Albuquerque –
The 2024 election included significant local metro items on the ballot, including a proposed amendment to the Albuquerque City Charter to give the City Council more powers to fight a tyranical Mayor.
The proposed amendment to the Albuquerque City Charter would modify the procedures for appointing city administrative officers. City administrative officers are defined as any position with supervisory authority over department directors. The amendment would require the mayor to reappoint, and the council to approve, all city administrative officers, including the Chief of Police and the Fire Chief, at the beginning of each new term. It would also limit the time city administrative officers may serve without council approval. Additionally, the council would be allowed to terminate the employment of the Chief of Police and the Fire Chief with a two-thirds-plus-one vote of its members.
The Bernalillo County residents voted:
61% for YES Change it
38% for NO Leave it Alone
City Council President Dan Lewis released a statement applauding the voters of Bernalillo County, saying:
“Tonight, the voters approved two important Charter Amendments that strengthen and clarify our City Charter to improve the functioning of our local government. These changes reflect the community’s understanding of the importance of clear separation of powers and a well-defined process for appointing and removing senior administration officials, both essential for the efficient operation of our city. I trusted our residents to decide on these issues, which is why I sponsored these proposals to give them the opportunity to weigh in. The voters’ support demonstrates their commitment to a well-functioning, accountable local government. Passing these amendments to our charter shows an overwhelming desire for a more accountable Mayor and Police Chief.”
The Mayor’s PIO immediately sent a statement countering the defeat with a prepared quote from Mayor Tim Keller, stating:
The two measures that were on the 2024 ballot to amend the City Charter both passed. One would have changed the way chiefs of police and fire are hired and fired, the other would have changed the way separation of power disputes between a mayor and city council are handled.
The language on the ballot did not explain the nuances of the Charter amendments and may have been unclear. These amendments may have to be reviewed by the courts. Councilors opted against adding funding for voter education that would have helped inform the community about these two proposals.
“Transparency is a cornerstone of our democracy, and we’ve heard concerns that the language on the ballot was too vague,” said Mayor Tim Keller.
The other amendment was similar to voting results and it states the Charter’s procedure to resolve separation of powers issues. The three-person Conference Committee established under the Charter will determine the role of the City Council and the Mayor and hears issues raised only by the Mayor or the City Council. The amendment would ensure that the Committee has sufficient appointees to resolve issues arising between the Mayor and the Council.
It is unclear if City Councilors will look to remove APD Police Chief Harold Medina any time soon. There has been much frustration with some of his decisions and actions in the last few months from the public and members of council.
Keller and all his ilk need to leave.
Keller’s administration is a failure.. he’s got to go.