ABQ View Not Bright Enough

from El Grito

Councilor Garduño: 'Sunshine' not bright enough
by george, September 9, 2010



Albuquerque, NM - District 6 City Councilor Rey Garduño sat down with us to compare the City Council transparency "sunshine bill" that he sponsored last year, which calls for transparency in city government, with the recently unveiled "sunshine portal" on the city's website, which is the Mayor's version of how to implement the City Council mandate.
Councilor Garduño noted that the new website meets the council's mandate for some things --like a list of all open capital outlay projects, as well as a list of employees and salaries.
However, the website fails to address a number of items in the City Council's legislation, including:
•An on-line template for the submission of public records requests
•A list of all existing IRBs, TIDDs, PIDs (tax breaks and incentives)
•A Quarterly Report for all operating funds
Councilor Garduño also explained that, contrary to the notion that the sunshine portal was a direct product of the Mayor's office, the new website is the result of many years of community input calling fortransparency.
Watch the video to hear Councilor Garduño explain what still needs to be done to accomplish true city government transparency.

Senator Tim Keller Introduces State Investment Legislation

Recent headlines of the misuse of public funds by government have dismantled the communities trust in our government and it's officials. With new minds entering leadership roles that had been dominated by Good Ol' Boy politics, legislation and policies are begininng to be put in place to re-establish transparent government and the publics trust. One step in the right direction was my "Sunshine Bill" which directed the City to post important information on the City's website. Click here for the bill and more info. This measure will be operational on the City's website in the spring.

My colleague, Senator Tim Keller, who represents NM Senate District 17 which includes areas of Council District 6 and the International District, has proposed legislation to address the lack of confidence in our governance. Senator Keller's legislation restructures the State Investment Council, reforms the Chief Investment Office, and would allow the Attorney General to prosecute for investment fraud.

These proposals are being discussed at this afternoons Investments Oversight Committee. To read the full Democracy for New Mexico write up, click here.

ALBUQUERQUE CITY COUNCILOR REY GARDUÑO INTENDS TO BRING SUNSHINE TO CITY GOVERNMENT

Albuquerque, NM – Albuquerque City Councilor Rey Garduño has introduced a bill calling for the City to be more open and transparent when it comes to the taxpayer’s money.

Recently, the headlines have been filled with accounts of corruption and misuse of our public funds. Councilor Garduño’s bill, R-09-319, brings sunshine and a proactive approach to restoring the public trust in how the City of Albuquerque spends it’s money.

“As a Councilor, I hear first hand the public’s distrust of local government and I want to shed sunshine on how our government operates for the taxpayers of the City of Albuquerque. After all, we do work for them,” Councilor Garduño said.

The bill directs the City to post valuable information on the City’s website about six key areas of City Government: A list of all City contracts with contractors’ name, amount, term, service, contact information; a list of existing IRB’s, TIDD’s, and PID’s with their amounts and quarterly updates; a report of all Capital Outlay projects including State grants; a list of all City employees that are currently receiving a pension from PERA; the Quarterly Budget to Actual Expense Report for all operating funds; and an online form to make public records requests easier for all residents.

The Sunshine Bill was to be heard and voted on at the Finance and Government Operations Committee on Monday September 14^th but this important bill was tabled because Councilors Ken Sanchez and Don Harris voted against approval at the request of the City Administration. Councilors Michael Cadigan and Debbie O’Malley voted for approval, since the vote resulted in a tie, the bill remains in committee.

“Tabling a bill whose intent is to bring transparency and good government to the city of Albuquerque continues the cycle of local government being unaccountable to its residents,” said Councilor Garduño.