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Elections

Albuquerque Mayoral Candidates Address Key Issues Ahead of Election Day

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

As the Albuquerque mayoral election heats up, candidates from the University of New Mexico's Student Union Building gathered for a forum to discuss policing, public transit, the city's economy, and homelessness. The event, hosted by UNM Law School students, took place on Tuesday, Oct. 14. Of the six certified candidates, Mayling Armijo, incumbent Mayor Tim Keller, City Councilor Louie Sanchez, Alex Uballez, and write-in candidate Patrick Sais were in attendance. The discussion highlighted the candidates' varying views on public safety, public transit, and economic development.

Key Takeaways:

  • Mayling Armijo emphasized her connection to the University of New Mexico, noting she was the only candidate who attended the university.
  • Incumbent Mayor Tim Keller highlighted his accomplishments regarding UNM, particularly in the area of quantum computing, and his plans to further incorporate technology and civilians into the city's policing.
  • City Councilor Louie Sanchez proposed cutting "bloat" among the upper levels of the Albuquerque Police Department, getting officers back out on the streets, and enforcing laws at the lowest levels.
  • Write-in candidate Patrick Sais expressed concerns about corruption within the department and proposed reinstating bus fares to improve security and reduce taxpayer costs.
  • Alex Uballez proposed implementing an early intervention system into APD and allowing officers to focus on "old-fashioned police work" instead of responding to addiction and homelessness-related calls.
  • Candidates discussed the importance of public safety, with each presenting their unique approach to addressing the issue.
  • The candidates also emphasized the need for economic development, with some suggesting ways to improve public transit and others focusing on revitalizing the city's economy.

Statistics:

  • Six certified candidates participated in the forum, including Mayling Armijo, Mayor Tim Keller, Louie Sanchez, Alex Uballez, and write-in candidate Patrick Sais.
  • The event took place on Tuesday, Oct. 14, at the University of New Mexico's Student Union Building.
  • Early voting began on Oct. 7, and all voting locations opened on Oct. 18.
  • Same-day voter registration is available at all Bernalillo County voting centers during early voting and on Election Day.

Sources:

  • "Albuquerque mayoral forum draws crowd at UNM's Student Union Building" by Ellen Lockyer (Journal)

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