Dinelli Launches Mayoral Bid

Pete Dinelli sounded like a former prosecutor — he is one — on Sunday as he launched his campaign for mayor of Albuquerque.

Dinelli described his three-pronged campaign platform as a “three-count indictment” of the current administration, headed by Mayor Richard Berry.

Dinelli said he would restore confidence in the Albuquerque Police Department, which is under investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice; work to boost Albuquerque’s sluggish economy; and end “outrageous” out-of-court settlements paid by City Hall.

Dinelli, a Democrat, is a former city councilor and former prosecutor. He also worked as a deputy city attorney and chief public safety officer under Berry’s predecessor, Martin Chavez.

He announced his campaign outside his home, which is north of the state fairgrounds.

I have a lengthy roundup of who else might run in today’s paper. Berry, if he seeks re-election, could face challenges from both the left and the right. Berry is a Republican.

Election Day is in October.

I’ll have more in tomorrow’s paper, of course.