South ABQ News

The Rio Grande Foundation, an economic policy think tank, has filed an ethics complaint against Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller for using the city website to influence his political campaign.

Mayor Keller posted the following message on the City of Albuquerque government website last November: “Let’s come together on Nov. 5 as One Albuquerque to make the community safer, more innovative and more inclusive by voting ‘Yes’ on the G.O. Bonds and on all of the ballot items that will help our city reach its full potential.”

Rio Grande Foundation President Paul Gessing says that the missive violated local campaign finance rules.

Rio Grande Foundation President Paul Gessing | https://www.riograndefoundation.org/

 “The City of Albuquerque has strict campaign finance rules that require groups or individuals to register as a ‘Measure Finance Committee’ if they spend more than $250 to engage in a public campaign,” Gessing said. “The city’s website is created and maintained at taxpayer expense for the purpose of informing residents about everything from the latest City Council legislation, to the River of Lights schedule, to changes in trash pickup. The ability to use this website as a campaign tool is invaluable, but it certainly exceeds $250.”

This is not the first time concerns of proper use of funds have been raised, but it is the first time an elected official’s actions have been called into question.

“What if he used the city’s website to support particular candidates or even his own reelection campaign?" Gessing asked. "Would that finally cross the line?”