Early voting is underway in the run-off elections for two seats still open on the Albuquerque City Council. Representation for District 7 and District 9 must still be decided after the general election in November failed to produce a clear-cut winner.
Republican Lori Robertson and Democrat Tammy Fiebelkorn are contesting in District 7, while Republican Renee Grout challenges Democrat Rob Grilley in District 9. None of the candidates garnered the necessary 50% of votes needed in the general election to avoid a run-off. Early voting at eight locations in and around District 7 and 9 ended Friday, with the one-day election set for Tuesday.
The key issues that were prominent in the general election continue to be emphasized in the run-off. Both candidates in District 9, according to statements made to KQRE, are focusing on the rise in crime in the Duke City. Albuquerque is ranked as the 9th-most dangerous city in the nation, according to CBS News. The violent-crime rate is listed as 1,352 per 100,000 residents.
Robertson's campaign is focusing on reducing crime and homelessness.
“Crime is plaguing our city and has caused disinvestment throughout. We have spent enormous amounts of money on beautification and development without solving our problems." Robertson told the New Mexico Sun. "Until we get a grip on public safety the problems will persist."
Her concern about crime has earned her endorsement from the Fraternal Order of Police and the Albuquerque Police Officers Association.
"The homeless population in Albuquerque has exploded and will continue to grow until we start offering proven solutions," Robertson said. "We need to create an ecosystem of human services and programing structured around positive movement and change to propel our citizens forward to be productive in society again."
Fiebelkorn is vowing to fight climate change.
“Number one issue for me is a transition to a clean air economy, we need to be doing all we can to fight climate change," Fiebelkorn told KRQE. "But we also need to be making sure that that fight and the benefits of that fight get to our front line communities and our low-income neighbors and so that’s really important for us.”
For more information on voting, visit bernco.gov/clerk/bureau-of-elections-overview/elections.
