Business Services Industry

Albuquerque's Mayoral Election—Who's Best for Business?

New Mexico Business Journal, Oct, 2001

Albuquerque's Mayoral Election--Who's Best for Business?


Name                           Alan B. Armijo
Age                            50
Place of Birth                 Clayton, N.M.
Web Site
Education                      B.A., M.A., Education,
                               University of New Mexico


Occupation                     Governmental liaison,
                               APS teacher

Civic Activities               Loaned executive, United
                               Way; consultant, U.S.
                               Agency on International
                               Development, assistance
                               to Guatemala



Political Experience           City councilor, 1989-present;
                               council president, 1994,
                               1998; human development
                               steering committee, National
                               League of Cities







Business Experience





List the three most            1. Services for youth. I will
critical challenges            continue to be a strong
facing Albuquerque             advocate for making sure
                               kids have the educational,
                               recreational and before and
                               after school services they
                               need. If we do not provide
                               these services, we as a
                               community will suffer over
                               the long term.
                               2. Jobs. Recruiting new
                               businesses and strengthening
                               small local businesses have
                               been a priority as city
                               councilor. I will initiate a
                               program for in-plant
                               training. Replicating what
                               has been done at the state
                               level would help our local
                               businesses to expand and
                               compete...
                               3. Planning for the future.
                               The issue of water and
                               planned growth is very
                               important. As mayor, I
                               would continue the
                               leadership, which I have
                               displayed as councilor,
                               on water planning and
                               water rights preservation
                               and establishing a
                               framework for orderly
                               growth, which is predictable
                               and sustainable.




In recent years, the city has
experienced shortfalls in
gross receipts taxes and
has cut operating budgets.
How can the city continue to
provide essential services
to its residents if its
current tax base can't
support them?













Name                           Jim Baca
Age                            55
Place of Birth                 Albuquerque
Web Site                       jimbaca.com
Education                      B.S., Business
                               Administration, University
                               of New Mexico

Occupation                     Mayor


Civic Activities               Governing council, Wilderness
                               Society; Board, N.M.
                               Wilderness Alliance; board,
                               Southern Utah Wilderness
                               Alliance



Political Experience           Mayor, 1997-present;
                               director U.S. Bureau of Land
                               Management; State Land
                               Commissioner (two terms);
                               State Liquor Director; press
                               secretary to Governor King;
                               press secretary to Mayor
                               Kinney




Business Experience            Marketing consultant; trust
                               auditor; owner, public
                               relations firm



List the three most            1. Revenue shortfalls.
critical challenges            2. Effects of sprawl and
facing Albuquerque             unmanaged growth on our
                               quality of life.
                               3. Maintaining a sustainable
                               city relative to water needs,
                               clean air and economic
                               development.






























In recent years, the city has  Recent legislative action--
experienced shortfalls in      casino gambling, gross
gross receipts taxes and       receipts tax exemptions,
has cut operating budgets.     etc.--has deprived
How can the city continue to   municipalities of their
provide essential services     share of revenues to
to its residents if its        provide basic municipal
current tax base can't         services. As mayor I
support them?                  co-chair a Municipal
                               League commitee to find
                               solutions to this revenue
                               stream problem. New
                               Mexico municipalities will
                               not be able to continue
                               providing essential
                               services unless they lobby
                               state government to diversify
                               and create new revenue
                               streams.



Name                           Martin Chavez
Age                            49
Place of Birth                 Albuquerque
Web Site                       martinchavez.com
Education                      B.A., University of New
                               Mexico; J.D., Georgetown
                               University Law Center

Occupation                     Attorney


Civic Activities







Political Experience           State senator serving
                               Albuquerque's West Side;
                               Mayor of Albuquerque 1993-
                               1997; Democratic party
                               nominee for governor, 1998.







Business Experience            Attorney in private practice





List the three most            1. Public safety
critical challenges            2. Water
facing Albuquerque             3. Jobs/business growth
                               Above all, we must have
                               a safer city. I will restore
                               community based policing
                               and reinstate the gang and
                               homicide units. We must
                               increase police staffing
                               from 840 officers to 1100
                               and have a zero tolerance
                               policy toward gangs. Our
                               water future must be secure.
                               We need to complete the San
                               Juan Chama Diversion Project
                               before our aquifer reaches
                               emergency status. I will be a
                               job ambassador for
                               Albuquerque, promoting our
                               city as an ideal location for
                               clean business. There will
                               be no tax increases, unless
                               the public first votes on
                               them














In recent years, the city has  We must expand our city's
experienced shortfalls in      economic base to attract the
gross receipts taxes and       jobs which in turn will mean
has cut operating budgets.     additional gross receipts.
How can the city continue to   I was a business friendly
provide essential services     mayor. You can expect the
to its residents if its        same if I am elected this
current tax base can't         year.
support them?













Name                           Rick Homans
Age                            45
Place of Birth                 Boston
Web Site                       rickhomans.com
Education                      B.A., English, Beloit College



Occupation                     Publisher


Civic Activities               President, La Compania de
                               Teatro Albuquerque;
                               co-founder, Albuquerque
                               Children's Museum; chairman,
                               Albuquerque Convention and
                               Visitors Bureau, 1994-95;
                               vice chairman, GACC.

Political Experience           Chairman, Balloon Fiesta
                               Task Force, 1994; trustee,
                               Urban Enhancement Trust
                               Fund, 1998-2000.








Business Experience            Chairman/ceo Starlight Media
                               Group; founded New Mexico
                               Business Weekly; reporter
                               and editor


List the three most            1. Economic opportunity.
critical challenges            My great idea is to create
facing Albuquerque             10,000 neew technology jobs
                               in my first term...
                               increased earnings will drive
                               spending, which will increase
                               the tax base...
                               2. Education. The 50% dropout
                               rate in some schools is
                               alarming and unacceptable.
                               The mayor must forge a
                               strong partnership with APS.
                               My great ideas include an
                               after school program of math
                               and reading...more truancy
                               officers...a new charter high
                               school for vocational and
                               entrepreneurial training and
                               starting a teacher training
                               academy to support our
                               teachers.
                               3. Public safety. We have a
                               police force of about 800
                               officers; we should be at
                               1,100. We have eliminated
                               homicide, burglary and
                               domestic abuse units and
                               community policing doesn't
                               exist. My great idea is to
                               lease-back retired police
                               officers. This way, they
                               can collect the retirement
                               pay they deserve, and we get
                               the benefit of their
                               continued service.



In recent years, the city has  First, the city must manage
experienced shortfalls in      its resources better. Recent
gross receipts taxes and       controversies with cell
has cut operating budgets.     phones, overtime and
How can the city continue to   positions that have been
provide essential services     vacant for up to six years
to its residents if its        point to severe
current tax base can't         mismanagement. My great
support them?                  idea is to review every city
                               program each year to ensure
                               efficiency. Second, we
                               must focus on growing our
                               tax base by increasing our
                               per capita income, i.e,
                               high-wage jobs. Earnings
                               drive spending, which drives
                               GRT revenues.





Name                           James B. Lewis
Age                            53
Place of Birth                 Roswell
Web Site                       jamesblewis.com
Education                      B.S., education, Bishop
                               College; M.A., public
                               administration, University
                               of New Mexico
Occupation                     Retired


Civic Activities               Kiwanis, NAACP, Masons,
                               American Lung Assn.,
                               American Legion, Taylor
                               Ranch Neighborhood Assn.,
                               American Society for Public
                               Administration
                               (former president)

Political Experience           Bernalillo county treasurer,
                               1982-85; state treasurer,
                               1986-1990; chief to staff to
                               Governor King, 1990-1994;
                               director, oil, gas & minerals
                               div., State Land Office,
                               1995; Rio Rancho city
                               administrator, 1996-1999;
                               assistant secretary, U.S.
                               Dept. of Energy


Business Experience            Life Insurance Co. of
                               Virginia; Yellow Freight
                               Co.; director, African
                               American Studies,
                               University of Albuquerque

List the three most            1. Civility/leadership via
critical challenges            communications,
facing Albuquerque             collaboration and
                               cooperation; we must create
                               an environment conducive to
                               attracting business to this
                               community.
                               2. Safe community. We must
                               fund police and fire
                               adequately with appropriate
                               staffing and training. We
                               must be tough on crime.
                               3. Generate additional
                               revenue by having
                               Albuquerque as a
                               destination via tourism.






















In recent years, the city has  1. Enhance proficiency,
experienced shortfalls in      efficiency, effectiveness
gross receipts taxes and       and productivity within
has cut operating budgets.     existing resources.
How can the city continue to   2. Seek revenue sharing via
provide essential services     the gaming compact with
to its residents if its        the state.
current tax base can't         3. Enhance tourism.
support them?                  4 Seek federal, state,
                               private offset grants.
                               5. Enhance small
                               business development
                               (federal procurement).









Name                           Mike McEntee
Age                            38
Place of Birth                 Shawnee, Okla.
Web Site
Education                      Phillips University, Enid,
                               Okla.; Glendale Community
                               College, Ariz.; UNM

Occupation


Civic Activities







Political Experience           Albuquerque City Council,
                               1997-










Business Experience            Air traffic controller, 17
                               years




List the three most            1. Reforming the budget to
critical challenges            reprioritize spending to
facing Albuquerque             fully fund public safety and
                               other critical needs.
                               2. Stop the culture of
                               arrogance, cronyism and
                               back-room dealing in City
                               Hall.
                               3. Make Albuquerque a
                               business friendly city by
                               reducing bureaucracy,
                               eliminating duplications
                               of effort and privatizing
                               those services better
                               performed by the
                               private sector.






















In recent years, the city has  The budget is in dire need
experienced shortfalls in      of reform. There is at least
gross receipts taxes and       $40 million in waste that
has cut operating budgets.     I will free up for essential
How can the city continue to   services.
provide essential services
to its residents if its
current tax base can't
support them?













Name                           Bob Schwartz
Age                            51
Place of Birth                 Philadelphia
Web Site                       schwartz4mayor.com
Education                      B.A., Villanova University;
                               J.D., Georgetown University
                               Law Center

Occupation                     Substitute teacher, APS


Civic Activities







Political Experience           1978-1980, Asst. District
                               Attorney, Bernalillo
                               County; 1980-1982, Director
                               of White Collar Crimes Unit;
                               1982-1988, Chief Deputy
                               D.A.; 1989-1997, Bernalillo
                               County, D.A.; 1997-1998,
                               Public Utilities
                               Commissioner; 1999-2000,
                               Asst. D.A., Judicial
                               District 13.

Business Experience            1997, KOAT-TV; 2000,
                               Columnist, Albuquerque
                               Tribune.



List the three most            1. The leadership vacuum
critical challenges            that's existed for years.
facing Albuquerque             We've had mayors whose
                               priority was their own
                               political career, but not
                               whose priority was making
                               sure taxpayers are getting
                               their money's worth, who
                               had a vision for this
                               city's future. We have
                               everything we need to
                               turn Albuquerque from
                               a good town into a great
                               city.
                               2. Crime... I'm a proven
                               crime fighter who knows
                               how to hit criminals
                               hard. I know that the
                               criminal justice system
                               can't keep you safe, I
                               support "concealed carry."
                               ...Most crime is driven
                               by additions. I want to
                               convert the old jail into
                               a treatment facility that
                               will give addicts the tools
                               they need to take back
                               control of their lives.
                               3. Fiscal irresponsibility.
                               I'll ask the state to begin
                               a full audit of city
                               finances and recommend
                               changes in procedures
                               and practices... I will hold
                               all managers accountable for
                               living within their budgets,
                               and I'll start with myself...

In recent years, the city has  The city has ample revenues
experienced shortfalls in      to provide essential
gross receipts taxes and       services. The problem is the
has cut operating budgets.     management of those
How can the city continue to   revenues. Recent
provide essential services     administrations haven't held
to its residents if its        accountable managers and
current tax base can't         contractors for the quality
support them?                  and effectiveness of the
                               services the city provides.
                               The first step is to stop
                               squandering money on studies
                               and consultants. City
                               employees are smart and
                               have the answers we need
                               if we will simply listen to
                               them.
What role, if any, should the   Actually, Albuquerque enjoys
state of New Mexico have in     home rule authority and
the affairs of Albuquerque?     therefore is able to govern
                                itself on most things. There
                                are state laws that supercede,
                                which I believe is for the
                                benefit of all.








What specific measures would    I have actively visited and
you take to encourage           recruited companies looking at
out-of-state companies to       coming to Albuquerque. I have
relocate in the Albuquerque     supported the use of
area?                           Industrial Revenue Bonds to
                                attract businesses. As mayor
                                I will continue to recruit
                                companies and work with them
                                to offer incentives.






What specific measures woult    I have been a strong advocate
you take to ensure the city     of conservation, planning and
has a potable and reliable      resource management. I was one
water supply for the next 50    of the leaders on the council
years that will accommodate     who advoated the Water
predicted growth?               Resources Management Strategy.
                                I was an advocate of creating
                                the Albuquerque Metropolitan
                                Water and Wastewater
                                Board...My goal is to continue
                                these projects.




A significant factor in the     I have moved legislation to
affairs of a city are 'quality  set 5-year goals for our
of life' issues--parks,         capital spending after working
museums, cultural facilities,   with the various communities.
libraries, swimming pools,      What is important is how the
etc., which arDISPLAY STRUCTURE
e considered      goals match up with the
helpful tools of economic       projects that are important...
development. As mayor, what     The city's $100 million-plus
will you do to strengthen the   capital outlay program does
quality of life in              cover all projects and that is
Albuquerque, particularly at a  why setting goals will be
time when facilities are        important...The capital outlay
pressed for funding?            program is important to our
                                economy, but to finish
                                projects I will lobby the
                                legislature for joint funding
                                and work with the private
                                sector for shared costs.


What makes you especially       My 12 years of experience as a
equipped to be mayor of         city councilor in working and
Albuquerque?                    sponsoring legislation
                                promoting planning and growth
                                for the city, running a
                                fiscally responsible city
                                budget and a supporter of
                                economic development, which
                                increases employment through
                                city and business
                                partnerships. My experience as a
                                long-time educator in
                                sponsoring legislation that
                                has provided educational
                                programs for youth as well as
                                future job opportunities.


Is there anything the           I have built my reputation
business community should       as a consensus builder who is
know about you that it may      not afraid to make the tough
not?                            decisions. My ability to work
                                with various groups and
                                organizations has been a key
                                to my success as a city
                                councilor and will serve
                                me well as mayor.











What role, if any, should the   Recent state and federal
state of New Mexico have in     cutbacks in funding have
the affairs of Albuquerque?     placed greater
                                responsibilities on local
                                governments. The state should
                                play a more active role in
                                providing local government
                                with the ability to deliver
                                basic municipal services such
                                as public safety,
                                infrastructure needs and
                                social services.



What specific measures would    My administration has been
you take to encourage           highly successful in
out-of-state companies to       attracting out-of-state
relocate in the Albuquerque     companies, such as Eclipse
area?                           Aviation and Gap. I also
                                co-chaired the highly
                                regarded Next Generation
                                Economy Initiative. I will
                                continue to initiate similar
                                economic efforts. Because of
                                these efforts Newsweek
                                magazine rated Albuquerque
                                during my term as one of the
                                Top Ten Hot Cities.

What specific measures woult    I have ensured that our San
you take to ensure the city     Juan-Chama water diversion
has a potable and reliable      project remains on schedule to
water supply for the next 50    replenish our aquifer. I also
years that will accommodate     created water conservation
predicted growth?               legislation that recycles used
                                water for parks and golf
                                courses and imposes increased
                                penalties on those who waste
                                water.





A significant factor in the     It is critical that we
affairs of a city are 'quality  diversify and stabilize our
of life' issues--parks,         revenue sources to pay for
museums, cultural facilities,   these services. However,
libraries, swimming pools,      quality of life encompasses
etc., which are considered      more the parks, pools and
helpful tools of economic       museums. Quality of life
development. As mayor, what     also requires controlling
will you do to strengthen the   urban sprawl and that is why
quality of life in              I have promoted infill
Albuquerque, particularly at a  development and why I
time when facilities are        initiated the quarter-cent
pressed for funding?            transportation initiative
                                that invests in transit, bike
                                trails and repairs of existing
                                roads...All of this
                                contributes to keeping our air
                                shed clean while reducing
                                traffic congestion.

What makes you especially       I am the only candidate with
equipped to be mayor of         the vision and the guts to say
Albuquerque?                    that urban sprawl (though
                                profitable to developers)
                                destroys our quality of life
                                and diminishes our hopes of
                                attracting clean industry and
                                quality jobs to the
                                community.









Is there anything the           I am the most pro-business
business community should       mayor in the city's history.
know about you that it may      For 15 years there had not
not?                            been a single private-sector
                                building permit issued in
                                Downtown. During my term
                                there has been over $300
                                million in construction
                                Downtown. This is one of the
                                reasons that Newsweek magazine
                                rated Albuquerque one of the
                                top ten cities in the new
                                economy during my
                                administration.






What role, if any, should the   The state has an important
state of New Mexico have in     role in mass transit and road
the affairs of Albuquerque?     infrastructure to name just
                                two. I will work cooperatively
                                with all government entities.
                                My experience as a state
                                senator and mayor are
                                particularly valuable in
                                ensuring that Albuquerque's
                                voice is heard in state
                                government corridors.




What specific measures would    I will promote the city
you take to encourage           personally as a great place
out-of-state companies to       to do business, continue to
relocate in the Albuquerque     support Industrial Revenue
area?                           Bonds, secure our water future
                                so business is assured it can
                                do business. There will be no
                                tax increases without voter
                                approval. I will also make
                                sure the city aggressively
                                pursues workforce
                                development programs in
                                collaboration with our
                                many educational facilities.

What specific measures woult    (See response under "critical
you take to ensure the city     challenges," previous page)
has a potable and reliable
water supply for the next 50
years that will accommodate
predicted growth?









A significant factor in the     Above all, let's make our
affairs of a city are 'quality  neighborhoods safe so all of
of life' issues--parks,         us can enjoy without risks the
museums, cultural facilities,   many quality of life
libraries, swimming pools,      activities available to us.
etc., which are considered      We opened the Albuquerque
helpful tools of economic       Biopark during my
development. As mayor, what     administration, and it has
will you do to strengthen the   been a boon for not only out
quality of life in              of town visitors but for local
Albuquerque, particularly at a  educators and their students.
time when facilities are        I will continue to support
pressed for funding?            adequate budgets for life-
                                enhancing activities. I want
                                Albuquerque to be known far
                                and wide as a livable city
                                that cares about its
                                citizens.


What makes you especially       Well, I have done the job
equipped to be mayor of         before and I think I was
Albuquerque?                    pretty good at it. If the
                                voters choose me again I
                                will redouble my efforts to
                                make Albuquerque an even
                                better place in which to
                                live and do business.










Is there anything the           I have many, many friends in
business community should       the business community and
know about you that it may      they know I have been
not?                            supportive of them and the
                                efforts to diversify our
                                economy. I want the business
                                community to know that as a
                                private attorney I have come
                                up against many of the
                                issues impacting small
                                business. I am constantly
                                working to find ways to make
                                government less of an
                                obstacle for all those who
                                want to build a business and
                                provide jobs.




What role, if any, should the   There should be a strong
state of New Mexico have in     partnership. It's much easier
the affairs of Albuquerque?     to work with, than against.
                                Certainly, there are many
                                state tax issues that affect
                                the economic developemnt in
                                Albuquerque. One of my great
                                ideas is to eliminate gross
                                receipt taxes on medical
                                services.... The move must be
                                made by the state and the
                                mayor must be the key lobbyist
                                on this issue...


What specific measures would    I support in-plant training
you take to encourage           and Industrial Revenue Bonds.
out-of-state companies to       We must keep our eyes open for
relocate in the Albuquerque     appropriate incentives. The
area?                           mayor must be the sales
                                manager and key salesman when
                                it comes to recruitment,
                                working...with Albuquerque
                                Economic Development...The
                                mayor's most important job is
                                to create a pro-business
                                environment in our city...



What specific measures woult    I support the San Juan-Chama
you take to ensure the city     project but that is just the
has a potable and reliable      beginning of a sustainable
water supply for the next 50    water plan. We should
years that will accommodate     eliminate all non-native
predicted growth?               species from the bosque, which
                                will conserve more water
                                than the entire city uses
                                in a year. I also favor...a
                                regional water bank to provide
                                an incentive for farmers to
                                initiate conservation without
                                fear or losing their water
                                rights.

A significant factor in the     This question goes right back
affairs of a city are 'quality  to the management of our
of life' issues--parks,         existing resources and what we
museums, cultural facilities,   must do to grow our tax base
libraries, swimming pools,      to meet these challenges. I
etc., which are considered      am against new tax increases.
helpful tools of economic       Albuquerque must make a
development. As mayor, what     fundamental choice: do we
will you do to strengthen the   continue to increase taxes to
quality of life in              meet our needs or do we
Albuquerque, particularly at a  increase our tax base? I
time when facilities are        believe increasing taxes makes
pressed for funding?            a poor community even poorer,
                                We must manage more
                                efficiently and grow the
                                tax base.




What makes you especially       I am the only businessman
equipped to be mayor of         running for mayor. I bring
Albuquerque?                    new energy, enthusiasm and
                                new ideas to the job. I am the
                                only independent running for
                                mayor. It is important the
                                mayor be outspokenly
                                non-partisan, able to work
                                with the governor,
                                legislators, congressional
                                delegation--no matter what
                                party they might be.






Is there anything the           Let's make a change October 2.
business community should       Please vote for great ideas
know about you that it may      for Albuquerque. Vote for Rick
not?                            Homans.
















What role, if any, should the   Strong partnership to enhance
state of New Mexico have in     tourism, economic development,
the affairs of Albuquerque?     health care, education,
                                integrated crime fighting,
                                revenue sharing, assistance
                                with appropriate legislation,
                                joint powers agreements,
                                welfare to work initiatives,
                                planning--especially with
                                open space, parks and
                                environmental concerns, etc.




What specific measures would    1. Change incivility within
you take to encourage           the city; 2. Make one-stop
out-of-state companies to       shopping business-friendly;
relocate in the Albuquerque     3. Review competitive/
area?                           apppropriate incentives;
                                4. Work with the school system
                                to provide an educated
                                workforce; 5. Hire the best
                                economic developemnt team
                                available.





What specific measures woult    1. Develop a regional water
you take to ensure the city     plan; 2. Work with the State
has a potable and reliable      Engineer's office and other
water supply for the next 50    entities to make sure water is
years that will accommodate     available.
predicted growth?









A significant factor in the     I believe that you should be
affairs of a city are 'quality  able to work and recreate in
of life' issues--parks,         the city you live in. Quality
museums, cultural facilities,   of life is very important and
libraries, swimming pools,      I will do everything within my
etc., which are considered      power to enhance it. I will
helpful tools of economic       work with Sandia Labs, develop
development. As mayor, what     incubators, recruit businesses
will you do to strengthen the   to which our current
quality of life in              businesses can be suppliers,
Albuquerque, particularly at a  enhance tourism and pursue
time when facilities are        federal and state
pressed for funding?            procurement opportunities
                                (the Energy Dept. did $3.7
                                billion in business with small
                                business last year) and make
                                sure in-plant
                                training is adequately funded.


What makes you especially       I am the one candidate with
equipped to be mayor of         city, county, state and
Albuquerque?                    federal experience. A strong
                                leader, with a reputation for
                                bringing people together, I
                                don't need on-the-job training.












Is there anything the           I am a professionally trained
business community should       and experienced administrator
know about you that it may      and former elected official.
not?
















What role, if any, should the   Albuquerque is the state's
state of New Mexico have in     largest city and consequently
the affairs of Albuquerque?     its largest tax-payer. It is
                                vital that the state and city
                                have a strong working
                                relationship. The state should
                                be a willing partner in
                                increasing tourism, improving
                                transportation infrastructure
                                and creating an educated
                                workforce. As mayor I will
                                work closely with the governor
                                and the legislature...


What specific measures would    I support IRBs and will work
you take to encourage           to provide an educated
out-of-state companies to       workforce, both of which are
relocate in the Albuquerque     vital to businesses, but as
area?                           important is to remove the
                                bureau-cratic obstacles of the
                                last two administrations. A
                                McEntee administration will
                                send the message that
                                Albuquerque is open for
                                business. We will streamline
                                city services and eliminate
                                budget waste...


What specific measures woult    Albuquerque will have a
you take to ensure the city     reliable water supply in the
has a potable and reliable      San Juan-Chama river diversion
water supply for the next 50    project. I voted for that and
years that will accommodate     will continue to support it as
predicted growth?               mayor. We are paying for it
                                with a dedicated fee, which is
                                appropriate since water is
                                vital to our economic future.






A significant factor in the     Quality of life issues are
affairs of a city are 'quality  important. The first quality
of life' issues--parks,         of life is public safety. My
museums, cultural facilities,   first priority will be to
libraries, swimming pools,      fully fund, staff and equip
etc., which are considered      the police and fire
helpful tools of economic       departments. With at least
development. As mayor, what     $40 million in budget waste,
will you do to strengthen the   we can fully fund public
quality of life in              safety and still have adequate
Albuquerque, particularly at a  funds for libraries, parks and
time when facilities are        museums. I will concentrate on
pressed for funding?            existing facilities, assuring
                                they are kept up and staffed
                                prior to committing to new
                                projects.




What makes you especially       Since 1997 I have servd on the
equipped to be mayor of         city council. I understand the
Albuquerque?                    budget inside and out. I know
                                where the money is and how to
                                free it up. And I am the only
                                candidate that has pledged to
                                reform the city and fully fund
                                essential services without new
                                taxes.









Is there anything the           My record on business issues
business community should       is an open book. I am 100% pro
know about you that it may      business. I understand that a
not?                            thriving business environment
                                is the key to a great city. I
                                pledge to post an "open for
                                business" sign on the door of
                                the mayor's office.












What role, if any, should the   State government, which has a
state of New Mexico have in     substantially larger tax base
the affairs of Albuquerque?     than the city, needs to help
                                supplement the city's efforts
                                to meet the needs of our
                                families. A particular focus
                                should be the elderly. Our
                                schools are in trouble... I
                                intend to be an advocate for
                                kids and parents at the
                                legislature and when the
                                school board meets, to
                                increase the educational
                                choices student have...

What specific measures would    If we have a city which is
you take to encourage           clean and attractive, offer
out-of-state companies to       top-notch basic services and
relocate in the Albuquerque     water quality, and we have
area?                           schools that work, streets and
                                neighborhoods which are safe,
                                quality medical care that's
                                easily accessible, and a mayor
                                who is a strong advocate for
                                this wonderful community, we
                                won't have trouble attracting
                                the attention of out-of-state
                                businesses...


What specific measures woult    There's little disagreement
you take to ensure the city     about the need to complete the
has a potable and reliable      San Juan Chama Diversion
water supply for the next 50    Project and that the Rio
years that will accommodate     Grande must become a resource
predicted growth?               for Albuquerque. Long
                                term, we need to build healthy
                                relationships with the tribal
                                nations and resolve our
                                differences with Texas over
                                water issues. This won't be
                                easy, but it must be done.



A significant factor in the     I think my earlier responses
affairs of a city are 'quality  on better management of city
of life' issues--parks,         finances, and holding
museums, cultural facilities,   managers accountable for
libraries, swimming pools,      living within their budget
etc., which are considered      while providing quality
helpful tools of economic       services, cover this question.
development. As mayor, what
will you do to strengthen the
quality of life in
Albuquerque, particularly at a
time when facilities are
pressed for funding?







What makes you especially       My whole career is about
equipped to be mayor of         public service. I believe I
Albuquerque?                    demonstrated the leadership
                                skills to be a successful
                                executive when I was District
                                Attorney. I understand that
                                being mayor is very
                                different from being a
                                prosecutor...New York City
                                put a crime-fighting
                                prosecutor to work as Mayor,
                                and the first thing he did was
                                cut the crime rate in half.
                                Then, the city embarked on
                                a renaissance in the arts and
                                commerce which changed the
                                city...

Is there anything the           Members of the business
business community should       community should know that
know about you that it may      it's not a qualification for
not?                            public office to be a trust-
                                fund kid from Massachusetts
                                who contributes to very
                                liberal candidates...There
                                are business principles which
                                should be applied to
                                government...Government is not
                                a business, though. If there
                                were money to be made in
                                running fire departments or
                                police departments, capital
                                would have moved in. But we
                                can learn a lot from business
                                about customer focus and
                                outcomes measures...
COPYRIGHT 2001 The New Mexico Business Journal
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning
 

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