,
The Paper. asks the candidates to explain why they are running for office and explain solutions to issues in our city in their own words. We have included their full responses, with very little editing. Louis Sanchez is running against incumbent Lan Sena. Sanchez did not respond to the questionnaire.
To find your City Council district visit https://www.cabq.gov/council/find-your-councilor
The Paper.: Please introduce yourself.
Thanh Lan Sena (incumbent): As the daughter of refugees, the first Asian American Pacific Islander to serve on the City Council, and a cancer patient, I bring a unique perspective to my work. From community safety to healthcare, I lift up voices that aren’t always heard. Westsiders can count on me to continue to center council work and policy around the unique needs of our community and fighting for the investment and equity that the families of District 1 and the city deserve.
What are the root causes of crime and how would you address them?
Poverty, addiction, and untreated mental health problems are the root causes of crime in our city. That’s why I worked with other city leaders to create the Community Safety Department, which is already putting social workers and behavioral health providers in communities to help those most in need. We need an all-hands-on-deck approach to treat the root of the issues while focusing our officers to address violent crime and utilizing public health methods to tackle gun violence.
What policy would you change to end homelessness in Albuquerque?
We need to expand funding for and access to affordable housing while addressing housing discrimination. I have and will continue to fight for more affordable housing, eviction prevention, wrap-around services that meet our unsheltered community where their needs are, and fight against housing discrimination.
Every district is unique. What is one challenge that you will tackle that will help the people living and working in your district?
The Westside has historically experienced disinvestment–meaning critical funding doesn’t always make it to our communities. As a City Councilor, I have changed city policies to prioritize funding programs in traditionally disinvested communities. I have appropriated millions of dollars in critical infrastructure investments for west central, renovated our only senior center on the westside, and committed to building youth sports facilities. Investing in the community pays dividends.
Will you vote for the proposal to bond $50M of public dollars to construct a multi-use stadium that the NM United USL soccer team will primarily use?
No.
Would you support repealing Albuquerque’s immigrant-friendly policy?
No.
Would you support a repeal of the city’s ban on single-use plastic bags?
No.
Do you support making fare-free transit permanent in Albuquerque?
Yes.
S. R. Marmon Neighborhood Association (SRMNA) will be holding a Candidate Forum with District One City Council candidates and mayoral candidates on Tuesday, October 12, 2021, 6:15 pm. Where: Zoom https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82156742587?pwd=R0w0QlpkWUlmdHIrWFdsdkkvaXN3UT09
Meeting ID: 821 5674 2587
Passcode: SRMNA