It was youthful enthusiasm versus experience at a debate Wednesday night featuring the two candidates seeking to represent District 1 on the Santa Fe City Council.
Incumbent Patti Bushee, owner of a small business, touted the knowledge she’s gained and the accomplishments she’s achieved during nearly two decades as a city councilor. Houston Johansen, a recent college graduate with nonprofit experience, promised to bring fresh thinking and innovative ideas to the office.
Johansen, 25, was born just seven years before Bushee first started her tenure as a city councilor.
He said he can “bring a new level of energy to the table that we have not seen on the council” and a willingness to try new things. That’s going to be vital, he said, as the city navigates through difficult times.
“After 18 years, it’s time for a change. I say let’s try something new, so we can move forward,” Johansen said.
Bushee responded that she’s been a “strong, independent, progressive” voice on the council. She said she’s served on just about every city council committee in existence and has worked hard on issues as diverse as water sustainability, bike trails and transparency at City Hall.
“What’s really important (in a) councilor is that they have good judgment, that they’re independent and that they’re accessible. I think I have all those qualities,” Bushee said.
Nearly 40 people gathered at the Center for Peace and Justice on Cerrillos Road for the forum, which was sponsored by the Santa Fe County Democratic Party.
Bushee and Johansen shared views on a number of issues, such as tackling crime by providing police officers with the appropriate resources and finding ways to entice more officers to live in Santa Fe. Both also expressed reservations on the Northwest Quadrant development but strong support for maintaining Santa Fe’s living wage.
There were some differences, however. Asked how he would help Santa Fe become a healthier community, Johansen offered ideas such as developing bike and vehicle share programs, enhancing public transportation and creating a city-run energy utility.
“If there are other ideas out there, I would love to hear about them,” Johansen said.
Bushee largely emphasized the work she and the city have done to improve Santa Fe’s trail system, especially bike connectivity.
In response to a question about their experience with budgets and financial matters, Bushee and Johansen both noted they’ve run small businesses – Johansen operated a nonprofit coffee shop a few years ago – that required some expertise with money.
Johansen said he also gained experience fundraising in college. He added that, when he doesn’t know something, he’ll talk to people and learn from those experiences.
Bushee also offered her years of experience working on budgets as a city councilor.
“You cut your teeth when you confront a city budget and I’ve done that now for 18 years. To be honest, I don’t really think these are times for on-the-job training,” she said. “I have the energy and the ability and certainly the experience.”
Bushee has been endorsed by the city’s fire and police unions, and Johansen by the local chapter of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal employees.
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