Republican Councilor Trudy Jones has angered at least one of her constituents by changing her mind and voting “No” to override Democrat Mayor Tim Keller’s veto of a one-year moratorium on the application process for Safe Outdoor Spaces.
Jones, who represents District 8, cast her “No” vote during a Council meeting on Sept. 7. Jones first voted ‘Yes” on the original SOS resolution, but then supported the one-year moratorium to allow policymakers time to reexamine the impacts of Safe Outdoor Spaces. But when it came time to vote, Jones supported the mayor. That prompted Albuquerque resident Bob Reule to write an op-ed piece voicing his disapproval of Jones.
“How is it that an issue as sensitive to the health and safety of our neighborhoods, the economic viability of our businesses, and survivability of our City, is being played off like a political football?” Albuquerque resident Bob Reule wrote in an op-ed. “Councilor Jones first voted Yes on the original SOS resolution, but due to the backlash from voters, saw the light and voted Yes for a one-year Moratorium of the SOS, to allow policymakers time to reexamine the impacts of the SOS in more detail. Without notice of her intentions and without regard for her constituents, Councilor Jones then flipped her vote again, to allow the Mayor’s veto to stand for the dissolution of the one-year Moratorium, which now delivers the green light for the SOS encampments to move forward.”
Six ‘Yes” votes were needed to override the mayor’s veto. With Jones voting “No” there were only five votes to override. The four who voted No were Jones, who joined Democrats Isaac Benton, Pat Davis, and Tammy Fiebelcorn. The five who voted to override the veto were Republicans Brook Bassam, Renee Grout, and Dan Lewis and Democrats Klarissa Peña and Louie Sanchez.
“It is extremely disappointing and disheartening when our City of Albuquerque Councilors are not responding to the will of their constituents,” Reule wrote.
Jones has been an Albuquerque City Councilor for District 8 in Northeast Albuquerque since 2007, having been re-elected in 2011, 2015 and 2019.
The discussion, according to a KOB report, about the veto took over an hour, with those attending hearing from 15 people who signed up to comment, and several council members on both sides of the issue.
“I believe Albuquerque is becoming a sanctuary for criminals. and I do not think it can continue," Bassan said at the meeting. "People do not feel safe and they’re pleading with us to help. They’re pleading with us for behavioral health treatment, and drug addiction. They’re pleading with us to help with homelessness. I get that. I believe that we’re trying our best I believe that we’re really trying hard, but what we’re not doing is recognizing that even if every tool in the toolbox is what we have. Maybe there’s only a right tool for the job."
Davis, a supporter of Safe Outdoor Spaces, spoke about rules and guidelines for these spaces. He used examples like the opaque fencing that is required and services that will be mandatory for each space.
According to a recent poll conducted by The Albuquerque Journal, 77% of residents say the homeless issue is “very serious,” with 16% saying it is “somewhat serious,” 4% say “minor,” 1% say “no problem” and 2% say “don't know/would not say.”
So far there is one approved Safe Outdoor Space and six awaiting approval.