Crime
Crime is on the rise in Albuquerque. But if we work together to address its root causes - poverty, drug and alcohol addiction - we can make a difference. Of course we need stiff penalties for criminals, but we also need to balance our public safety strategy with effective prevention and treatment programs to stop crime before it happens. That's why I was proud to sponsor the Quarter Cent for Public Safety, which provides an additional $30 million a year for officers and equipment for the police and fire departments.
Eminent domain
City government needs to be in the business of helping people build communities, not destroying them. I have passed legislation to ensure that people's homes will never be demolished to build a mall or hotel in our city. Despite the recent Supreme Court ruling, I do not believe that the vague idea "economic development" is ever sufficient reason to take someone's home.
Minimum wage increase proposal
I strongly support the minimum wage increase on the ballot, and am the only candidate who fully supports the current proposal. There is no better way to fight poverty, domestic violence and drug and alcohol addiction than to pay people a living wage. My mother raised four kids on minimum wage - I know how hard it can be for working families. That's why I believe we need to reward hard work with fair pay.
Public transportation
To solve our traffic problems and to better protect our environment, we need a more accessible, user-friendly transit system that services the whole city. We need reliable buses with expanded routes and queue jumper systems to make them a viable alternative to cars. We also need to begin work on a light-rail system immediately so that we can reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.
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Alcohol sales at all-ages shows
I don't want kids drinking. Period. That's why we have underage drinking laws and they need to be enforced. However, we as a city must make positive opportunities for kids a priority. I have attended all-ages shows at the Launchpad and I know that they are safe, responsible places for everyone to enjoy music. They're also critical to creating a thriving music scene in Albuquerque. I am open to finding a compromise that will keep all-ages shows running while further ensuring the safety of our youth.
Environmental issues
I want to make Albuquerque the renewable energy capital of North America. I have introduced legislation to begin that process by starting a renewable energy industry here. We can use the research capacity of the labs and the entrepreneurial spirit of our city to develop businesses that create solar, wind and biomass energy technology. Further, we need to shift our model of economic development to emphasize clean industries like digital film and music production.
Helping homeless and indigent in Albuquerque
Homelessness is a complicated problem that we need to address together, as a community. I sponsored the Quarter Cent for Public Safety to help address the problem of inadequate treatment and prevention programs. So far the Quarter Cent has generated $28.9 million and in the coming year, the Quarter Cent is expected to bring in $32.4 million. One-third of those funds is allocated to treatment and prevention programs, including targeted programs for the homeless.
Improving city services
The purpose of city government is to provide basic services, like roads, sidewalks and parks to the community. After all, having livable, walkable, sustainable neighborhoods is what makes a city truly world class. That's why during this year's budget debate, I fought hard to make sure our city takes care of the people and communities that are already here, rather than spending millions on a panda bear or a dive tank.
Improving Downtown
As the City Councilor representing Downtown, I believe strongly in improving our Downtown. I have advocated strongly for a Downtown arena to bring people and business to that part of the city. Also, we need to support our music and arts scene at Downtown venues to help Downtown continue to be the heart of our city.
City taxes
I was proud to sponsor the Quarter Cent for Public Safety, which voters passed to provide millions to improve public safety in our city. However, I believed strongly that the Quarter Cent proposal go before the voters for them make the final decision. As mayor, I will never raise taxes unless the voters agree it's the right thing to do.
