Albuquerque mayoral candidate Alex Uballez announced Thursday a nine-point series of inquiries into Mayor Tim Keller’s administration, and handling of funds. Uballez is requesting public records regarding possible asbestos exposure during construction of the Gateway Center. He also seeks details on how certain people were paid or took bonuses or vacation, suggesting favoritism and pay-to-play.
Uballez made the announcement in front of the Gateway Center, which has been a central focus of the Keller Administration for years now. Keller has touted the center as a large piece of the puzzle that is addressing homelessness and addiction issues in the city.
The inquiries are being processed through the Inspection of Public Records Act, and do not constitute allegations or accusations; rather, they’re queries into whether or not the various actions occurred.
Uballez said the city’s Inspector General found the Keller administration had enough information to know there was asbestos present in the Gateway Center when putting people to work on the construction and giving tours to state lawmakers.
“This means that this administration knew and intentionally exposed the people of Albuquerque, workers of New Mexico,” he said, “from workers to senators to asbestos, cancer causing toxins.”
He is also launching inquiries into whether or not the Keller administration awarded contracts, provided promotions or gave other rewards for “reasons outside of standard contracting or HR policies.”
Uballez also said another inspector general report found federal funds were used for a purpose other than they were intended.
“Federal funds that are supposed to go to childcare workers during COVID” he said, “instead going to thousands of dollars of bonuses to high level bureaucrats in this administration.”
Keller’s campaign manager, Neri Holguin sent a recorded statement to KUNM before Keller took the stage at a rally on the city’s West Side.
“Alex Uballez is recycling Republican attacks on the Mayor,” she said. “Tonight (Thursday) Mayor Keller is rallying with Rep. Melanie Stansbury to unite democrats, flip Albuquerque’s city council, and push back against Trump and his dangerous agenda. We’re focused on what matters.”
Seven people have qualified for the mayoral race, and Election Day is November 4.
Support for this coverage comes from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation
