Topping the Albuquerque City Council wish list for the 2012 legislative session is $46 million for reconstruction of the Paseo del Norte and I-25 interchange. The City Council approved the list at its meeting on Jan. 18. The Council’s also seeking: • Continued funding of Medicaid and other social net programs• Money for schools, drug treatment, and spay and neuter programs• Support for the film industryThe Council again deferred approval of a contract for the city’s Independent Review Officer William Deaton, who handles complaints about the Albuquerque Police Department. This controversial item has been deferred several times.Bicyclists spoke out about the first-ever bike ban on a 3,000-foot stretch of Chappell between Osuna and Singer. Signs stating "no bicycles" went up in early January. The city says that stretch is too dangerous for cycling. Jennifer Buntz, president of the Duke City Wheelman Foundation, spoke along with a couple of other bicyclists. They said this is an unnecessary rule put in place because the city is placating a few truck drivers who don’t want to share the road.
Council Watch:
The next meeting is set for 5 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 6, in the Council Chambers in the basement of City Hall.Send your comments about the City Council to carolyn@alibi.com
