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Isaac Benton Gerrymandered Out of City Council

In today's Albuquerque Journal: http://www.abqjournal.com/main/2012/02/23/news/council-oks-map-cutt...

I hope people start paying attention to the actions of our city council - which I believe has become less representative of the city's political make-up over the past couple of years. I'm also hoping Democrats and progressives come up with some quality candidates for the new city council districts and for mayor (though that election is still 2 years out). Can't get organized soon enough...

From the article:

"...almost every one of the city’s federally designated “pockets of poverty” will now lie in one of nine council districts."

"Public testimony at the meeting was overwhelmingly against the plan that was eventually adopted. Many opponents were neighborhood leaders from older neighborhoods in the urban core.

Javier Benavidez, president of the Barelas Neighborhood Association, said the map amounts to “abandoning the neighborhoods that need the City Council the most.”

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Permalink Reply by Ike Benton on December 5, 2012 at 8:27am

The rumor is true. Below is my official statement on the matter (Berry will make his decision this week):

As you may know, the 2012 Albuquerque City Council redistricting combined the majority of District 3 with the North Valley’s District 2.

In 2009, I was elected to my second term in District 3 with 60% of the vote. Because of the vacancy created by Councilor O’Malley’s election to the County Commission, within the next few days Mayor Berry will make a one-year interim appointment to the District 2 seat. The voters who elected me would be disenfranchised by the appointment of another person. In addition, both I and Councilor O'Malley have numerous important planning and public improvement projects in progress within the new district. I am aware of and fully support her initiatives for the betterment of our community.

I have suggested to Mayor Berry and I suggest to you that for the next year, until the October municipal election, that I should be appointed to the interim position. With seven years of experience on the Council, I and my staff are very aware of what it takes to move forward and implement the plans and projects mentioned above, and we have an excellent record of constituent service. I am beholden to no special interest groups, and I am committed to serve only the best interests of our district and community.

I urge you to contact Mayor Berry and express your opinion on this matter.

Respectfully,

City Councilor Isaac Benton

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Permalink Reply by Patrick on December 7, 2012 at 6:18pm

Very disappointed, but not too surprised, to see that Mayor Berry appointed Roxanna Meyers to the City Council over Ike Benton. Councilor Benton has been a solid City Councilor. He has supported several progressive initiatives that have helped District 3 move in a positive direction. Let's hope he considers running again in November.

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Permalink Reply by neal copperman on December 8, 2012 at 12:24am

<sigh> Not to surprised, but still disappointed.

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Permalink Reply by Chris on December 8, 2012 at 8:44am

Mayor Berry has once again shown that he has no concern for his people only his party. I hope everyone remembers this when it is time for him to run again.

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Permalink Reply by Patrick on December 8, 2012 at 3:11pm

Correction- I guess it now District 2 after the redistricting. At least Councilor Benton stays on the Council representing District 3 until the election. It also looks like he intends to run again for the District 2 seat in October of 2013. I think he has a good shot at regaining his seat based on his track record.