Q&A Albuquerque Mayor Darren White

Name: Darren White

Political party: Republican

Age: 62

Education: BA in Management, University of Phoenix

Occupation: Small Business Owner

Family: Proud Grandfather to Alana and Ruby Leigh

Relevant experience: US Army 82nd Airborne Paratrooper, Police Officer, Cabinet Secretary of the New Mexico Department of Public Safety, Sheriff of Bernalillo County, Albuquerque Public Safety Director, Small business owner.

Campaign website:DarrenWhiteforMayor.com

1. What is the biggest issue facing the city of Albuquerque today, and how would you address it?

Crime and homelessness. Families don’t feel safe, and businesses are struggling to survive. I will repeal the Sanctuary City policy and fight to end “catch and release.” If homeless refuse the help offered, the laws will be strictly enforced and tent cities come down on day one.

2. What is your strategy for improving public safety?

I will hire a strong Chief of Police who earns the respect of officers and the public and is relentless about fighting crime. The department’s bloated bureaucracy will be restructured, putting more officers on the street. I’ll end the Sanctuary City policy and free our officers to enforce our laws.

3. Under what circumstances, if any, would you support raising taxes?

Never.

4. What specific industries should the city target with economic development incentives?

We must first clean up our city. Public safety and quality of life are essential to attracting business. We should target industries that provide stable, good-paying jobs - not corporations only interested in chasing government handouts. We must focus on helping small businesses by cutting red tape and lowering taxes.

5. What are your economic development strategies for boosting small, local businesses?

Owning small businesses, I know the struggle with crime, higher insurance costs and delays in getting permits approved. I will crack down on lawlessness. I’ll streamline and expedite the permitting process by hiring an outside agency to assist the zoning department. I’ll partner with small businesses, not be their enemy.

6. What steps would you take to increase affordable housing and address a growing homeless population?

To address the homeless crisis, we must offer to help build independence, not dependence. We will be compassionate and offer assistance for those in need. If it is refused, we must strictly enforce our laws. The public has a right to feel safe on our streets. No more tent cities.

7. When it comes to mental health and substance abuse issues, which services would you prioritize under a new state behavioral health law?

The priority must be effective substance abuse treatment and prevention. Addiction is an equal-opportunity destroyer that greatly impacts crime and homelessness, while destroying lives.

8. Do you support Albuquerque's current immigration policies in light of the U.S. Department of Justice's determination it is a sanctuary jurisdiction? How would you instruct local law enforcement to work with federal immigration officials?

I strongly oppose Mayor Keller’s Sanctuary City policy. Unfortunately, one of the city councilors running for mayor voted to keep the policy in place. I will repeal it immediately and allow ICE access to the booking center when criminals are arrested. We should not be protecting arrested criminals from deportation.

9. What large infrastructure projects would you push for in the city's next capital implementation program?

Our roads are crumbling from years of neglect, and we must refocus on repairing and upgrading them. I will also push hard for a new bridge to connect Westside families. Too many residents waste hours stuck in traffic. This project will ease congestion and improve quality of life for thousands.

10. What plans do you have to raise the quality of life for Albuquerque residents?

Under Tim Keller, we have unchecked crime and city employees clean up human waste. We are losing ground and hope. I will confront crime head-on and end the lawless homeless encampments. My vision is simple: a city that is safe, clean, and one for which we can once again be proud.

11. What specific metrics would you use to gauge your success?

I will work swiftly to enact bold change. I will ONLY serve four years. I’m not interested in padding a political résumé or seeking higher office. Success will be defined by my ability to delivermeaningful results. I’ll make neighborhoods safe, clean up our streets, and help small businesses thrive.

12. What differentiates you from your opponents?

I am a fighter. I am a proven leader. I know how to successfully fight crime. I am the only candidate who has consistently opposed the dangerous Sanctuary City policy and spoken out against the socialist “Guaranteed Income” program established by the current city council and Mayor Keller.

13. Name one issue not mentioned in the questions above that you would plan to tackle.

Under this mayor, city spending has exploded and expanded by 60% with fraud, waste, and abuse. He’s now even pushing a socialist “Guaranteed Income” scheme. I am a fiscal conservative who will focus our tax dollars on providing basic services, like police and fire protection and improving our roads.

Personal background

1. Have you or your business, if you are a business owner, ever been the subject of any state or federal tax liens?

No

2. Have you ever been involved in a personal or business bankruptcy proceeding?

No

3. Have you ever been arrested for, charged with, or convicted of drunken driving, any misdemeanor or any felony in New Mexico or any other state?

No