Candidate Questionnaire excerpts
Oct. 26—Jeff Hoehn
What would you do to combat homelessness and the housing crisis in the city?
Fund smaller, population-specific shelters that are attractive and safe for those who want help. The Albuquerque Community Safety Department should be a proactive force that is on the streets every day, all day actively encountering individuals who are homeless so that they accept help or choose to relocate.
What in the city's current budget, if anything, do you believe should have more or less funding or why?
Increase funding for eviction prevention programs to pay one month's rent for those who qualify, so people don't become homeless in the first place. By doing so, we would realize significant savings by not rehousing individuals in 12-month rental assistance programs. Savings could be reallocated toward workforce development.
Do you think Albuquerque buses should be free? Or should changes be made to the zero fare program?
We need to know who is riding the bus, to what parts of the city and at what times. With data, we can make an informed decision about whether our buses should be free. We do know that the best public transportation is used by people of all income levels.
Kristin "Raven" Greene
What would you do to combat homelessness and the housing crisis in the city?
Moving to a housing first model and smaller satellite shelters serving different demographics vs. a mega-shelter approach will serve the population better with less impact on surrounding neighborhoods. Weeding out redundancies in services and creating a dashboard that all providers have access to will streamline the process of connecting the unhoused to services.
What in the city's current budget, if anything, do you believe should have more or less funding and why?
I believe that Goal 4: Sustainable Community Development and Goal 6: Economic Vitality need to have considerably more funding as the key to reducing poverty, crime, and ultimately homelessness is a healthy and vibrant economy. While not a silver bullet, it is the first step towards healthy communities.
Do you think Albuquerque buses should be free? Or should changes be made to the zero fare program?
The zero fare program needs to be re-evaluated; we're seeing too many public safety risks for our ridership and bus drivers. Public transit should be accessible and affordable for people who are using it for its intended use — transportation — vs. giving free rides to those seeking space for drug use.
Nichole Rogers
What would you do to combat homelessness and the housing crisis in the city?
As a result of the most recent court ruling, we need to increase the number of shelter beds as a short-term solution. From there we need wrap-around services to get our unhoused in permanent supportive services that will help them stay housed.
What in the city's current budget, if anything, do you believe should have more or less funding or why?
Albuquerque Fire Rescue should be fully funded. Station 5 located next to the International District Library is the 13th busiest firehouse in the country. I will fund a new firehouse frehouse in D6 and will introduce a resolution that increases the number of units on the Central corridor east of San Mateo.
Do you think Albuquerque buses should be free? Or should changes be made to the zero fare program?
I am in support of Albuquerque buses being free. I am clear that we still have a lot of work ahead of us to build a transit system our residents can depend on. I will also work to ensure Sun Van riders are prioritized for our elderly and disabled residents.
Abel Otero
What would you do to combat homelessness and the housing crisis in the city?
We need to lead with compassion. We need to create more affordable housing and we need to support our most vulnerable. We need to invest in comprehensive wrap-around services that meet them where they are. I've been in their shoes before and believe I'm best prepared to advocate for them.
What in the city's current budget, if anything, do you believe should have more or less funding and why?
More community policing, wrap-around services, and public transportation. Less bureaucratic red tape. We have too many "directors" and managerial positions that duplicate work. Our budget is over $1 billion. We owe it to Burqueños to deliver more for our people, and we can achieve that by spending more efficiently.
Do you think Albuquerque buses should be free? Or should changes be made to the zero fare program?
Yes. It increases economic opportunity for those without personal transportation. It's better for the environment, our economy, and our working people.
