(updated 9/19/2009)
This is a four-year term. Must be at least eighteen years of age, a United States Citizen, a registered, qualified elector and resident of the city prior to the date of filing the Declaration of Candidacy. Must submit a petition containing signatures of two percent (2%) of the qualified electors to the City Clerk within a period specified by the City Charter. Salary: $106,142.40.
Describe your specific experience and abilities that prepare you to be Mayor of Albuquerque. (75 words)
Throughout my career in public service, as an educator, State Senate leader, veteran and small business owner, I have crossed ideological divides to get things done. I have the courage to successfully take on corrupt politicians and big challenges. I have managed large institutions and work well with others. I have served in the State Senate, as President Pro Tem, APS Teacher, HS principal and Assistant Superintendent, in the US Air National Guard, and USAF.
What are your two highest priorities for the city as a whole and why? What future issues should the city begin addressing? (75 words)
My highest priorities are public safety and economic vitality. I will work side by side with others to make Albuquerque a safe city with first-rate infrastructure, reliable and clean government and a skilled creative workforce - essentials for growing our economy. Albuquerque will be a community where our children pursue their dreams, where our skilled workforce and good government attract green industry, build local businesses and where our kids, parents and grandparents feel safe everywhere.
What will you do to promote responsible economic development and job creation/retention in Albuquerque? What do you consider to be "responsible economic development"? (75 words)
During my term, business investments will grow because Albuquerque is safe, "pay-to-play" has stopped, the workforce is skilled, and rules are fair. I will promote responsible economic development that balances recruitment with support for locally-owned businesses, ensures maintenance of Albuquerque's natural splendor and provides good jobs. I will restore the City's Planning Department and put business processes online. I will make Albuquerque a model of renewable energy, saving millions in operations while . . . .
How will you work with city councilors, neighbohood groups, and other citizens to accomplish goals and build confidence in our city government? Please be specific. (75 words)
Working together requires reversing the insatiable need to take credit for all that is accomplished. Respect will be the norm at City Hall. I will meet often with the region's leaders. I will give others credit and invite them to recognition events. I will not willfully humiliate people. I will participate at community meetings -- even those I do not control. I will move on issues of agreement and work to resolve the rest.
Describe your specific experience and abilities that prepare you to be Mayor of Albuquerque. (75 words)
I was founding Director of the NM Worker's Compensation Administration, State Senator for five years and Mayor for twelve years. I have guided this City through both good and difficult times and in this difficult time, no one is better equipped to lead Albuquerque. The City now has its best credit rating in history, the most police on the street, recognition as a national leader in the solar industry, film production and a greening economy.
What are your two highest priorities for the city as a whole and why? What future issues should the city begin addressing? (75 words)
Public Safety is my first priority. I'll add 100 officers in 18 months, improve our Family Advocacy Center, work with our schools and advocate tougher penalties for repeat offenders. We've built a great economy even in this recession. For the future, I will assure that we lead the nation in a green economy and allow small businesses to thrive. I'll grow our film industry so our kids will have a future right here at home.
What will you do to promote responsible economic development and job creation/retention in Albuquerque? What do you consider to be "responsible economic development"? (75 words)
Responsible economic development is bringing high paying, environmentally pristine jobs to Albuquerque; we've made great progress. Schott Solar, Fidelity, Albuquerque Film Studios and the rebirth of Eclipse are just a few examples. I will continue to support local businesses by making it easier to do business in the City, give a 5% credit for City RFPs to local businesses, and keep taxes at the current level. Forbes didn't rank us number one for no reason!
How will you work with city councilors, neighbohood groups, and other citizens to accomplish goals and build confidence in our city government? Please be specific. (75 words)
I will continue to hire administrators that are good communicators, collaborators and that reach out to the various stakeholder groups that impact our community I will remain the most accessible Mayor in our modern history. Whether it be 311, growing our police and fire departments, cleaning up and landscaping our City, balancing our budget, helping animals, expanding our museums and amenities, I will continue to demonstrate that local government can be effective.
Describe your specific experience and abilities that prepare you to be Mayor of Albuquerque. (75 words)
With 25 years of business experience, a degree in finance and administration from UNM and as a two term state representative I bring a unique set of experiences and skills to this race that are unmatched by my competitors. We have created high paying jobs through our family construction business and have built budgets that we had to live by. My can-do attitude and philosophy of collaboration will prove valuable as we move Albuquerque forward.
What are your two highest priorities for the city as a whole and why? What future issues should the city begin addressing? (75 words)
1. Public safety, because a high quality of life entails feeling safe in your home and too many people today do not feel safe. 2. Job creation and economic development, because a brighter future for us all requires high paying employment opportunities. Our city will grow, either systematically or in a haphazard fashion. We need dynamic planning for growth while being good stewards of our natural resources and with an eye towards sustainability and livability.
What will you do to promote responsible economic development and job creation/retention in Albuquerque? What do you consider to be "responsible economic development"? (75 words)
We must create a more business friendly environment to attract new businesses and incentivize existing small and large business to grow. Keep taxes low. Promote higher utilization of local businesses through our city purchasing departments and put existing tax dollars to work creating jobs and improving public safety and our quality of life. Responsible economic development creates a growing tax base without putting taxpayers at undo risk. It relies on healthy private/public relationships.
How will you work with city councilors, neighbohood groups, and other citizens to accomplish goals and build confidence in our city government? Please be specific. (75 words)
Progress requires inclusion of stakeholders to reach a common goal. A place at the table for differing opinions should be the norm rather than the exception. Confidence in city government will stem from an understanding that we are not all going to agree on every issue every time, but that my administration will look for opportunities to work with other elected officials, civic leaders, businesses and neighborhood groups to come to consensus on important issues.
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