Candidate Q&A

Editor’s note: The following are Susan WheelerDeichsel’s answers to three of the 19 questions the Journal asked of all the official candidates for mayor of Albuquerque. To read all 19 questions and answers, go to www.abqjournal. com ■ ■ ■ 1. What is the biggest issue facing the city, and how would you address it?

Crime and public safety: a. Complete DOJ agreement, meeting or exceeding terms. b. Replace police chief. c. Address issues related to: poverty (systemic); patterns of low educational outcomes (systemic); addiction; nonoptimal job prospects (systemic); apathy of public toward sharing responsibilities for keeping neighborhoods safe and crime-free. 8. What would be your approach to boosting the economy in Albuquerque?

The most important issue that has to get economic development back on track is to radically improve the rate of both property and violent crime. (See Question #1.) Streamline procedures to establishing businesses. Prioritize and maintain state-of-the-art tech infrastructure. 13. What is your position on the Healthy Workforce Ordinance?

I support the intention of this ordinance. I have been a low-wage worker routinely not awarded these benefits. However, as it is written now, I have been advised that this proposed referendum will not stand up to legal scrutiny.