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Friday, December 10, 2004
Eric Griego First Entry In 2005 ABQ Mayoral Race
City Councilor Eric Griego's kickoff party for his entry into Albuquerque's 2005 mayoral race happens this Sunday afternoon from 3-5 PM at La Posada downtown. (See earlier DFNM blog post here for the details.)
According to an article in this morning's Albuquerque Journal, other possible mayoral candidates include County Commission Chairman Alan Armijo, Judith Espinosa, a former head of the state transportation and environment departments and Bob Schwartz, who finished second to current Mayor Martin Chavez in the 2001 mayoral race and is a crime policy advisor to Governor Bill Richardson. Mayor Chavez is expected to run again for the post. John Sanchez, who lost to Richardson in the 2002 race for governor, reportedly is being urged to run despite the fact he currently lives in Los Ranchos.
Griego, a first-term city councilor, is the favorite of many progressives and is known for tangling with Mayor Chavez. He brings experience with public policy research and analysis, and is a passionate supporter of planned-growth strategies to counter the sprawl of unrestrained development. He also took a strong stand against extending Paseo del Norte through the Petrolgyph National Monument on the West Side. Albuquerque voters approved the road extension in November.
Here's a TVI Times article that describes Griego's professional background and an Albuquerque Tribune article that details his experience as a stand-up comic.
Those who have reportedly decided not to run for mayor this time include Councilor Brad Winter, Council President Michael Cadigan, Richard Romero, who lost to Rep. Heather Wilson (R-NM) in November, State Sen. Linda Lopez (D-Albuquerque), Bernalillo County Sheriff Darren White (R) and former city attorney David Campbell.
The mayoral race is nonpartisan and Albuquerque's City Charter requires a run-off between the top two vote-getters if no candidate receives at leat 40 percent of the vote. The run-off requirement, having been declared in violation of the state constitution seven years ago, was reinstated when voters passed a state constitutional amendment to permit it in November.
December 10, 2004 at 12:09 PM in Local Politics | Permalink
Comments
I heard you on KUNM this a.m. I'd like to share a few thoughts with you. Your approach when positive is really good and I think that it is a strength for your campaign. I didn't hear you say this today, but as a constituent, I don't want to vote for someone who is directly against anyone - or promising to take on a group. I guess this is a tough balance to keep on the campaign tho because there are those who want a fighter. What I want to hear is that Eric Griego will listen to the community and help the community develop. I wnat to know that he will work with the developers to ensure that the infrastructure necessary for the community is there when people move in. Suggestion, a percentage of the cost of purchasing a new home (.01%) will be used directly for schools or roads, etc. I want to hear that Eric Griego will work with parents and police and teens to create a safe environment for young people to have to be young people in - community centers, etc. I did hear today that you are working with prevention programs, we can prevent teen trouble by having schools in session from 7:30 - 5:30 when parents are at work. The private schools use this type of scheduling. Sports should not be privatized for the few who can afford them, these belong back in the school system along with chorus, theater, tutoring services, clubs that can meet from 3:30 to 5:00. We have seen an increase in teens in trouble and obesity since removing these activites from the school - midschool and high school.
Well I rant on - I am interested in helping this campaign. Let me know how I may be of service.
Posted by: Barbara Jennings | May 26, 2005 10:42:58 AM
