Former ABQ Mayor Harry Kinney: R.I.P.

Harry Kinney, elected Albuquerque's first modern-day mayor when the city adopted the current mayor-council structure in 1974, passed away yesterday at age 81. Former Mayor Jim Baca, who worked for Kinney as a public information officer for a couple years, provides good background in a post on his Only In New Mexico blog. Joe Monahan also has some remembrances, and the Albuquerque Journal and Albuquerque Tribune (with photo above) trace Mayor Kinney's life and accomplishments.

Harry Kinney, he of the bushy gray sideburns and quiet demeanor, was a Navy veteran, appliance store owner, Sandia Labs mechanical engineer, county commissioner, city commissioner, a two-term mayor (1973-1977, 1981-1985) and (yes) an Albuquerque cab driver for 5 years in his 60s. He was instrumental in planning and funding Albuquerque's Civic Plaza, Convention Center and downtown library projects, purchasing large parcels of land for open space, the development and expansion of our International Balloon Fiesta and much more.

A moderate Republican, Kinney worked with members of both political parties in a mostly nonpartisan, cooperative manner. Known for his love of Albuquerque, he is usually described as putting the needs of the city's residents and infrastructure before personal power and clout. Ah, those were the days. Farewell to one Albuquerque's pioneering politicos who was also, by all accounts, a damn good cab driver and member of the human race.