Money matters dominated the Monday, May 21 meeting. Councilors approved a $475 million budget and put the question of $50 million in bonds for the Paseo del Norte interchange on the Nov. 6 ballot. District Attorney Kari Brandenburg stopped in to talk to the Council about the investigative grand jury process police officers go through after they shoot someone. She said she was surprised that everybody did not understand investigative grand juries. An investigative grand jury has no power to file criminal charges and can only determine if the shooting was justified or not. She went on to say she has full faith in the process but understands the media and the public’s concerns. She promised take a look at other options. Brandenburg talked at a pretty fast clip about how the process is fair and leaves the door open to criminal charges. Councilor Dan Lewis countered that she shouldn’t be surprised by the questions since all shootings have been ruled justified.
Council Watch:
The next meeting is set for 5 p.m. on Monday, June 4, in the Council Chambers in the basement of City Hall. You can also view it on GOV TV 16 or at cabq.gov/govtv.Send your comments about the City Council to carolyn@alibi.com
