September 27, 2021 8:45 p.m.
By SUSAN MONTOYA BRYAN Associated Press
Posted: Sep 27, 2021 8:45 PM
Updated September 28, 2021 3:24 AM
ALBUQUERQUE, NM (AP) – Albuquerque’s fight against violent crime and escalating homelessness took center stage on Monday as the three candidates running for mayor in New Mexico’s largest city competed against each other during a forum sponsored by the New Mexico Black Voters Collaborative.
Crime is a hot topic for voters as the city grapples with record killings this year. Incumbent Tim Keller, a Democrat, faces heat because he was unable to contain the problem during his tenure.
Keller tried to defend his record during the forum by saying his government is addressing the root causes – addiction and poverty – through community police efforts, a new public safety bureau, and other initiatives. He said the Albuquerque Police Department was well funded and that more money needed to be spent on social workers and support programs.
He also attacked Bernalillo County’s Sheriff Manny Gonzales, saying that crime was also his problem.
Gonzales, a Democrat, accused Keller of politicizing law enforcement and of not aiding city officials. He described the city as “a crossroads of total anarchy” where people no longer feel safe and families choose to move away.
Republican candidate Eddy Aragon, a radio station and talk show host, said the city was in crisis.
“We have to do what we can to turn this city inside out,” he said, referring to the growing economic insecurity, drug addiction and mental health problems.
Keller said the challenges are big, but only sensible solutions will fuel crime and homelessness. He admitted that homelessness has increased in recent years and the number of people living on the streets has more than doubled. He blamed the economic consequences of the pandemic.
Questions to candidates were collected from the public and advocacy groups, including New Mexico Common Cause, Indivisible Albuquerque, and the Albuquerque Black Economic Security and Solidarity Fund. They touched everything from the racial and gender makeup of the police force to the city’s housing shortages and politics regarding immigrants and refugees.
Keller said the city was ready to accept 300 refugees. Aragon questioned this, saying Albuquerque couldn’t even accommodate its existing homeless population.
The public funding litigation in the mayoral contest has drawn a lot of attention in recent weeks, with Gonzales ultimately losing his bid for public funding. Although questions have also arisen about some of the signatures and $ 5 donations raised through Keller’s campaign, the incumbent has significantly more cash in his pocket than his challengers thanks to the pot of public money, according to the latest campaign finance reports.
Aragon, which entered the race in August, is running a privately funded campaign. Stressing the need to attract more residents and businesses, he said he would not endorse any pandemic-related mandates.
A union-backed political action committee and a separate PAC fueled by the New Mexico United soccer team are raising funds for Keller’s campaign. Keller is pushing for the city to build a multimillion-dollar stadium for the team to use.
One question specifically for Keller was whether the city’s $ 50 million stake should be spent on education, crime fighting, or homelessness. Calling the proposed stadium a long-term investment for families, he said the four possible locations for the venue were chosen because “they are only open spaces”.
Some neighborhoods have raised concerns about resident displacement, gentrification, traffic and noise. Keller said the city will not determine a final location without an agreement on community services.
Candidates were due to appear on another forum sponsored by the local Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday evening.
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