Time again for another edition of the always popular Reader Vox Populi. 

And we're off. . .

Our Thursday May 29 report exploring homelessness in ABQ drew a number of insightful responses. Former Dem state Senator Jerry Oritz y Pino writes: 

Joe, you are pinpointing one of the real causes for the dilemma of homelessness, the growing wealth disparity in the country as a whole. It has little to do with any local Mayor or City Council's ability to reduce the cost of housing or to increase the earning power of most families. We are reaping the result of national policies that have incentivized billionaires and discouraged working people. 

Trump's "big, beautiful bill" will drastically reduce Medicaid funds for working age adults—precisely the funding source that New Mexico and other states have made use of to pay for the treatment, rehabilitation, and supportive services needed by mentally ill and drug and alcohol addicted persons if they will ever leave the streets. Adding in the "work requirement" before someone qualifies for Medicaid is a cruel joke or hoax. Which employer in their right mind would ever hire actively psychotic or addicted people before they get treatment? 

Trish Livingston writes:

Joe, I really enjoy your blog each morning and learn quite a lot! Finding solutions for homelessness is quite a challenge but not insurmountable. New Mexico politicians need to look outside their box and get creative by looking at models around the world that work. Houston has reduced homelessness by more than 60 percent by bringing together local government, nonprofits and faith-based groups under one clear goal - get people housed quickly and permanently. They use a "Housing First" approach, which means no hoops to jump through—just stable housing first, then support with things like jobs, addiction, or mental health. It’s been incredibly effective. To me, that’s the kind of model that deserves more attention—practical, compassionate, and results-driven. It shows we can make real progress when we focus on what actually works. Hopefully your words can be the impetus for our state leaders to look into some of these solutions for our state. 

Reader Jim McClure writes:

Low-cost housing won’t eliminate the homeless crisis but it’s an important part of the solution. Mayor Keller deserves credit for converting old motels and encouraging casitas, but Santa Fe bureaucrats are moving in the opposite direction by adding environmental regulations that increase the cost of new homes. Rent controls and breathtakingly expensive public-housing projects aren’t much help. Government can encourage the building of more starter homes by modifying zoning regulations, streamlining permitting and removing restrictions on the use and financing of manufactured homes. The Navajo Nation is moving in this direction with a plan for manufactured homes. 

Homeowners get tax breaks but renters get squat. How about a refundable tax break for renters that could be set aside for a down payment? If politicians are serious about helping their constituents become homeowners, there’s a lot they can do. 

MAYORAL MONEY 

Joe Monahan

The email also came in (newsguy@yahoo.com) as we ramped up our coverage of the ABQ mayoral candidates seeking public financing for their campaigns. . .  

An anonymous reader reacts to that tongue-lashing former Dem Lt. Governor Diane Denish gave to mayoral hopeful Alex Uballez after he complained that qualifying for public financing is too difficult and he's switched to private fund-raising:

Joe, thank you for sharing Diane Denish’s submission. I think it does nothing but prove Mr. Uballez’s point. Well, there it is – she’s in a club where she got her ”public voice” card stamped a long, long time ago and Keller just renewed it for 2025. A few more blog submissions and she gets a free sub sandwich. 

What is she saying? - don’t you dare run for office until you bend the knee and kiss the ring of the political class because before you try to actually help the people, you have to kiss their butts?  Thanks for proving the point by running an opinion of someone that hasn’t been viable in a decade and a half but still has her current NM La Politica membership card so her "public voice" should be heard. 

Reader Barry Simon writes of the proposal we floated here Wednesday for modest reform of the current public financing system:

I would add to the suggested changes for public financing that a citizen can contribute $5 to more than one candidate.  

3,780 individual $5 donations from registered voters are necessary to qualify for $756,000 in public financing for the mayor's race.

(City Clerk Ethan Watson clarified after this report that voters can make the $5 contributions to more than one candidate.) 

We began our coverage of ABQ mayoral races with the very first one in 1974 for KUNM radio. There were over 30 candidates on the ballot! It was in the middle of the Watergate scandal when public financing campaigns first got a serious look. And over fifty years later, here we are today. . .

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Griego (left) with Keller (right) 2008

The belly-aching over ABQ's public financing system for mayoral candidates has reached maximum volume with multiple candidates in this year's mayoral derby complaining that the requirements to qualify for taxpayer money are too difficult. 

Former Lt. Gov. Diane Denish was quoted here Monday criticizing candidate Alex Uballez for lamenting his unsuccessful effort to obtain public funds. Uballez was coming up far short of the needed $5 individual donations from registered city voters before he gave up and switched to private fund-raising. 

But Eric Griego, a progressive Dem former city councilor who served from 2001-2005 and is the godfather of today's public financing law, tells us it is time for "reasonable reforms."

Joe -My intention when I started working with community members in 2005 on Albuquerque’s Open and Ethical Elections system was to make it so more people could run successfully for local office. Short of a constitutional amendment we can’t do much to end unlimited outside spending by PACs, thanks to the Supreme Court's 2010 Citizens United decision. 

However, we can and should improve the current public financing system to make it more feasible for all serious candidates. Currently, it is difficult for anyone other than incumbents and career politicians with strong partisan ties to qualify. 

In the 2025 mayor’s race, if the current trend continues, only one candidate – the incumbent – will likely qualify for the more than $750,000 provided. . .If we want to keep public financing. . .we must address this barrier as well as make other reasonable reforms. . .

First, the threshold for qualifying for public financing in mayoral races needs to be cut in half from the current roughly 3,850  $5 contributions to 2,000.

Second, the time period for collecting qualifying contributions needs to be extended from the current 64 days to at least 90 days. 

Third, oversight and penalties for coordination with Measure Finance Committees needs to be improved. Former campaign staff or family members of candidates should not be allowed to run or fund these supposedly independent PACs. 

Until we find a solution to the corrosive effects of big money in elections at all levels, we need to make alternatives like the Albuquerque public financing system viable alternatives to changing who runs, who they answer to and where their money comes from. It is a relatively small step to improving our local democracy, but it matters.

Observers point out there is a fine line  to draw with any changes. Lower the bar too much and the cost to taxpayers could easily soar to $10 million or more each election as multiple mayor candidates qualify. 

HOW ABOUT THIS? 

Here's a plan we've been mulling over. 

How about adjusting the amount of public money candidates could qualify for? Keep the current requirement of 3,780 individual $5 donations from registered city voters, but adjust it so a candidate could collect less than the full $756,000 in funding. 

For example, a candidate who obtained 1,500 of the donations could quality for $150,000 and if they chose, stop right there.

A contender who submitted 2,000 donations would qualify for $200,000-- and could call it a day. 

And so on up the ladder with more more funding for more signatures. But only a candidate who managed to get all 3,780 donations would be awarded the full $756,000. 

This would give the incumbent mayor less of an advantage but also keep the costs manageable. We'd like to see a hearty debate.

THE GRIEGO FILE

Griego, 59, left his Council seat in 2005 to challenge Mayor Marty Chavez along with two other hopefuls. There was no public financing option in that race. Chavez was elected to his second consecutive term with 47% of the vote, with Griego coming in second with 26%. Chavez served a total of three terms. Griego later went on to serve a term in the state senate from 2009-13. 

Here's our Election Night blog from October 5, 2005. We have to say that rereading it 20 years later, it's pretty electric. (I'm sure Marty would agree.) Our lead:

Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chavez ceded no territory to his overwhelmed foes last night as he marched virtually unopposed through the city and laid claim to a historic third, four year term. It was a victory unprecedented in its scope, featuring geographic and demographic dominance that politicians dream of but rarely realize. Chavez also ended a 30 year curse and became the first mayor to win two terms in a row. The only opposition was a record low turnout that thwarted the 53 year old city native's drive for an unquestionable mandate.

Yeah, we always liked lighting the night up. . .

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Mayor Hull

Is Rio Rancho Mayor Gregg Hull getting weak in the knees over his candidacy for the '26 GOP gubernatorial nomination? 

The middle of the road Republican has sent out an enigmatic news release saying that he delayed his planned June 2 formal announcement. 

That could set the stage for his withdrawal from the race, if things don't start looking up. 

From the release:

Hull. . .will continue engaging with voters and community leaders. . .ahead of an anticipated formal campaign launch. Originally eyeing June 2 the campaign is choosing to extend its listening tour to ensure that our platform reflects the real concerns, hopes, and priorities of New Mexicans. . . Rather than focusing on political timelines or headlines, Hull is focused on building a winning coalition and a policy-driven campaign. . .

Hull, the only announced GOP Guv hopeful, has raised about $200,000 in the early going. He is largely unknown outside the ABQ metro. 

The mayor is under the gun when it comes to his political future. He still has the option of seeking a fourth term in 2026 but that window will soon begin closing so decision time looms. He has been a popular and effective mayor and his re-election prospects would appear solid. 

Also haunting Hull is the expected candidacy of former Lt. Governor John Sanchez. 

In his release Hull appeared to take indirect swipes at Sanchez who served two terms under divisive GOP Governor Susana Martinez:

(Voters have) seen what happens when ego and division rule the Roundhouse. We’re building a campaign that listens, respects individual community needs, and has a winning vision for New Mexico’s future. The campaign remains in a strategic growth phase, focused on building the infrastructure, fundraising base, and grassroots team necessary to win both the primary and general election. 

RONCHETTI RESURFACES 

Mark Ronchetti

While Hull struggles to find his footing, Republican Mark Ronchetti, the 2022 GOP Guv nominee who lost to MLG, says he is not ruling out another run in the June '26 primary. A longtime TV weatherman, Ronchetti is now a podcaster. 

Ronchetti and the GOP are closely monitoring the November ABQ mayoral election for any signs of weakening in the large Democratic and progressive base in the city that might give them a better shot at retaking the Governor's office.

Meanwhile Sanchez has been as quiet as can be about a possible run but his name is being widely circulated and former GOP Chairman Ryan Cangiolosi has told associates that he believes Sanchez is coming in. But much uncertainty remains about the GOP primary field and Hull's news release only adds to that.  

MAYOR CHASE

Diane Denish

Democratic party warhorse Diane Denish is a former two term lieutenant governor, former party chair and the 2010 Dem Guv nominee. The veteran politico says she doesn't have much patience for political newcomer and Dem ABQ mayoral candidate Alex Uballez who has complained about the difficulty of qualifying for $756,000 in public campaign funds. Denish writes on the socials:

It's really strange to hear Uballez complain about public financing and how hard it is to get enough $5 contributions and somehow suggesting that because Keller has built name ID, a volunteer infrastructure and strong support, it's not fair to him. Is he that naive? If you think qualifying for public financing is hard, try being Mayor. And, yes Alex, you are a politician. You are running for office. Welcome to the world where you have to work hard to get public finance.

Uballez withdrew his bid to qualify for public financing asserting the system now favors "entrenched" politicians. He will now privately finance. He comes with this op-ed on his candidacy. 

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Keller and Uballez

The financial noose is tightening on the ABQ mayoral challengers, giving Mayor Tim Keller more breathing room as he seeks an unprecedented third consecutive term. 

The hopefuls seeking to qualify for $756,000 in public financing for the November 3 election are falling fast and it is now possible that Keller will be the only one awarded that ample pot of money and dramatically change the course of this election. 

Former US Attorney Alex Uballez is the latest to throw in the proverbial towel, complaining that the requirement that candidates collect 3,780 in $5 donations from registered city voters is unfair:

The people of Albuquerque deserve a better choice than candidates who can buy their way onto the ballot or use entrenched political power to get there. I still believe in public financing. I think how it’s currently structured, and maybe the goals you have to attain, reward those with political connections and close the door on political newcomers like myself.

Three lower tier candidates previously gave up their public money race and also do not appear positioned to collect the petition signatures also necessary to make the ballot.  

Uballez says he has now submitted the required 3,000 petition signatures to qualify for the ballot.  

The Uballez failure is particularly important because he has been carrying the banner for progressives dissatisfied with Keller and who have long been a vital part of the mayor's political base.  

Conservative Democratic Councilor Louie Sanchez, also struggling, says he is about to drop his public financing effort. Republican Darren White is hanging by a thread when it comes to qualifying.

NOT FOR AMATEURS

Becoming eligible for the public cash is not for amateurs and Keller--for the third time--is putting together the organization to get the job done. After Uballez's blast over the process and the decision of the others to give up, he accused the complainers of crying in their beer:

Complaining that public financing doesn’t work is like blaming the ref because you can’t hit your free throws — it’s not the system’s fault you’re falling short. The real issue isn’t the rules; it’s a lack of grassroots support, campaign credibility, and the organizational strength to lead.

The rub for those now choosing to pursue private donations is getting anywhere near the $756K that Keller is on his way to pocketing. 

There is still the possibility that outside PACs--known by the city as Measure Finance Committees--could form to support the Keller opponents. They have no spending limits. 

One of those committees has already formed for Keller. When what it collects is included in the spending for his candidacy, he could reach over $1 million. 

Those outside committees are prohibited from coordinating with the campaigns of the candidates they are supporting so their advertising is often not seen as effective as the candidate's.

Will progressive PACs try to rally for Uballez? It will be watched for but his first steps as a political toddler have not been inspiring for those running them.  

ACE IN THE HOLE 

The other possible ace in the hole for the disgruntled non-qualifiers is personal money.

That's where parking lot tycoon Daniel Chavez comes into play. He has already put up $100,000 that aided him in gathering enough petition signatures to make the ballot. He appears to be the only hopeful in the 11 person field with the resources to give Keller a run for his money.

LOWER THE BAR? 

Qualifying for public financing is meant to be difficult but Keller did so even in 2017 when he was not the incumbent. It demands organization, political know-how and roots in the community.

Whether it needs to be made easier is for the electorate to decide but they've rejected reforms to lower the bar. 

Should it be easier?

Look at the total contributions to the candidates failing to qualify. Most could not even meet the needed threshold if it were cut in half. Uballez collected only 21 percent of the requirement before calling it a day.

This is not charity. It's public money that has to be earned or taxpayers would be on the hook to fund half-serious candidates on ego trips to the tune of millions of dollars. 

THE REAL ISSUE 

The issue isn't the public financing--as much as Keller foes would like it to be. The issue is why voters are not rushing to Keller's opponents to help take him out. 

The incumbent's polling numbers show voter fatigue and Uballez and company are bellowing that the city is in a state of chaos amid out of control crime and homelessness. Yet, they can't excite the folks listening from the bleacher seats to reach into their wallets for a five-spot.

So the initial foray into Keller territory has been met with stiff resistance. The challenging candidates will have another go of it in public forums, campaign ads, fund-raising and social media. For now the message from voters is clear. They want better ideas and better campaigns.

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