Councilors heard passionate public comment about changes to the Albuquerque Police Department and its oversight structure at the Monday, Feb. 6 meeting. Speakers criticized the higher-ups within APD and called for the resignation of Independent Review Officer William Deaton and chair of the Police Oversight Commission, Bambi Folk. Deaton, 81, had announced a few days earlier that he is retiring this summer from the IRO position, which he has held for about five years. A handful of people urged the Council not to dissect District 3, which encompasses the UNM, Barelas, Downtown and University areas. The redistricting proposal will be discussed at the Wednesday, Feb. 22 meeting. It parcels out the historical region and creates a district on the Westside. It would also eliminate Isaac Benton’s seat on the Council after the 2013 election. Speakers said another plan that carves up Mike Cook’s mid-Heights district is less disruptive to the city as a whole, given the suburban area’s similarity to its neighboring regions.
Council Watch:
The next meeting is set for 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 22, in the Council Chambers in the basement of City Hall.Send your comments about the City Council to carolyn@alibi.com
