By Kevin Hendricks March municipal elections and voter identification requirements will remain in place in Rio Rancho after the Governing Body voted against eliminating them and opting into statewide elections at its May 8 meeting. Ordinance 13 failed in a 3-3 tie vote following public opposition. The power of the people was on full display […]
Local Government
Posted inLocal Government, Town of Bernalillo
Bernalillo hires new fire boss
By Jesse Jones The Town of Bernalillo has a new lead firefighter. Adam “AJ” Bonnett was sworn in as fire chief at the May 12 town council meeting after receiving unanimous support from the Councilors and mayor. Bonnett steps into the role at a time of steady growth and momentum for the department. After a […]
Posted inFederal Government & Congress, Local Government
Albuquerque orders Ezee Fiber to halt construction amid resident complaints
By Kevin Hendricks The City of Albuquerque has issued a cease and desist order to Ezee Fiber, demanding the fiber optic company immediately halt all construction activities within city limits. This comes after a surge in resident complaints regarding unsafe and incomplete work associated with fiber internet installations. This marks the second internet provider to […]
Posted inFederal Government & Congress, Local Government
Ethics panel to take up treasurer hiring issue
By Rodd Cayton An ethics issue that has been working its way through Bernalillo County government could come to a conclusion as soon as Tuesday morning. The county’s Code of Conduct Review Board will meet at 9 a.m. to discuss an allegation by county commissioners that Linda Stover violated the code by accepting an appointment […]
Posted inFederal Government & Congress, Local Government
The story of Albuquerque’s budget
By Rodd Cayton Albuquerque is moving closer to having a budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. City Councilors, Thursday night, sought answers from department heads as they search for the best use of $1.5 billion. At Thursday’s Committee of the Whole meeting, they questioned staff on topics that included performance metrics, hiring efforts and future […]
Posted inCity Desk ABQ, Federal Government & Congress, Local Government
Council to review Keller’s budget proposal
By Rodd Cayton The public is invited again Thursday to give input on Albuquerque’s fiscal year 2026 budget. Mayor Tim Keller last month proposed a $1.5 billion spending plan, which City Councilors are now reviewing. Meeting as the Committee of the Whole, all nine councilors will take public input regarding the budget and capital improvements […]
Posted inCity Desk ABQ, Federal Government & Congress, Local Government
Library advocates want budget increase
By Rodd Cayton Public library advocates Monday went to bat again for their cause, urging the Albuquerque City Council to boost it as the city’s fiscal year 2026 budget takes shape. Mayor Tim Keller’s proposed budget includes about $16.54 million for libraries, which is down about $49,000 from fiscal year 2025. Janet Saiers, who sits […]
Posted inFederal Government & Congress, Local Government
City Council approves behavioral health voucher database
By Rodd Cayton Albuquerque City Councilors Monday approved a contract to produce a database aimed at simplifying access to addiction treatment and support services. Contractor Real Time Solutions will be paid $300,000 for creating the database, designed to help administer vouchers for the Providing Addiction Treatment and Healing (PATH) program. City officials say the Albuquerque-based […]
Posted inFederal Government & Congress, Local Government
Tijeras celebrates grand opening of Pocket Park
By Andrea Vasquez The Village of Tijeras officially unveiled its new Pocket Park with a grand opening celebration on May 3. The event featured remarks from Mayor Jake Bruton, music by local band Tripple-X and a heartfelt gesture as children, or “little villagers,” placed their handprints on the well house, as a tribute to the […]
Posted inFederal Government & Congress, Local Government
Council grills APD chief over proposed police budget
by Rodd Cayton Albuquerque City Councilors traded barbs with Albuquerque Police Department Chief Harold Medina at a budget meeting Thursday night, criticizing the number of command staff in the department, Medina’s internal affairs strategy and a recent decision to seek National Guard troops to assist officers. Medina and Councilor Louie Sanchez accused each other of […]