Albuquerque Journal

ELECTION 2018

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This is the first in a series of articles on candidates in the March 6 election, in which four Santa Fe City Council seats and the mayor’s position will be on the ballot. For more on the District 2 candidates, see

AGE: 51

EDUCATION: St. John’s College, Class of 1991, Bachelor of Liberal Arts

OCCUPATION: Ecological landscape designer/contractor

WHY I’M RUNNING:

During this time of drought and shortage of affordable housing, I’m the water and ecological-developmen­t expert that Santa Fe needs. During this time of financial confusion at City Hall and the need for better jobs, I’m the experience­d job creator and former credit union board-chair. During this time when schools need our help, I’m the chess-club dad who believes strongly in after-school programs.

A devoted husband, father, coach, St. John’s College graduate and landscape contractor with an understand­ing of climate change and potholes, I’ve pushed for bike lanes, ridge-top protection, the living wage, ranked-choice voting, industrial hemp, greywater harvesting, renewable energy, and more.

My experience will be essential for finding common ground on developmen­t issues. Livable, walkable, affordable, and sustainabl­e neighborho­ods can be built with a mix of housing types and job opportunit­ies nearby. The SFUAD campus and the Midtown Link Overlay District represent excellent locations for such improvemen­ts.

When it comes to building housing with the water we have — and could have — young adults who need apartments, working families who need elbow room, seniors who desire community, and the homeless are depending on the voters of District 2. I offer unparallel­ed experience in water conservati­on, water harvesting, water recycling, and preserving the Santa Fe River.

With decades of experience in the ecological developmen­t industry, my books (Harvest the Rain and RoofRelian­t Landscapin­g), my extensive columns and essays, and my frequent presentati­ons about permacultu­re (sustainabl­e design and developmen­t), the next governing body will benefit greatly from my expertise. Please vote early!

BACKGROUND QUESTIONS

1. Have you or your business - if you are a business owner - ever been the subject of any state or federal tax liens? No.

2. Have you ever been involved in a personal or business bankruptcy proceeding? No.

3. Have you ever been arrested for, charged with or convicted of drunken driving, any misdemeano­r or any felony? No.

 ??  ?? Nate Downey
Nate Downey

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