PETER N. IVES

AGE: 63 EDUCATION: Harvard College, A.B. cum laude in Philosophy; JD, Georgetown University Law Center. OCCUPATIONS: Senior counsel, The Trust for Public Land, and city councilor for District 2.

QUESTIONS:

1. Why are you running for mayor? What distinguishes you from your opponents?

I run for mayor to lead, and better and more quickly implement positive change across the city. I have lived here for 34 years, married Patricia Salazar with deep roots in northern New Mexico, been an active community participant, been a city councilor (6 years) and led on critical issues at the city, including the environment, housing and water conservation.

2. What is the biggest issue facing city government and how would you address it?

Housing is our biggest issue. Bringing our workforce back into Santa Fe will significantly boost our economy, allow businesses to start and expand with workers living near their jobs. I have led with resolutions to build out Tierra Contenta, expand LIHTC housing, engage the private sector in affordable housing. I would create a revolving fund to leverage more affordable housing.

3. How would you encourage more affordable housing in Santa Fe? Do you support development of more rental apartments in town?

I initiated an investigation into where housing could be developed working with the City Asset Development Office. I proposed modifying the ADU ordinance to increase affordable housing. I proposed measures to build out Tierra Contenta. I proposed an LIHTC project in District 2. I do support development of more rental apartments, where our vacancy rate is critically low.

4. What uses would you support for the city-owned campus of the Santa Fe University of Art and Design, which the school is vacating?

I desire a masterplanned process that would preserve a higher education use, utilize the significant functional improvements fully (sound stages, film production, music production, Folgelson Library, etc.), create more affordable housing, centralize city functions and services, create walking paths and bike trails, and engage the private sector in making it a vital and vibrant space that embraces the creative economy.

5. Do you support the city’s living wage ordinance — which currently sets the minimum wage at $11.09 per hour — and its mandatory annual cost of living increases?

Yes. Our cost of living in Santa Fe is high and we must ensure that all who work and live in our city can afford to live here and raise their families here. That preserves and builds our community, and supports our diverse population. We should every five years evaluate its effectiveness and impacts.

6. Did you vote in the May “soda tax” election? If so, did you vote for or against it? Please explain your vote or your opinion of the failed tax proposal.

I voted in May in favor of it. Earlier, however, I voted to ensure that the voices of all Santa Feans were heard on this issue, making it a city-wide vote. Without action by our Legislature, the city must act on early childhood education. The people spoke, but I will still search for solutions to lift children up through education.

7. Should the city continue to grant a permit and provide police support for the annual Entrada event held on the Plaza that is opposed by Native Americans and others?

The First Amendment protects speech, even speech that is offensive. Unless illegal, permits for the use of public spaces should be granted. Those taking out permits should pay for the services incident to the permit. All that said, as a community, we must work to find ways to celebrate that do not cause injury, as noted by Archbishop Wester.

BACKGROUND

1. Have you or your business — if you are a business owner — ever been the subject of any state or federal tax liens?

Yes, a personal one back many years ago. This was long ago taken care of.

2. Have you ever been involved in a personal or business bankruptcy proceeding? Yes, as an attorney, I have represented numerous parties in bankruptcy proceedings. No personal or personally owned business bankruptcies.

3. Have you ever been arrested for, charged with or convicted of drunken driving, any misdemeanor or any felony?

I have never been arrested or charged with, or convicted of drunken driving or any felony. Parking tickets in the city of Santa Fe used to be misdemeanor matters until the City Council changed that and made them civil matters. I have on occasion before the change in our code received parking tickets that, to my knowledge, were all long ago paid.