Cynthia borrego
Surname: Cynthia D. Borrego
Political party: Democratic
Age: 64
Education: Master of Public Administration; Bachelor of Science in Education; Hours up to the second master’s degree in local and regional planning. Certified: Real Estate; Installation of wireless communication antennas and towers; international investment and emerging economies.
Job: Owner – Cybas and Assoc., LLC, age 11; incumbent city council president; City councilor for 3.8 years.
Family: Spouse – deceased; 1 godson, 7 nephews, 5 nieces, 2 furbabies
Relevant experience: President of Albuquerque City Council, representing District 5; AMAFCA Board of Directors; Owner-Cybas’s & Assoc. GMBH; Immediate Past President, Rio Grande Credit Union Board of Directors; Urban Planning / Economic Development COA / Co Bernalillo 28+ years; New Mexico PERA board, 8 years, 2 years chairman; NMSPA; former chairman / board member
Campaign website: cynthiaborrego.com
What is the biggest problem your district is currently facing and how would you approach it?
There are many issues that I will continue to bring up for our city, but public safety comes first. I have strengthened public safety by hiring more civil servants and expanding community police programs and funding mental health programs, including hiring mental health professionals as first responders.
What, if anything, can the Council legislate to curb crime?
I am currently working with lawmakers to reduce relapses and strengthen laws on crimes against children. I’m working on funding our APD communication system. Additionally, I will continue to work with our federal delegation to get more public safety grants and support community events to recognize our officials.
APD continues to work under a US Department of Justice settlement agreement that outlines reforms, policy changes, and mandatory training that police must complete over several years. Should the city continue this agreement or try to change it? If so, how should the city try to change it?
The federal mandate CASA (Court Approved Settlement Agreement) is implemented by the DOJ, and the city is obliged to comply with the conditions. There are several parts that the COA can still challenge in court – so it is important to work with lawyers and our officials to find solutions.
About 31% of all general fund spending in the city currently goes to the police. Is that the right amount? If not, should it be higher or lower and why?
The city council increased the budget for the police department for Fiscal Year 22 – and I believe it struck the right balance between securing the resources it needs and investing in other areas to support officials and community programs. I am open to future improvement.
What do you think should be financed more or less in the city’s current budget and why?
We need to focus on post-pandemic economic recovery. What interests me most is how we, in conjunction with the American Rescue Plan, can build economic development (jobs) by investing in education and training programs. We can also expand our community’s capabilities through public-private partnerships.
Under what circumstances, if any, would you support a tax increase?
No. I don’t support tax increases, especially during a pandemic. There is evidence that I voted against tax increases. I recently voted against the proposed gasoline tax. Albuquerque doesn’t need regressive taxes.
What’s your top idea to boost the city’s economy?
We have to take a multi-faceted approach to continuing to build the economy – all with a focus on new jobs. We should continue to build the technology industry, expand training programs, support incentives for small businesses, and invest in our natural resources. Investing in future generations will also help curb crime and further economic development.
If the city’s voters approve a $ 50 million tax loan for a new multi-purpose football stadium, where do you think it should be built?
I believe a full analysis of opportunity sites. The analysis should include transport, access, economic impact, cultural impact; and the effects on sensitive neighborhood textiles. The decision will ultimately be up to the voters and there could be more pressing issues that we need to prioritize, including crime and homelessness.
What specific strategies do you have to reduce homelessness?
We need to create a stronger network between social service providers. Competition should not be a driving force for these funding agencies. We need to do a full analysis of the homeless population and network to address the root causes and ensure programs are available.
What should the city do to ensure the success of its first gateway center?
We need to work cooperatively with the community and neighboring neighborhoods for this to work. Additionally, we need organizations like UNM, federal, state and county programs, nonprofits, VA Hospital and Sandia to ensure that the necessary programs are in place to address the root causes of the most vulnerable populations.
What, if anything, should the city do for people who live on the streets, who don’t want to stay in emergency shelters?
First, we can offer more outreach programs by working with nonprofits, churches, coalitions, and neighborhood associations. We can expand the reach and staff of our skilled professionals who are on the front lines trying to reach these people to get the help they need.
What major infrastructure projects would you be promoting in the city’s next capital implementation program?
I have already secured over $ 19.5 million for Paseo, $ 13.5 million for Unser, and $ 10 million for Westside Boulevard. I intend to complete all of these projects in cooperation with the state parliament and the federal government.
What are your plans to improve the quality of life for Albuquerque residents?
Quality of life is synonymous with creating a healthy community. It is vitally important to give everyone the opportunity to thrive in the changing economy. We must invest in our youth, outdoor activities, community programs, and education programs to make Albuquerque the best city in the country.
What makes you different from your opponents?
I am in office to help our community, not to gain higher offices. I’ve made infrastructure and citizen well-being a priority by receiving over $ 55 million to improve our infrastructure that has created new jobs. I prioritized building a budget to expand our police force while prioritizing public relations.
What is the name of an issue that was not mentioned in the questions above that you, as a city council, would like to address?
Prioritizing our youth, our education system, and building future generations will be vital to the future of our city. Economic development and public education are directly linked. We need to train the next generation and create a strong workforce to help us survive in the national market.
Personal background
1. If you are a business owner, have you or your company ever been the subject of a state or state tax lien?
No.
2. Have you ever been involved in personal or business bankruptcy proceedings?
No.
3. Have you ever been arrested, charged, or convicted of drunk driving, misdemeanor, or a criminal offense in New Mexico or any other state?
No.
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