According to her campaign website, Tammy Fiebelkorn is an Albuquerque-based consultant and lobbyist specializing in environmental matters.
As such, her top listed priority for City Council is to be an “unrelenting advocate” for making a “transition to a clean energy economy”.
Hailing originally from Connecticut, District 9 candidate Rob Grilley worked in the tech industry there before refocusing his career path and moving to New Mexico, ultimately becoming a non-profit leader focused on LGBTQ+ issues. Grilley has a BA in Political Science and has most recently worked as a political operative and legislative assistant for state Rep. Meredith Dixon. According to his campaign website, Grilley considers enacting data-driven policing solutions which “rebuild trust and open communication between law enforcement and the people” a top priority for the City Council.
Both Fiebelkorn and Grilley list Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich and other top New Mexico Democrats among politicians and groups endorsing their campaigns. Early voting for the Albuquerque City Council runoffs ended Dec. 4. Election Day for the two city council runoff elections is Dec. 7. The two seats still up for election are District 7 and District 9. For more information on the election and where to vote, visit bernco.gov.
The candidates facing off for Albuquerque's City Council District 7 runoff are Republican Lori Robertson and Fiebelkorn. As for the District 9 runoff, Republican Renee Grout is facing Grilley, a Democrat. According to statements candidates made to local news outlet KQRE, top issues for both District 9 candidates include addressing the rise in crime.
The same report quotes Robertson prioritizing support for small business owners in the face of pandemic-related restrictions, and her opponent is quoted as prioritizing "a clean air economy." According to a report by CBS News, Albuquerque was ranked as the 9th-most dangerous city in the United States in 2020. The violent-crime rate was listed as 1,352 per 100,000 residents. And with 84 homicides in 2019, crime continues to be on the rise in the city.
Grilley and Fiebelkorn did not respond for comment.
