International District Featured in Alibi

Here is a link to the Alibi's feature "The Writing on the Wall." It speaks to the revitalization and beautification of the International District. Specifically, John Lorne who has completed some murals in the International District. The article also mentions GO Bond money that City Councilor Rey Garduño secured for additional beautification and urban rehabilitation projects.

photo from Eric Williams ericwphoto.com

Councilor Rey Garduño Unhappy with Loss of Capital Money

District 6 City Councilor Rey Garduño is upset with the City of Albuquerque's Administration and their management of community projects that he received State Capital money for planning and design. Since his election, Councilor Garduño has worked with the Asian Community Albuquerque to help them build a Center of their own. Through two State Legislative sessions he has gained financial support from several State Senators and Representatives for the project.

This issue of tracking State money and holding the City accountable was one reason for Councilor Garduño to propose and eventually pass his "Sunshine Bill." With the passage of this bill, this issue would be addressed much sooner as the information of this money will be accessible by anyone and will force the City of Albuquerque to be held accountable for movement of these projects.

Now, this money, along with millions more for Councilor projects is being taken back by the State to reduce their own budget deficit. Below is a story from KOB which features Councilors Rey Garduño and Debbie O'Malley.

Join ABQ City Councilor Rey Garduño and Veterans for Peace as they Present "Five for Truth" Oct. 11

Final ABQ Flyer 8-5x14 Rev11

City Councilor Rey Garduño's "Sunshine Bill" Delayed By Three Councilors

Albuquerque, NM – At last night’s City Council Meeting, Councilor Rey Garduño was supported by four other councilors in pulling his “Sunshine Bill” out of the Finance and Government Operations Committee, including Councilors Brad Winter, Michael Cadigan, Debbie O'Malley, and Isaac Benton.

“When it was interfered with in Committee by external influences, I felt that I should move it out of Committee and have the discussion in front of the full Council. It speaks volumes about how we, as Elected Officials, intend to conduct the City’s business," said Councilor Garduño.

However, when he asked for it to be placed on the agenda for immediate action, Councilor Trudy Jones asked for a Fiscal Impact Analysis be done first. The request needs to have signatures from three Councilors. Councilors Ken Sanchez and Don Harris also signed the request. Councilors Sanchez and Harris also tried delaying the bill in Committee.

“I am concerned that this ‘Sunshine Bill’ is being impeded by setting up straw men in the guise of a financial impact analysis," said Garduño. "The information and reports to be made available to the public through this bill should already be at city staff's fingertips--if its not we have a problem."

"There should be minimal if any fiscal impact to the city to place this information on the website," Garduño continued. "It is one thing to champion transparent and accountable government, but it’s another to make it an actual reality."

When the Fiscal Impact Analysis was requested it automatically gives the bill a deferral to the next scheduled Council Meeting. The next scheduled Council Meeting is Wednesday, October 7th. The meeting was moved from Monday to Wednesday due to the Municipal Election on October 6th.

Councilor Garduño introduced the Sunshine Bill to call for the City to be more open and transparent when it comes to the taxpayer’s money. The bill directs the City to post valuable information on the City’s website about six key areas: A list of all City contracts; a list of existing IRB’s, TIDD’s, and PID’s; a report of all Capital Outlay projects; 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.

"This ‘Sunshine Bill’ speaks to the very heart of what taxpayers have been asking for. All of us, as residents of the City of Albuquerque, deserve to know how our money is being spent,” Garduño said.

Photos from the 1st Annual International Festival

Welcome to the International Festival

Nancy Bearce, president of the La Mesa Community Improvement Association and the Council District 6 Coalition on Neighborhood Associations

Steve Whitman, facilitator at STEPS

City Councilor Rey Garduño addresses the crowd

State Senator Tim Keller addresses the crowd

The NACA Rock Band, Native American Community Academy

The future looks bright in the International District

The Bicycle Rodeo, teaching safe bicycle riding

Couple of the booths

A packed house under the performance tent

Students from the National Dance Institute