Bernalillo County

Abby Foster is running for Albuquerque City Council, District 4 against incumbent Brook Bassan. Foster is a licensed attorney and mediator who practices adult guardianship law. Foster's law firm, which she owns, protects low-income New Mexicans with disabilities from financial exploitation. Foster serves on the New Mexico State Bar’s Elder Law Section Board and the Parent Advisory Council of PB&J Family Services.

Abby Foster did not return a candidate questionnaire so the information presented is gathered only through public sources.

Foster is interested in protecting New Mexicans with disabilities. Abby Foster’s priorities are reducing homelessness and addiction through a “housing first” approach, expanding affordable housing in Albuquerque, and growing the economy through investment in high-value industries. She wants to lead on sustainable and clean energy by increasing usage of renewable energy for city transit and fleet vehicles. She also wants to lead on education by fully funding the city’s Early Childhood Education program. Foster further states that she is committed to protecting abortion access and reproductive healthcare through city funding that supports reproductive healthcare; reducing gun violence by promoting gun safety laws already on the books; and reducing crime through full funding of public safety departments. While we support a majority of Foster’s priorities, her stated desire to add more funding to the Albuquerque Police Department (APD) and to hire more officers gives us pause and is an opportunity for the community to engage in meaningful conversation with Foster if she is elected. 

We recommend Abby Foster for Albuquerque City Council, District 4.

Idalia Lechuga-Tena is running for Albuquerque City Council, District 8. Lechuga-Tena emigrated from Mexico and attended Albuquerque Public Schools and graduated from the University of New Mexico having studied economics and political science. Lechuga-Tena served as a NM Representative for District 21 from 2015-2017 where she successfully secured funding to help fight food insecurity in Albuquerque and demonstrated an overall voting record in support of labor unions and working families. She previously served as Chair of the Foothills Community Policing Council and Vice-Lead of Albuquerque's Community Policing Council of Chairs, and is currently the Vice President of Meals on Wheels of New Mexico.

Idalia Lechuga-Tena’s policy priorities include addressing homelessness by expanding affordable housing and improving behavioral health and addiction treatment services. She will work to improve economic development by advocating for small business and building a skilled workforce for new technology and creative economy jobs in Albuquerque. Per her questionnaire, she aims to improve public safety via de-escalation training; community policing; increasing law enforcement transparency through body cameras and an independent police oversight committee; and reallocating funds to social services. However, on Lechuga-Tena’s campaign website she states that in addition to more advancement opportunities and increased pay for police officers and first responders, the city should be “prepared to put more officers on the streets” which is a discrepancy and does leave some questions about which public safety tactic she would prioritize. 

We recommend Idalia Lechuga-Tena for Albuquerque City Council District 8.
 

Janelle Astorga is running for Albuquerque Public Schools, District 1. Astorga was born and raised in Albuquerque and is a product of the Albuquerque Public School District. She is currently the Development Coordinator for Southwest Organizing Project and the Co-Director of The Learning Alliance of NM. Astorga has worked directly with Albuquerque Public Schools on events and conversations that center the voices of students and teachers, and has performed anti-racism training for APS staff. She has also worked in schools as an Education Assistant, Substitute Teacher, and Family Liaison.

Astorga’s personal experience with Albuquerque Public Schools, both as a student and as a consultant, drives her interest in running for school board. Astorga’s priorities include bilingual education and ethnic studies; mental health support for students and teachers in the form of meditation rooms; self-care workshops; and other forms of progress reports that are not just focused on testing. She prioritizes safety in schools through anti-racism workshops and equitable funding for infrastructure repairs; college and career readiness; and investing in technology for digital literacy.

We recommend Janelle Astorga for Albuquerque Public Schools, District 1.

Ronalda Tome-Warito is running for Albuquerque Public Schools, District 2. Tome-Warito graduated from Crown Point High School and went on to earn her Master’s degree in Social Justice Studies from the University of New Mexico. She is a self-employed education consultant focusing on special education. Previously, she worked as a Project Specialist/Advocate for Education for Parents of Indian Children with Special Needs.

Tome-Warito's desire to bring her work experience with special education and her lived experience as a Native American to the school board drives her interest in running. Tome-Warito has an extensive list of outstanding awards and achievements that include the appointment by the Governor to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act State Advisory panel, serving on the NM Family/Parent Involvement Advisory Board as President, currently serving on the National Indian Education Association Board, and appointment to the NM Advisory Committee for Civil Rights. Her priorities include expanding parent advocacy, amplifying family involvement, and enhancing community engagement.

We recommend Ronalda Tome-Warito for Albuquerque Public Schools, District 2.

Heather R. Benavidez is running for Albuquerque Public School, District 4. Benavidez graduated from Albuquerque Public Schools. She is the CEO of The Arc of New Mexico, a non-profit organization that advocates for people living with disabilities. Prior to that, Benavidez was Chief of Staff for the New Mexico State Treasurer’s Office. She is the Chair of the 100% Community Housing Taskforce in Valencia County and Juvenile Justice Advisory Board. She also serves on the Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Taskforce and the DWI Planning Council.

Heather R. Benavidez did not return a questionnaire, so all information provided is from public sources.

Benavidez is running for school board because she sees the need for additional support for students with disabilities and special education. Her priorities will be increasing funding to support students with disabilities and special education, increasing student enrollment, filling vacant teaching positions, and increasing the safety of students, faculty, and staff. She will work with the board and the superintendent to support students and staff in a way that schools can focus resources to ensure they attract and retain the educators the students need and deserve.

We recommend Heather R. Benavidez for Albuquerque Public School, District 4.