Comments on: ABQ Journal Poll: Berry leads with 31%; Chavez at 26%, Romero 24% http://newmexicoindependent.com/37583/abq-journal-poll-berry-leads-with-31-chavez-at-26-romero-24 New Mexico news and commentary Thu, 18 Mar 2010 06:49:25 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.5 hourly 1 By: dianawilliams http://newmexicoindependent.com/37583/abq-journal-poll-berry-leads-with-31-chavez-at-26-romero-24/comment-page-1#comment-17637 dianawilliams Tue, 06 Oct 2009 01:17:00 +0000 http://newmexicoindependent.com/?p=37583#comment-17637 I agree that cities should look forward for improvements, however, we must also look at the present also.  Balance is everything.  Because of the current state of the nation (economically), and that many cities are on the verge of or already have gone bankrupt, I believe that smart spending must be ultra critical to get the best ROI (return on investment).  Simply spending for the sake of spending on needless, no return frills, is not responsible spending and I believe that Mayor Chavez has had (especially in the last 4 years) what he thinks is an open checkbook.  City beautification must be done in phases and carefully planned and executed with financial efficiency.  Richard Berry operates a business and as 99% of the successful business persons that I have encountered in my 30 years in the business financial world,  his thought processes balance the need with the availability with short term and long term ROI calculated wisely.  Unfortunately, I have first hand knowledge of several spending sprees that Mayor Chavez has initialized and they were to "get the photo op" and once he was done with that personal return, the project was left half done and never finished.  I don't agree with his personal agenda that seems to be driving his professional spending habits for our city. I agree that cities should look forward for improvements, however, we must also look at the present also.  Balance is everything.  Because of the current state of the nation (economically), and that many cities are on the verge of or already have gone bankrupt, I believe that smart spending must be ultra critical to get the best ROI (return on investment).  Simply spending for the sake of spending on needless, no return frills, is not responsible spending and I believe that Mayor Chavez has had (especially in the last 4 years) what he thinks is an open checkbook.  City beautification must be done in phases and carefully planned and executed with financial efficiency.  Richard Berry operates a business and as 99% of the successful business persons that I have encountered in my 30 years in the business financial world,  his thought processes balance the need with the availability with short term and long term ROI calculated wisely.  Unfortunately, I have first hand knowledge of several spending sprees that Mayor Chavez has initialized and they were to “get the photo op” and once he was done with that personal return, the project was left half done and never finished.  I don't agree with his personal agenda that seems to be driving his professional spending habits for our city.

]]> By: dianawilliams http://newmexicoindependent.com/37583/abq-journal-poll-berry-leads-with-31-chavez-at-26-romero-24/comment-page-1#comment-11178 dianawilliams Tue, 06 Oct 2009 00:17:00 +0000 http://newmexicoindependent.com/?p=37583#comment-11178 I agree that cities should look forward for improvements, however, we must also look at the present also.  Balance is everything.  Because of the current state of the nation (economically), and that many cities are on the verge of or already have gone bankrupt, I believe that smart spending must be ultra critical to get the best ROI (return on investment).  Simply spending for the sake of spending on needless, no return frills, is not responsible spending and I believe that Mayor Chavez has had (especially in the last 4 years) what he thinks is an open checkbook.  City beautification must be done in phases and carefully planned and executed with financial efficiency.  Richard Berry operates a business and as 99% of the successful business persons that I have encountered in my 30 years in the business financial world,  his thought processes balance the need with the availability with short term and long term ROI calculated wisely.  Unfortunately, I have first hand knowledge of several spending sprees that Mayor Chavez has initialized and they were to "get the photo op" and once he was done with that personal return, the project was left half done and never finished.  I don't agree with his personal agenda that seems to be driving his professional spending habits for our city. I agree that cities should look forward for improvements, however, we must also look at the present also.  Balance is everything.  Because of the current state of the nation (economically), and that many cities are on the verge of or already have gone bankrupt, I believe that smart spending must be ultra critical to get the best ROI (return on investment).  Simply spending for the sake of spending on needless, no return frills, is not responsible spending and I believe that Mayor Chavez has had (especially in the last 4 years) what he thinks is an open checkbook.  City beautification must be done in phases and carefully planned and executed with financial efficiency.  Richard Berry operates a business and as 99% of the successful business persons that I have encountered in my 30 years in the business financial world,  his thought processes balance the need with the availability with short term and long term ROI calculated wisely.  Unfortunately, I have first hand knowledge of several spending sprees that Mayor Chavez has initialized and they were to “get the photo op” and once he was done with that personal return, the project was left half done and never finished.  I don't agree with his personal agenda that seems to be driving his professional spending habits for our city.

]]> By: stevenalan http://newmexicoindependent.com/37583/abq-journal-poll-berry-leads-with-31-chavez-at-26-romero-24/comment-page-1#comment-11155 stevenalan Mon, 05 Oct 2009 21:32:46 +0000 http://newmexicoindependent.com/?p=37583#comment-11155 I agree that the Mayor, in creating an advertisement referring to something he has little control over has opened himself up for criticism on that issue, but it is politics and advertisements like this can be traced to all political candidates. Mayor Marty is a big supporter of public transportation, which is great for any growing city. The trolley car might not be the way to go about it and in the end I think it will be the people of Albuquerque that will decide its fate, but the direction for more public transit is there. I am worried that a more conservative mayor i.e. Berry, which I believe you are supporting based on your businessman comment, would move Albuquerque away from important programs such as public transportation, environment conservation, and energy independence. I am sure many Berry supporters have little use for public transit, but it is necessary for a modern city and economy. I agree that the Mayor, in creating an advertisement referring to something he has little control over has opened himself up for criticism on that issue, but it is politics and advertisements like this can be traced to all political candidates. Mayor Marty is a big supporter of public transportation, which is great for any growing city. The trolley car might not be the way to go about it and in the end I think it will be the people of Albuquerque that will decide its fate, but the direction for more public transit is there. I am worried that a more conservative mayor i.e. Berry, which I believe you are supporting based on your businessman comment, would move Albuquerque away from important programs such as public transportation, environment conservation, and energy independence. I am sure many Berry supporters have little use for public transit, but it is necessary for a modern city and economy.

]]> By: dianawilliams http://newmexicoindependent.com/37583/abq-journal-poll-berry-leads-with-31-chavez-at-26-romero-24/comment-page-1#comment-11153 dianawilliams Mon, 05 Oct 2009 21:05:31 +0000 http://newmexicoindependent.com/?p=37583#comment-11153 Take a look at the City of ABQ's own website praising the "trolley" <a href="http://www.cabq.gov/municipaldev/index.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.cabq.gov/municipaldev/index.html</a> and <a href="http://www.cabq.gov/transit/about-us/projects-and-planning/modern-streetcar-project" rel="nofollow">http://www.cabq.gov/transit/about-us/projects-a...</a>. In fact, Marty Chavez created the very department that is in charge of the street "trolley" project. As the reader, I will let you read the articles yourself, you are intelligent and can see the link for yourself. Marty Chavez supports and created a city dept and already set aside funds to build the "trolley". Marty Chavez set aside $90mil for the first phase of the "trolley". Now, decide who tells the truth and is consistent and can be trusted????? Take a look at the City of ABQ's own website praising the “trolley” http://www.cabq.gov/municipaldev/index.html and http://www.cabq.gov/transit/about-us/projects-a.... In fact, Marty Chavez created the very department that is in charge of the street “trolley” project. As the reader, I will let you read the articles yourself, you are intelligent and can see the link for yourself. Marty Chavez supports and created a city dept and already set aside funds to build the “trolley”. Marty Chavez set aside $90mil for the first phase of the “trolley”. Now, decide who tells the truth and is consistent and can be trusted?????

]]> By: dianawilliams http://newmexicoindependent.com/37583/abq-journal-poll-berry-leads-with-31-chavez-at-26-romero-24/comment-page-1#comment-11154 dianawilliams Mon, 05 Oct 2009 20:57:29 +0000 http://newmexicoindependent.com/?p=37583#comment-11154 Mayor Chavez also claims that he didn't support the "trolley" and the exhorbatent cost for it, but on Wednesday at the Hispanic Cultural Center during the Mayoral debates, Marty Chavez states "he has been passionate about expanding the transportation portfolio...i absolutely do support a modern rail system for the city of albuquerque, I have never supported a trolley system. Interesting that Mayor Chavez so casually, goes back and forth, and back and forth on this very subject. If Marty Chavez can't make up his mind and stick with it, WHAT SHOULD WE BELIEVE FROM MARTY CHAVEZ??????????? Mayor Chavez also claims that he didn't support the “trolley” and the exhorbatent cost for it, but on Wednesday at the Hispanic Cultural Center during the Mayoral debates, Marty Chavez states “he has been passionate about expanding the transportation portfolio…i absolutely do support a modern rail system for the city of albuquerque, I have never supported a trolley system. Interesting that Mayor Chavez so casually, goes back and forth, and back and forth on this very subject. If Marty Chavez can't make up his mind and stick with it, WHAT SHOULD WE BELIEVE FROM MARTY CHAVEZ???????????

]]> By: dianawilliams http://newmexicoindependent.com/37583/abq-journal-poll-berry-leads-with-31-chavez-at-26-romero-24/comment-page-1#comment-11152 dianawilliams Mon, 05 Oct 2009 20:36:29 +0000 http://newmexicoindependent.com/?p=37583#comment-11152 Thank you for responding regarding the current Mayor of Albuquerque, Marty Chavez and the high school drop out rates. Your response states that the Mayor has little control over the drop out rates and schools in general.  However, in a TV political advertisement paid and endorced by Mayor Marty Chavez himself, he specifically states "will focus on the drop out rate for New Mexico schools".  So, Mayor Marty Chavez did in fact jump with both feet into this arena and opened the door for this discussion.  He is claiming to have effects on the drop out rate which is contrary to what you are stating in your response. Thank you for responding regarding the current Mayor of Albuquerque, Marty Chavez and the high school drop out rates. Your response states that the Mayor has little control over the drop out rates and schools in general.  However, in a TV political advertisement paid and endorced by Mayor Marty Chavez himself, he specifically states “will focus on the drop out rate for New Mexico schools”.  So, Mayor Marty Chavez did in fact jump with both feet into this arena and opened the door for this discussion.  He is claiming to have effects on the drop out rate which is contrary to what you are stating in your response.

]]> By: stevenalan http://newmexicoindependent.com/37583/abq-journal-poll-berry-leads-with-31-chavez-at-26-romero-24/comment-page-1#comment-11145 stevenalan Mon, 05 Oct 2009 19:24:00 +0000 http://newmexicoindependent.com/?p=37583#comment-11145 A city mayor has little control over drop out rates and schools in general. APS is not even under the cities control. What they can do is open up centers for teens and make programs available to them that are funded by the city. That is what the mayor has done with 508 teen center. So I guess he is doing something, right. APS and Albuquerque families needs to take responsibility for the drop out rate, not the mayor. If all you can fault Mayor Marty with is high school drop out rates and taking a dog to work then he must have done a pretty darn good job the last 12 years in office. A city mayor has little control over drop out rates and schools in general. APS is not even under the cities control. What they can do is open up centers for teens and make programs available to them that are funded by the city. That is what the mayor has done with 508 teen center. So I guess he is doing something, right. APS and Albuquerque families needs to take responsibility for the drop out rate, not the mayor. If all you can fault Mayor Marty with is high school drop out rates and taking a dog to work then he must have done a pretty darn good job the last 12 years in office.

]]> By: dianawilliams http://newmexicoindependent.com/37583/abq-journal-poll-berry-leads-with-31-chavez-at-26-romero-24/comment-page-1#comment-9403 dianawilliams Mon, 28 Sep 2009 22:57:22 +0000 http://newmexicoindependent.com/?p=37583#comment-9403 Mayor Chavez's advertisements claim that he will focus on the drop out rates amongst our high schools.....what has he been doing for the last 8 years, I ask. If he is just now focusing on this issue and our drop out rate has been constantly increasing for the last 8 years....Marty, what exactly HAVE you been doing? Oh, that's right, partying. Like the party at the zoo a few weeks ago. You also focus on the photo ops every chance you get. What about the 3 police body guards and 1 to walk your dog that you bring to work every day? What makes you special that you can bring your dog to work in a city building? Your acting like a spoiled child Marty. Time to leave office. We need a REAL Businessman to run this city,instead of a greedy photo op seeking, trolley car promoting politician! Goodbye Marty Chavez!!!!!! Mayor Chavez's advertisements claim that he will focus on the drop out rates amongst our high schools…..what has he been doing for the last 8 years, I ask. If he is just now focusing on this issue and our drop out rate has been constantly increasing for the last 8 years….Marty, what exactly HAVE you been doing? Oh, that's right, partying. Like the party at the zoo a few weeks ago. You also focus on the photo ops every chance you get. What about the 3 police body guards and 1 to walk your dog that you bring to work every day? What makes you special that you can bring your dog to work in a city building? Your acting like a spoiled child Marty. Time to leave office. We need a REAL Businessman to run this city,instead of a greedy photo op seeking, trolley car promoting politician! Goodbye Marty Chavez!!!!!!

]]> By: dianawilliams http://newmexicoindependent.com/37583/abq-journal-poll-berry-leads-with-31-chavez-at-26-romero-24/comment-page-1#comment-9285 dianawilliams Mon, 28 Sep 2009 21:57:22 +0000 http://newmexicoindependent.com/?p=37583#comment-9285 Mayor Chavez's advertisements claim that he will focus on the drop out rates amongst our high schools.....what has he been doing for the last 8 years, I ask. If he is just now focusing on this issue and our drop out rate has been constantly increasing for the last 8 years....Marty, what exactly HAVE you been doing? Oh, that's right, partying. Like the party at the zoo a few weeks ago. You also focus on the photo ops every chance you get. What about the 3 police body guards and 1 to walk your dog that you bring to work every day? What makes you special that you can bring your dog to work in a city building? Your acting like a spoiled child Marty. Time to leave office. We need a REAL Businessman to run this city,instead of a greedy photo op seeking, trolley car promoting politician! Goodbye Marty Chavez!!!!!! Mayor Chavez's advertisements claim that he will focus on the drop out rates amongst our high schools…..what has he been doing for the last 8 years, I ask. If he is just now focusing on this issue and our drop out rate has been constantly increasing for the last 8 years….Marty, what exactly HAVE you been doing? Oh, that's right, partying. Like the party at the zoo a few weeks ago. You also focus on the photo ops every chance you get. What about the 3 police body guards and 1 to walk your dog that you bring to work every day? What makes you special that you can bring your dog to work in a city building? Your acting like a spoiled child Marty. Time to leave office. We need a REAL Businessman to run this city,instead of a greedy photo op seeking, trolley car promoting politician! Goodbye Marty Chavez!!!!!!

]]> By: MatthewReichbach http://newmexicoindependent.com/37583/abq-journal-poll-berry-leads-with-31-chavez-at-26-romero-24/comment-page-1#comment-9280 MatthewReichbach Mon, 28 Sep 2009 19:52:34 +0000 http://newmexicoindependent.com/?p=37583#comment-9280 Benito, the article that you wrote for NMI a year ago (<a href="http://newmexicoindependent.com/529/a-polling-dilemma" rel="nofollow">http://newmexicoindependent.com/529/a-polling-d...</a>) is still pretty much true... While some pollsters include cell phone-only households, others do not and instead attempt to weight the other demographics to match cell phone only households.<br><br>I wrote a month ago about how the editor and founder of SurveyUSA said of phone polling, "“it’s over… this is the end." And no one has a solution quite yet. Benito, the article that you wrote for NMI a year ago (http://newmexicoindependent.com/529/a-polling-d...) is still pretty much true… While some pollsters include cell phone-only households, others do not and instead attempt to weight the other demographics to match cell phone only households.

I wrote a month ago about how the editor and founder of SurveyUSA said of phone polling, ““it’s over… this is the end.” And no one has a solution quite yet.

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