Berry may keep some department heads

Photo: MG Bralley
Albuquerque Mayor-Elect Richard "RJ" Berry is hitting the ground running the morning after defeating incumbent Mayor Martin J. Chavez and Richard Romero in the city's 2009 municipal election.

"We're really excited," said Berry. "We rolled up our sleeves last night about midnight, worked until about 4 o'clock, got up this morning, and made breakfast for the family."

Berry said he’ll spend part of the day meeting with mayors from surrounding cities at their monthly meeting.

During a phone call with 770KKOB talk show host Bob Clark, Berry said he was still working out scheduling details for a lunch meeting with Chavez today.

“I'm very pleased that Mayor Chavez has extended a hand,” said Berry who will have to have a majority of his administration team in place by his swearing in on December 1st. “I'm going to ask if I could have some access to the city departments and make sure I can start having some discussions.”

Because Berry captured 43.88% of the vote there will not be a six-week runoff campaign and that will give him more time to prepare for his first term.

“I expect a very smooth transition and I think it's one of those situations where having some time to be able to put a team together and do the things that we need to do to hit the ground running on December 1st that's going to be a real advantage.”

But Berry’s attention could still be diverted. As a state representative he will have to go to Santa Fe, beginning October 17, for a special session focused on balancing the state’s $433 million dollar budget gap. Still Berry welcome the extra time to prepare to lead the state’s largest city.

He is expected to resign his district seat following the special session.

"It's vital,” said Berry. “We've got a lot of work to do. There's a lot of things to transition together.”

Berry, a Republican, is crediting his business and legislative experience for his election over two well-known Democrats.

“It was a matter of putting the message out there and trying to share my vision with Albuquerque and it resonated with the voters,” said Berry. “I think people are ready for a commonsense style of leadership which is something I offer. “

Berry also thinks his pledge to limit himself to two terms played a role in his election.

“I heard from a lot of people that was important to them,” said the mayor-elect. “When I stood up and took that pledge I did hear from a lot of people that was something they were very interested in. I think that helps.”

Berry says he’ll take the time to make the right staffing decisions.

“We've got a number of people that I want to talk to,” said Berry. “The fact of the matter is that I want to make sure that I'm making an informed management decision. “it's going to take several days to weeks to get with the people I need to get with and to have the discussions I need to have to do what I think is best for the City of Albuquerque in these positions . As I sit here today those positions are not filled -- they are not picked. Today, I'm going to be having discussions and we're going to move forward with a pace that is reasonable for the transitions. ”

He also said some city department directors will be retained, but didn’t mention who he thought would make the cut. Berry said each will be reviewed on a case-to-case basis.

“I believe that there are people that get up every day and really do great work,” said Berry. “I think there are folks who do a great job and I want them on my team.”

Republicans running for state office see glimmer of hope in Berry win.

After the 2008 election, where state democrats won took control of all five congressional districts, and with only one Republican holding a state office, Republicans are beginning to sense a glimmer of hope for next year's statewide offices.

Republican businessman Allen Weh is one of them:

Yesterday, the people of Albuquerque chose a businessman and a fresh face instead of retaining a career politician to serve as their Mayor. I extend my congratulations to Mayor-elect Berry on his victory. There is little question that his promise to run city government in a fiscally responsible manner and keep it small and efficient is what a lot of voters wanted. Similar change is necessary in state government, and I intend to deliver that a little more than a year from now when we move New Mexico in a better direction. I extend my best wishes for his new administration and look forward to working with Mayor-elect Berry to achieve the reforms that are so badly needed.

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.

Sheriff White endorses Berry in Albuquerque's mayoral race

After claiming to be neutral in the 2009 Albuquerque mayoral, Bernalillo County Sheriff Darren White, switched gears and announced this morning that he's endorsing fellow Republican State Lawmaker Richard "RJ" Berry.

White indicated it is Berry’s position on crime and "the false attacks" by Marty Chavez that persuaded him to get involved. Both men have claimed Albuquerque has become a sanctuary city.

“I did not endorse anyone against Chavez in 2005, but Richard Berry is a good man and I know he’ll be tough on crime,” said Sheriff White. “I’m disgusted by the false, personal attacks made against Richard Berry and his family. Claiming Berry is not a businessman is like saying I’m not a cop.”

Just last week, Bernalillo County Sheriff Darren White said he was upset at comments that Albuquerque mayor Martin Chavez made at a recent debate about the crime rate in unincorporated parts of Bernalillo County. Albuquerque lies in the borders of Bernalillo County.

Richard Berry has made crime a centerpiece of his campaign, promising to crackdown on gangs, target property crime and end the mayor’s sanctuary city policy for criminals.

Mayor Chavez' campaign quickly responded to our inquiry about White's endorsement. Spokeswoman Joan Griffin, an email to us, wrote:

The Albuquerque Mayor's race is a non-partisan race. The Mayor is proud to have the endorsement of the Albuquerque Police Officers Association, the Fraternal Order of Police the Albuquerque Firefighters Association and the National Rifle Association.

But, the Berry campaign isn't wasting anytime promoting the endorsement by long-time Republican White. They've purchased radio time on 770KKOB and are airing these commercials.



In this spot, an announcer states "12-year incumbent Mayor Chavez wants to play games." The ad goes on to describe "facts" about one of Berry's top campaign issues the city's so-called sanctuary city policy.

The spot refers to a 2007 policy which prohibited Albuquerque Police Officers from checking the immigration status of criminals in their custody. Berry has said the policy attract criminals. Berry's ad states that some criminals that are suppose to be turnover to immigration officials were never deported.

Chavez' has regularly said anyone arrested for a crime who is later determined to be in the country illegally is reported to the I.C.E. for deportation, but that the custom's agency hasn't always followed up with deportation. Suspects not picked up within 48 hours can then be released back on to Albuquerque streets.

In the ad, White tells voters the "personal attacks against Richard Berry and his family are desperate and false." He urges voters not to be fooled by them."

Do Secret Video Tapes Reveal Mayoral Retaliation?

Photo by: MG Bralley
As you've probably already heard before, former Albuquerque Police Officer John Bode, who currently owns and operates Bode Aviation and Bode Aero at Double Eagle Airport, is suing Mayor Martin Chávez and the City of Albuquerque, because a contract negotiated between him and the city was never signed and returned to him.

Bode has claimed City Hall has deliberately delayed signing his contract because he refused to offer the mayor free flights, both for the city and for the Chávez for U.S. Senate campaign, and because he raised concerns about safety at the airport and questioned federal grant money spending on a long-delayed airport tower. And because he refused to donate to some of Chávez' favorite charities, including the Boo Ball.

Now, one of Chávez' opponents, Richard Romero, has released video surveillance tapes made during the contract negotiations. Last month, Albuquerque Journal City Hall Reporter Dan McKay reported on the tapes.

Watch them and judge them for yourself here.

Bode Surveillance- Long Version from Richard M. Romero on Vimeo.

These compiled surveillance tapes are mentioned by Bode, during his deposition, by City Attorneys ahead of a federal trial. The videos were also released to 770KKOB after a request for inspection of public records.

The Journal's McKay reported:

The recordings show a series of meetings in 2007 and 2008 between the plaintiffs and city officials in a Bode conference room at Double Eagle. The room had surveillance cameras because it's part of an airport.

Bode has also said there's a sign notifying people of the surveillance and that the cameras' operation is routine. His attorney said the cameras are visible.

Bode's suit alleges the City of Albuquerque stalled and manipulated an extension of his fixed based operator's contract at Double Eagle II Airport.

Bode has said the tapes prove mayoral retaliation. Bode contends Chávez is solely responsible for stifling the contract process.

The mayor has said that he's reviewing all city contracts and will not offer any long-term, no bid contracts.

Note:
*The female voice on the tape has been wrongly identified as Cara McNitch(sic), the female voice is actually Christine Pica, a partner at Bode Aero Services.

Early In-Person Voting Begins Tomorrow

Updated: 5:37a

While voter turnout in city elections has been historically low, it appears the requests for absentee ballots is on the increase in Albuquerque before next month's election.

The city clerk’s office began distributing absentee ballots on September 1st. Completed applications have been accepted in the office since September 9th.

Four early in-person voting sites open tomorrow. Voters who show up at these locations, the Albuquerque/Bernalillo County Government Center, City of Albuquerque Records Center, APS City Center in ABQ Uptown, and at Ladera Plaza, have until 5pm to cast their ballots. Anyone voting in person must present photo identification.

City Clerk Randy Autio told us he's processing about 1000 requests for absentee ballots everyday, and staffers had to work over the weekend to clear a backlog of requests for applications. Autio said they are caught up.

Unlike state-wide, or county elections, voters have to complete an additional step before getting their application for an absentee ballot.

Strangely, this official form, called the Absentee Ballot Application Request Form, has to be completed before you can even apply for an absentee ballot.

And, if you don't request it online, via email, in person, or by calling 311, you better hope the postal system in your neighborhood operates quickly and efficiently, because all absentee ballots have to be received by the city clerk by 7pm on October 6th. The last day to cast an absentee ballot in person, at the clerk's office, is October 2nd.

"The City of Albuquerque is following the same system it has always followed," said Under State Municipal Election Law there was a request required before sending the application out,” said Autio.

That’s because the city operates under State Municipal Election Laws which require one additional step compared to other county elections. In order to vote absentee in next month’s election, voters in the Duke City are required to complete both a request for application form and an application for absentee ballot before receiving an actual absentee ballot.

“It appears in this election season the absentees become popular with the campaigns in order to get the vote out, which is great expect that it puts a great strain on our office to respond quickly,” said Autio. “Campaigns are walking the neighborhoods and getting requests and bringing them in, so they’re coming in all kinds of different forms.”

Correction: The original post incorrectly reported the last day the clerk would receive an absentee ballot is October 2nd. In fact, that is the last day to cast an absentee ballot in person at the clerk's office. Absentee ballots will be accepted at City Hall until 7pm on October 6th.

Chávez Endorsed by Home Builders Association

Update 730am: Mayor Martin Chavez received the endorsement of the Fraternal Order of Police, following a mayoral forum at Lodge #1 in Albuquerque on Thursday night.

Albuquerque's three-term Mayor Martin J. Chávez, who is running for an unprecedented fourth term, picked up another endorsement today.

The Home Builders Association of Central New Mexico, who has not endorsed mayoral candidates in the past, but recognized Chavez in 2008 with its Green Build Leadership Award , unanimously voted to endorse him in this Fall's municipal election, scheduled for October 6th.

HBA President Steve Nakamura said the endorsement was a result of the mayor's strong support for impact fee reduction legislation, which city councilors have deferred twice since returning from Summer break.

Nakamura said:

Of the nearly 8,000 jobs lost in Albuquerque over the last 12 months, the construction industry accounts for about two-thirds of those losses. We believe the Impact Fee Reduction Legislation, proposed by Mayor Chávez, is the single most important attempt to help save our local jobs.

Chávez said the HBA's endorsement galvanizes his decision to seek re-election and underscores the cornerstone of his candidacy:

We must provide opportunities for our citizens - in all industries - to prosper, especially in times of economic distress. I remain committed to local impact fee reduction, and I will continue to support that very important initiative.

In July, the New Mexico Chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. announced that it has endorsed Richard J. Berry in the race for the Mayor of Albuquerque. ABC has 164 member firms that collectively provide high-paying jobs for thousands of employees. Berry's decades of business experience, along with his pro-business track record in the New Mexico State Legislature, were keys in garnering the endorsement.

Photo: MG Bralley

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.