 percent of the cost would be funded by the federal COPS Hiring Recovery Program. As for the rest, he said the city will leave nonpublic safety positions vacant.

MAYORAL OPPONENTS QUESTION THE VALUE OF THE POLICE OFFICERS ENDORSEMENT

Richard Romero told 770KKOB it "appears the mayor is manipulating the process" of endorsements. He said the APOA membership didn't get to vote on all three candidates, and said, "hey, this is machine politics, what else can you expect."


On Monday morning, State Representative Richard Berry who qualified for this fall's ballot said he believes voters will question the value of the APOA endorsement since he and Romero were never even questioned by union leaders on their public safety views, and because the union membership never voted on the endorsement.



Berry said he would have been more than willing to sit down and discuss his views. He said that several rank and file police officers have told him they are supporting his candidacy. Berry also said if he's elected he will likely move all APD Officers back to four 10-hour shifts after he reviews the scheduling and its effect on response times.

But, Sigala denied Berry and Romero's assertions. He says each man was contacted, but one of the candidates never responded. Sigala, said while there was not a membership vote, all officers were invited to be a part of the 10-member Political Action Committee that made endorsement recommendations to the APOA board.

Meanwhile, in Rio Rancho, the ABQ Journal reports fire, police and dispatch union members are seeking an arbitrator to resolve their pay raise issues. The dispute arose this spring when City Manager James Jimenez proposed a city budget that omitted pay increases included in a contract agreement signed by union leaders, top city administrators, and then-Mayor Michael Williams. Rio Rancho city councilors approved the contract in September 2007.



Photo credit: MGB

ABQ Mayoral Candidates File Financial Reports

This October's election is the first publicly financed Mayor's race in Albuquerque's history. Taxpayers are funding all three 2009 mayoral campaigns. It will be the second publicly funded city councilor's race.

Friday was the first financial disclosure deadline for the candidates.

It's no surprise that incumbent mayor Marty Chavez, who only formally announced his intentions to seek a record third straight term, and fourth overall, last Sunday, has spent the least amount of his city funded treasury, but it appears Chavez took legal advantage of additional money, he had collected from donations he received for a possible gubernatorial run.

In December 2008, he reported to the NM Secretary of State's office that he spent $22,350 with Lake Research and another $4,481.90 with InteleServices for a political robo call.

The robo call asked respondents if they "think the Mayor of Albuquerque, Marty Chavez, is doing a good job as mayor, and if the election were held tomorrow would you vote for him for re-election?"

On Friday, Chavez reported he paid nationally renowned political website producer Buzz, Inc. $6079.50 to build a new site for this fourth mayoral campaign since 1993. He also received in kind contributions of $3,245, including nearly a $1000 in legal services from personal-injury attorney Will Ferguson. The Chavez team also paid $716 to rent the Taylor Ranch Community Center for his campaign announcement last Sunday. The largest expenditure reported was to $10,000 Resolution Graphics and another $7928.55 to Gold Communications.

Chavez campaign manager Mark Fleisher received $3,000 and was credited for another $2,000 in in-kind contributions.

Republican state lawmaker Richard "RJ" Berry reported spending the most of the three candidates. His financial disclosure indicates he's spent $66,258.72 on his campaign. Richard Romero has spent $60,631.31, and Mayor Martin Chavez has spent the least. He reported expenses of $36,970.91 with another $3,245 received in in-kind contributions.

Berry's political consultant Lincoln Strategy Group has earned $17,253.27. The campaign also paid National Ballot Acces $12,512.32.

Romero, meanwhile paid former campaign manager Neri Holguin $17,917.05. Holguin resigned from the campaign, and was replaced by Murray Fishel, a nationally known campaign consultant, during the 4th of July holiday.

The financial disclosure reports are available online.

Each candidate qualified for public financing by April 1st. All three had to collect 3,287 contributions of $5 each from registered Albuquerque voters in a six-week period ending March 31. Mayor Chavez qualified for the most money $328,680. Richard Berry received $319,220. Richard Romero' report did not indicate how much he received in public financing.

No Limit to Mayoral Term Limit Discussion

Just four days after incumbent Albuquerque Mayor Martin J. Chavez announced his formal bid for a record fourth term and third straight, one of his opponents is pledging to serve only eight years if he's elected.

On Thursday State Representative Richard "RJ" Berry said:

Term limits for the mayor are the will of the people and needed to keep life-long politicians in check.

Last year, Chavez successfully argued in State District Court that term-limits violated the state's constitution. Two weeks ago he told me at 770KKOB that the court action was not an end run around the voter's will.



On Thursday, Chavez told KOB TV 4's Stuart Dyson if he's elected that this, the fourth term will be his last. But, Dyson writes that minutes later Chavez backed off the statement:

Well, I think it's unwise to definitively say never, never, never because I want folks to understand they have to deal with a mayor at full speed.

But, Richard Berry says that's what Chavez said after being re-elected in 2005:

Chavez told the people of Albuquerque that he wouldn't run for mayor again, but he did not keep his word. He changed his mind, sued the city to throw out term limits for the mayor and went on with politics as usual.

Berry added:

Voters are asking me what this mayor could possibly hope to accomplish in sixteen years that he hasn't had a chance to get done in twelve. Twelve years is a long time. They believe it is time for a change at City Hall.

Former State Senate President Pro-tem Richard Romero, another challenger for the 11th floor office, has been critical of the mayor's 4th bid. He says he favors the City Charter's intent of a two-term maximum for the City’s top executive. In April, Romero told 770KKOB, "cronyism at city hall is causing the city irreparable harm."

On Sunday, Michael Passi, a member of the city charter task force, wrote a commentary for the Albuququere Journal on this issue. Passi noted:

If we lose executive accountability at a time when we've allowed the incumbent to eviscerate our prudent term-limit laws, we are risking a government operation that is purely political and fails to serve the people with integrity.

Chavez has been elected mayor of Albuquerque three times -- in 1993, in 2001 and in 2005. The only other mayor to serve more than one term in Albuquerque is Harry Kinney.

Chávez Says ABQ Crime Rate "Unacceptably" High

On a hot summer day in Albuquerque the 2009 City Election is beginning to heat up. Mayor Martin J. Chávez announced at the Taylor Ranch Community Center today that he's joining a three-way race for the city's top elected office. He wants voters to give him an unprecedented fourth term and third straight.

Chávez told 770KKOB he's been an "activist mayor" and that his record demonstrates his vision of the future for the city. But, that record is under attack by two challengers, former New Mexico Senate President Pro-Tem Richard Romero, and current State Representative and local business owner Richard "RJ" Berry.

On Friday, the mayor said he believes crime is "unacceptably high," but public safety will continue to be his number one priority if he's re-elected October 6th.

Last week, Chávez announced that he's directed Albuquerque Police Chief Ray Schultz to add another 100 police officers to the force, but Romero says that while he supports getting more cops on the street it smells like election year politics. Romero says only 42% of the city's current police officers work on the street.



Both Romero and Berry have said they're frustrated with the nearly 9% increase in property crimes year over year. Romero told reporters on Thursday that if he's elected he will replace Schultz.

According to FBI statistics released recently, property crime in Albuquerque has increased from 29,293 reports in 2007, to 31,907 in 2008, a nine percent increase in one year.

Mayoral Candidate Richard RJ Berry's Burned Out Truck
Was Recovered in the East Mountains

Berry proposed his own crime fighting plan after Bernalillo County Sheriff's deputies recovered his stolen truck. On May 23rd he said:

We are in need of new solutions and new commitments if we are going to reduce property crime in Albuquerque. This is a quality of life issue. We need a Mayor who will take this head on and get results.

El Paso, whose population exceeds Albuquerque's by approximately 90,000 people, reported only 19,702 property crimes in 2008, or nearly 12,000 less crimes. And in Denver, a city with a population that exceeds Albuquerque's by approximately 70,000, the city saw a decreasing rate of property crime and reported only 19,316 crimes in 2008, once again far less than Albuquerque.

While the mayor prepares to announce in Taylor Ranch on Sunday afternoon, Romero is organizing around 100 volunteers to knock on doors.

While campaign election signs can't be planted in front yards, street corners, or on billboards until August 7th the election campaign has been underway for months and months. The mayor has already received several union endorsements including one from the American Federation of State, County, Municipal Employees Council 18. But as Marjorie Childress reported Local 624, the bluecollar workers, are not happy with the selection. They say AFSCME's endorsement doesn't represent their views.

All three candidates received public financing on April 1st. The first financial disclosure statements will be filed on Thursday, July 17th. The City Clerk, Randy Autio will draw the candidate's ballot position on Thursday, August 13th at 5:01pm.

Residents who want to vote in the city election have to register with the Bernalillo County Clerk's office by September 8th. The City of Albuquerque has posted all election deadline dates here.

Romero Makes Campaign Changes 90 Days Before Election

With just 90 days before this fall's city election Richard Romero's mayoral campaign is introducing a new lead strategist. Romero says Murray Fishel, the president of Grassroots Political Campaigns, Inc., and a long time trusted adviser, is taking over the reigns of his campaign.

Fishel will replace New Mexico political consultant Neri Holguin who's been leading Romero's campaign since Romero first announced. She spent the 4th of July with her family in Southern, New Mexico.

Romero, who may have sensed his campaign needed a new direction, ahead of Mayor Marty Chavez' formal re-election announcement (expected in July).

Romero had nothing but nice things to say about Holguin and his new strategist.

Neri Holguin is leaving our campaign and I’m sad to see her go. When she took this job last year, she told me that because of other commitments she could only serve until the end of April to help me launch my major petition efforts to qualify for public financing and to get on the ballot. We passed those tests with flying colors thanks to her leadership. I then convinced her to stay on a little longer, which she agreed to do. I want to thank her for all that she has done to get this campaign off to a great start.

An online website describes Fishel's company as a progressive firm offering training and candidate services to organizations and candidates. It has a 70% success rate over the last 32 years and has worked with over 2500 candidates in more than 39 states.

Before starting her campaign consultancy, Holguin worked for Eli Lee at Soltari, a campaign training consultancy. She also worked as the Treasurer for Conservation Voters Alliance of New Mexico and was employeed by The Wilderness Society.

Holguin successfully directed the New Mexico Senate campaigns for Eric Griego, Tim Keller and helped with Eleanor Chavez' successful campaign to the State House of Representatives. Her candidates successfully ousted three incumbent lawmakers, Shannon Robinson, Sen. James Taylor, and Rep. Dan Silva.

Eric Griego defeated Taylor by 24 percentage points, Tim Keller defeated Robinson by 32 points and Eleanor Chavez defeated Silva by eight points.

After the state primary victories, the defeated lawmakers filed suit. They claimed non-profits associated with the Center for Civic Policy were used to raise and funnel tax deductible contributions to the three campaigns, along with providing manpower for get out the vote efforts.
Eli Lee and other defendents called the lawsuits baseless. Matt Brix told political blogger Heath Haussamen in August the former lawmaker's lawsuit was a completely false allegation.

"I have no idea where that comes from,” said Matt Brix, the center’s policy director. He added that the center has never taken any money from Soros or his Open Society Institute.

Holguin's candidates were alleged to have full knowledge of the contributions and in fact are purported to have approved individual mail pieces distributed by the non-profit organizations.

“There are so many completely outlandish allegations that we don’t even know where to begin. Everything in the lawsuit is categorically untrue,” Brix said.

Property Crime Rises 9 Percent in ABQ.

We attended Albuquerque Mayoral Candidate Richard "RJ" Berry's Friday morning news conference. Berry show us his company truck which was stolen on May 23rd and recently recovered burned out and destroyed.

From a Campaign News Release:

Berry To Take Property Crime "Head On."

Candidate for Mayor says more needs to be done to protect our citizens.

In front of a pickup truck that was stolen from his family's place of business and burned beyond recognition, Richard Berry today announced his plan to attack and reduce property crime in Albuquerque, a category of crime that by all accounts is out of control. In announcing his three-point plan, Berry released video footage and photographs of crimes committed at his family's place of business and at a tenant's rental unit.

Berry used the videos and photographs to highlight dangerous situations that often occur when property crimes are committed.

"The videos and photographs are pretty shocking and demonstrate what is happening all over this city every day," said Berry. "

Berry says:

We are in need of new solutions and new commitments if we are going to reduce property crime in Albuquerque. This is a quality of life issue. We need a Mayor who will take this head on and get results.

Richard Berry's plan includes:

1. Make property crime response and investigation a top priority within the Albuquerque Police Department. I will work with our police department and bring in experts if needed to determine what is working and what is not. We will work to eliminate overlaps and to fill gaps in our crime prevention efforts. While a revamped task force that focuses exclusively on this type of crime is a definite possibility, organizing and restructuring areas within the department to ensure we have the needed resources to fight this problem is a must.

2. Restore critical funding for crime prevention programs that work. Youth Gang Prevention, Substance Abuse Programs and Neighborhood Deterioration grants have seen funding cuts by Mayor Chavez in this year's budget. Citizen education programs are also under utilized. A few of the programs have been temporarily restored with Federal Stimulus money from APS, but this takes away from other education needs and the funds will run out in 2010. Full and ongoing funding for these vital programs should be a priority rather than a trolley car or a swimming hole at Tingley Beach.

3. Work to stop thieves, but also work to shut down outlets for stolen property. One way to decrease property crime is to stop businesses from buying stolen property from thieves. I will reach out to the District Attorney's office, the legislature and the courts in an effort to bolster our crime fighting efforts. We are below the national average for solving burglaries; we can do better.

According to FBI statistics released recently, property crime in Albuquerque has increased from 29,293 reports in 2007, to 31,907 in 2008, a nine percent increase in one year.

But in contrast, other western cities of comparable population size have seen their property crime rates decrease.

El Paso, whose population exceeds Albuquerque's by approximately 90,000 people, reported only 19,702 property crimes in 2008, a difference 12,000 less crimes. And in Denver, a city with a population that exceeds Albuquerque's by approximately 70,000, the city saw a decreasing rate of property crime and reported only 19,316 crimes in 2008, once again far less than Albuquerque.

"Even though the officers within our police department are working hard to protect our citizens, Albuquerque is still losing the battle with property crime, and like many people who live here, I've felt its affects first hand," said Berry. "Like most folks I'm fed up with the situation. I believe it's time to invest our resources toward reducing this problem. After twelve years of Mayor Chavez, Albuquerque needs a fresh approach, with new leadership and a new focus, to make a real difference."


Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Teamsters Union Endorses Richard Romero for Mayor of Albuquerque

Nearly two weeks ago Mayor Martin J Chavez picked up the AFSCME union endorsement.

On Sunday, Richard Romero's campaign announced that he's picked up the Teamster's endorsement.

From a news release:

ALBUQUERQUE (June 7, 2009). Richard Romero received the endorsement of the New Mexico Teamsters Union in his run for the Mayor of Albuquerque.

"We stand with those who champion working families, and Richard Romero has a proven record as a fighter," said Walter R. Maestas, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local Union 492. "We are proud to be the first union to endorse him for mayor."

"It's an honor to receive this important endorsement," said Romero. "As mayor, I will continue to stand up for our city's workers and the unions that back them. My roots are with this union—my father was a warehouse man at Sandia Labs and a proud member of the Teamsters."


The union pointed to Romero's strong record of standing with working families, citing that as a State Senator and Senator Pro Tem Richard Romero:


Fought for minimum wage increases;

Opposed privatization of prisons and stood up to voice strong disapproval of the unethical action taken by Manny Aragon in becoming a lobbyist for private prison operator, Wackenhut, while simultaneously serving in the Senate;

Carried the collective bargaining bill that allowed state workers to organize

Romero is a former teacher and principal. He served as President Pro Tem of the NM state Senate from 2001 to 2004. Richard is facing Rep. RJ Berry and Mayor Marty Chavez, who has qualified for public financing but has not yet officially declared whether he will seek a fourth term as mayor. Albuquerque's municipal election will be held on October 6, 2009.



Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

City Hall Defends Mayor's Fiscal Record After Romero Criticism

Albuquerque Mayoral Candidate Richard Romero is pounding incumbent Martin J. Chavez on the mayor's 2010 budget.

On Thursday morning, at Park Avenue and 14th Street (the site of a current city road improvement project), Romero told reporters Chavez has built a political machine that needs to be "dismantled" after three terms.

Romero says he wants the mayor to stop digging the city into a deeper financial hole. The former Senate Pro-tem was joined at his news conference by Lou Hoffman, who served as the city treasurer from 1987 to 2006.

Listen to the brief news conference here.



But, City Hall was quick to respond to the criticism.

The Mayor's long-time public information officer, Deborah James, defends Chavez' fiscal record. She says the current administration is acting prudently during tough economic times and living within their means. Listen to my one-on-one with James here.




James believes Romero and his team are out of touch and said she'd rather be critiqued by the nation's bond writers and reporting services; and, the mayor remains committed to no tax increases without voter approval.

Romero said cronyism on the 11th floor has left the city with a bloated bureaucracy and is causing the city irreparable harm. Romero says there's no need for three "deputy scapegoats."

Mr. Hoffman, a 19-year city hall veteran, added:

When the new city charter was established in 1974 there were only department heads. No Chief Administrative Officers [CAO's] and certainly no traffic czar.

Romero told reporter Marjorie Childress, at the New Mexico Independent, there is a lot of waste in city government, including two city council planners. Romero says the councilors are not allowed to use city hall planners because they are at war with each other. Romero continued by pledging to work closely with the city council if he's elected.

Romero also questioned Chavez' decision to not replace some 200 vacant jobs because of revenue shortfalls.

If they are not essential enough to fill, why were did they exist in the first place.

Hoffman told us Chavez' administration has diverted $50 million dollars from property taxes (three times in the past eight years) to basic operating services. Hoffman said the bond money should be used to repair and build streets. Hoffman estimates the total impact from the diversion could have funded more than a billion dollars worth of projects for generations to come. Hoffman believes Chavez' strategy has led to "a big capital infrastructure hit."

Hoffman also told reporters the $24 million debt service moved from the operating fund this year was likely used to cover the police and fire department pay raises, claiming it matched almost dollar for dollar.

Romero is calling for immediate action to bring "expenditures in line with revenues."

TOP HEAVY ?

Romero's campaign says the growth of politically-appointed jobs under Chavez is unprecedented in Albuquerque's history. On Sunday, Romero told long-time KOB TV political reporter Stuart Dyson on his Sunday morning program, Eye on New Mexico, that he would cut political appointment jobs.

Hoffman says the mayor's office budget has grown 94% over the last five years while the city budget has only grown 35% and that includes $43 million from the 1/4 cent public safety tax.
That means the political infrastructure is growing three times the rate of city government itself and is harming basic operating services.

But James told us that it's "political whacky season," and that the two men (Romero and Hoffman) are flip flopping the numbers.

Chavez has qualified for the ballot, and public financing, but has not announced his campaign for an unprecedented fourth term. On Wednesday, Chavez received an endorsement from the local AFSCME union chapter.

For Pete's Sake!

At Thursday's news conference, Romero also questioned the Mayor's use of three APD police officers for his security detail, which led us to ask for his opinion on one of those officers flipping off free-lance photographer , blogger, and former APD officer, and APOA President, Mark Bralley at a recent news conference at Albuquerque High School.

Romero said it's inappropriate behavior and if he was mayor that officer would be fired. Listen to Romero's remarks on the "little birdie" incident here.



Bralley captured the officer throwing the finger on film, and has posted it on his blog, What's Wrong With This Picture. Bralley regularly contributes his photos to news outlets, like the Capital Report, and to our blog, What's the Word?

The mayor's office told us Bralley often gets to close when taking pictures and has "bumped" the mayor. We checked and there is no restraining order and there was no arrest for assault or battery.

It seems the Mayor may still be upset with Bralley, who helped defeat a "public safety" tax during a previous administration, or he may just not like some of the photos (like this one) that Bralley has snapped and posted on Ched MacQuigg's blog Diogenes' Six.

Incumbent Mayor Gets AFSCME Endorsement

Albuquerque Mayor Martin J. Chavez, who has qualified for the ballot and public financing, but has not officially announced that he's running for a 4th term this fall, has picked up an important and powerful endorsement from the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, which represents 3500 city workers.

Read the endorsement here.

Chavez, who declined to participate in the union's mayoral forum last month, has said he plans to announce his re-election plans within "weeks."

New Mexico Independent's Heath Haussaman and Joe Monahan broke the story here and here that AFSCME's decision was made by union members on Wednesday night.

Council President and PEOPLE Committee chair Andrew Padilla said:

Mayor Chavez is in a very strong position to be re-elected and we look forward to a good working relationship over the next four years with the Mayor and his administration.

Richard Romero and RJ Berry are also on the ballot. Yesterday, Romero went on the offense at a news conference calling Chavez "fiscally irresponsible." Marjorie Childress reports here that a Chavez spokesperson is defending his record and the city's bond rating. We have audio from Romero's news conference, with former City Treasurer Lou Hoffman, and a response from Deborah James (Chavez spokesperson). Both audio interviews will be posted this weekend.