Candidate questionnaire excerpts

Moisés González

What in the city’s current budget, if anything, do you believe should have more or less funding or why?

The city should double down on public transportation. Unfortunately, the ham-handed design and implementation of ART under the Berry administration left public transit with a black eye. We need to increase salaries for drivers, reduce headways, and improve connectivity.

Would you support the leasing of public land at Balloon Fiesta Park to New Mexico United to use for a soccer stadium?

I am not in favor of public money being spent for privately owned sports teams. I would be willing to consider a lease of city land if it was an appropriate rate.

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

I am a bicyclist. I ride for pleasure, but I also ride for transportation. I was the EPC representative to GABAC (Greater Albuquerque Bicycling Advisory Committee) from 2011-2017. We need to overhaul our infrastructure to close the gaps that prevent traveling on bicycle.

Loretta Naranjo Lopez

What in the city’s current budget, if anything, do you believe should have more or less funding or why?

More funding for affordable housing is crucial. Homelessness is a pressing issue, and the most effective solution is to provide stable housing. Allocating additional budget for this purpose will address the immediate needs of those experiencing homelessness and help break the cycle of poverty in our city.

Would you support the leasing of public land at Balloon Fiesta Park to New Mexico United to use for a soccer stadium?

While I support providing recreational opportunities for our community, we must respect the anti-donation clause. I believe in fair and transparent use of public land and would consider leasing it for a soccer stadium, provided it does not involve subsidizing a private business.

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

As a councilor, I would prioritize expanding rehabilitation programs to address addiction and mental health issues. By investing in these programs, we can provide crucial support to individuals and families struggling with substance abuse, improve public safety, and promote overall community well-being.

Joaquín Baca

What in the city’s current budget, if anything, do you believe should have more or less funding or why?

We should increase funding for housing vouchers and fund and support addiction recovery and early child care centers. These services must be done in coordination with the county and state to more effectively help people while avoiding duplication of services.

Would you support the leasing of public land at Balloon Fiesta Park to New Mexico United to use for a soccer stadium?

I have been a proponent of a Downtown multipurpose sporting and event center. Downtown is a far better location in terms of existing infrastructure and the ability to leverage and spur economic development and neighborhood revitalization. That said, wherever a stadium is built, I support leasing city land.

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

As a father of two teen boys, I can tell you we need robust youth/teen programs. Additionally, I’d like to create more green space within new housing developments. The parks department would be a strong partner that would bring in more resources.