Q&A Albuquerque City Council District 3 Christopher Sedillo

Name: Christopher R. Sedillo

Political Party: Democratic

Age: 62

Education:

● Central New Mexico Community College (CNM) – Commercial Driver License (2015)

● St. Leo University – Associate Degree in Liberal Arts (1991)

● Rio Grande High School – Graduate (1981)

Occupations:

● Retired Radioman Senior Chief, U.S. Navy (1981–2007)

● Caregiver, El Pariso (2011–2014) for a relative with stage 4 colon cancer

● Over-the-Road Truck Driver, CFI (2016–2017)

● Active member, American Legion Post 13 Honor Guard (2019–2025)

● Election Poll Worker (past four years)

Family: Partnered with Michael Rice

Relevant Experience:

● 26-year U.S. Navy veteran

● Commander, American Legion Post 13 Honor Guard (three years, stepped down April

2025)

● Democratic Party Ward Chair & State Central Committee member

● Citizens Police Academy Alumni

● Member, New Mexico Military Families and Veterans Caucus

● Past Vice-President, Westgate Neighborhood Association

● Longtime advocate for public safety and veterans’ services

Campaign Website: votechrissedillo.com

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

Public safety, housing, homelessness, and economic opportunity are all connected. Address root causes—poverty, drug addiction, and mental illness—while strengthening community policing. Hire new leadership at APD. Security guards-for all city buses. Invest in infrastructure to treat drug addiction and mental health issues, and expand affordable housing.

2. What is your strategy for improving public safety?

Expand community-based policing and crisis intervention teams. Recruit and retain quality officers and increase the number of service aides. Increase youth engagement programs to prevent crime. Expand Albuquerque Community Safety (ACS) department. Improve school safety by installing metal detectors in all public schools. Use technology such as speed cameras, drones, and license plate readers where appropriate.

3. Under what circumstances would you support raising taxes?

Only with voter input, a clear plan, and full transparency. Any increase must go directly to critical needs like public safety, infrastructure, or essential services such as repairing failing bridges, roads, and sidewalks. I would also look for alternative revenue sources before raising taxes.

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

Clean energy, technology, affordable housing, veteran-owned businesses, and sustainable manufacturing that create long-term, high-quality jobs. I would also increase incentives for renewable energy. Partnership with contractors to increase housing.

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

Offering financial incentives like grants, low-interest loans and tax breaks. Streamline zoning and permitting processes. Reduce red tape and improve permit turnaround times. Establish mentorship programs connecting experienced business owners with new entrepreneurs.

6. What steps would you take to increase affordable housing and address homelessness?

Update restrictive zoning regulations that have blocked multi-family housing developments. Allow apartments to be built on commercially zoned land. Use public land for affordable housing. Provide safe spaces where the homeless can camp with basic facilities. Partner with nonprofits to provide wraparound services for the un-housed, including mental health, and transitional housing.

7. Which mental health and substance abuse services would you prioritize under the new state behavioral health law?

Provide early screening and intervention in schools, health clinics, and primary care offices. Establish a crisis stabilization, substance abuse recovery programs. Provide peer support networks. Provide long-term drug treatment facilities that help people recover and reintegrate them back into society.

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

Yes. Unless you’re Native American, we’re all immigrants. I support Albuquerque’s immigrant-friendly policies. Local law enforcement should focus on community safety, not immigration enforcement, and city resources should not be used to enforce federal civil immigration laws unless legally required.

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

Repair and modernize roads, improve public transit, upgrade stormwater and sewer systems, and invest in renewable energy infrastructure. Invest in city parks and provide family recreation. Finish the other phases for Community Centers that are still not completed. Upgrade the AC units for all public schools.

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

Expand affordable housing and strengthen public safety. Support youth and family programs. Assistance for new and existing local businesses. Create safe secure spaces, managed campsites for unhoused individuals with restrooms, showers, and security. Create ordinance that will make it illegal for homeless to camp in public places. Enforce the current laws.

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

Reduction in crime, increased housing availability, job growth and small business thriving, completion of infrastructure projects, and higher resident satisfaction. Reduction in the homeless population. Send out survey to my constituents and get their feedback.

12. What differentiates you from your opponents?

I have decades of military and community leadership experience. 26 years in the U.S. Navy taught me how to manage diverse teams and solve problems with accountability and results. Active member in my community and neighborhood association. Democratic Party Ward Chair and SCC. Community engagement and be responsive to their concerns.

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

I will always listen to District 3 constituents. Too often, City Council agendas are packed with controversial items while public input is limited. I will prioritize accessibility and responsiveness to ensure residents’ voices are heard. I believe in accountability, transparency and responsible spending.

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 proceedings?

No

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

No