The North Valley Election Issue
North Valley Coalition
The North Valley Election IssueFrom Los Ranchos to Albuquerque—Your Complete Voter’s Guide
About This Election GuideWith early voting beginning this Saturday, we hope this guide helps answer North Valley-focused questions. Village of Los Ranchos residents will be voting for Village Trustee. City of Albuquerque residents will be voting for Albuquerque Mayor. Below, you’ll find responses from candidates for Village Trustee and Albuquerque Mayor, based on questions by North Valley residents. Helpful Election InformationElection Day Nov. 4, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Early voting Saturday, Oct. 18–Saturday, Nov. 1 All early voting sites are also open on Election Day. Village of Los Ranchos residents, like Albuquerque residents, can vote at any voting site in the county. View your sample ballot: 1. Go to the NM Secretary of State website here 2. Enter your personal information 3. Use menu on left to navigate to “My Sample Ballot” 4. Click “View Sample Ballot” Register to vote here Village of Los Ranchos Elections
The Village of Los Ranchos has four trustee seats that serve staggered terms. This time around, there are two open trustee seats with four candidates. All of the candidates are familiar with Village business from the inside. Two of those candidates are incumbents - Gilbert Benavides and George Radnovich. The other two - Gwenn Baldwin and John Edward sit on the Village’s Planning and Zoning Commission. In addition to the trustee election, Los Ranchos will decide on an increase of one-fourth of one percent (0.25%) in the local gross receipts tax to fund economic development projects. Candidates are listed alphabetically and edited for brevity, if needed.
Question 1
Gwenn Baldwin I bring decades of experience in governance and advocacy, from working with municipal governments—including securing millions for water & sewer funding—to chairing a statewide commission. As Secretary of the Planning & Zoning Commission, my governance approach is to prep thoroughly, ask the right questions, ensure a smooth process with proper motions, and listen to all perspectives. While it’s important to act within the code and make the best decision for the entire village, I also have recommended to the Trustees that the code should be changed. I serve on the Los Ranchos Business & Economic Development Committee and Neighborhood Crime Watch Group, and co-founded efforts that bring people together, like the Community Yard Sale and The Los Ranchos de Albuquerque Foundation. As a can-do trustee, I will bring new energy, a balanced approach and a fresh perspective to issues facing the Village. Gilbert Benavides I’ll let the other candidates speak for themselves and, instead, tell you about me. I believe that the Village has some unique challenges and opportunities ahead. I am someone who honors our cultural heritage, understands our Village character, and is fiscally responsible. I will work to keep the Village safe & secure, preserve our agricultural roots, protect our open space, revitalize 4th street, and promote art & music. I have over 41 years experience living in the Village, I’m currently a Trustee, I served on Planning Zoning, I’m on the ABC Water Authority board, and I am a licensed engineer. John Edward I’m different because I bring deep roots and broad experience. Born and raised in Los Ranchos, I understand our history and future needs. As a farmer, parent of local students, and long-time business owner, I connect daily with the community. My academic background in Finance, Real Estate, and Policy & Planning, combined with 29 years on local boards, gives me practical insight into growth, infrastructure, and sustainability. I’ve served on local agricultural & planning committees, coached local youth, and worked with major gov’t agencies—balancing professional, civic, and family life while remaining committed to Los Ranchos’ values and progress. I know our history. That matters moving forward. George Radnovich I am a landscape architect, planner, and longtime advocate for sustainable communities. As a water conservation expert with over 50 years of service on committees and task forces, I helped launch the xeriscape movement to promote environmentally appropriate landscapes. My work is rooted in both technical expertise and a deep understanding of culture and place. As a Trustee, I draw on this knowledge to guide every code, case, and project for Los Ranchos. I am also a proven visionary, having conceived the Albuquerque BioPark and initiated the Fourth Street Project to make our Main Street safer, more vibrant, and walkable. Question 2
Gwenn Baldwin I believe in intentional community building through creating and supporting gatherings, like the Los Ranchos Community Yard Sale and National Night Out, that reach across neighborhoods and encourage fun and meaningful shared moments. Our new residents and small businesses in the village are now a part of our community, and I encourage them to be involved in Los Ranchos events and activities. Frequent and consistent communication from the Village to residents is key, such as expanding the Village Vision to an online format, and working with local media (such as North Valley News). Gilbert Benavides In short, community events and being respectful of one another. The governing body must include the public in all major decisions and projects. The multi-family development at 4th & Osuna angered the public because the approval process did not include public discussion. Although I was not a P&Z commissioner, nor a Trustee during this approval process, some residents mistakenly assumed that I was responsible for this project. The recent Globito Glow event pulled the community together and showcased our Main Street. Community walks, yard sales at the barn, grower’s market, Agri-Nature Center events, build community. Mayor Rael deserves credit. John Edward To bring Los Ranchos together, we must move forward with unity and respect. The development at 4th & Osuna is now part of our community, and its residents deserve inclusion, not blame. I’ll promote community spirit through regular parades and events along 4th Street that celebrate our schools, youth teams, and local groups. We can better use spaces like the Harnett Park barn for gatherings and work toward establishing a Village Community Center. By focusing on shared pride & participation, we can strengthen our sense of belonging and bring all of Los Ranchos together. George Radnovich Los Ranchos is already moving toward reconciliation, thanks to Mayor Lawrence Rael’s leadership in bringing the Board of Trustees, including myself, together. The path forward on sensitive issues like affordable housing, density, and preserving our semi-rural character lies in strong code and open communication. A citizen-led group is currently revising the village center zoning code, which will soon come before the trustees in November. Ongoing public meetings and workshops will ensure residents remain central to the process and clear in terms of development in Los Ranchos. Question 3
Gwenn Baldwin Reconnecting Los Ranchos. The past few years have been challenging, and the Village can rebuild trust and re-engage residents alienated by past acrimony by having consistent, transparent processes for Village decision making, including predictable ways for community members to be informed and provide input before decisions are made. Aligning the code to be consistent and understandable, as well as having consistent enforcement of the code—from speeding to unsanctioned camping—will also help. We need a long-range water security plan. Strengthening small business, especially on 4th. The Local Economic Development Act (LEDA) plan being developed for Los Ranchos, paired with the local option addition of one-quarter of one percent gross receipts tax (on the Nov. 4 ballot), will support and grow existing small business and economic development throughout the Village. Gilbert Benavides 1. Federal Funding shortfalls threaten 4th Street improvements from Ranchitos to Ortega and threaten levee upgrades. The governing body is assessing the extent of the impact and is working on contingency plans. 2. The scarcity of surface water in our acequias threatens our agricultural heritage. Purchased water rights are being converted to groundwater rights. 3. Safety & Security which includes traffic, removing homeless encampments, and increasing BCSO patrols in the Village. We will continue to partner with the county sheriff office and fire department. I would be remiss to not mention the 6 acres South of the Palindrome apartments. John Edward The three most pressing issues are rebuilding a closer, more authentic rural and semi-rural community, staying true to our Village Charter, and strengthening schools and local businesses. I’ll promote unity through shared community events that celebrate our agricultural roots and village traditions, protect our open spaces and semi-rural character through responsible planning, and partner with schools and businesses to enhance education and support local enterprise. Together, we can preserve Los Ranchos’ small-town values while ensuring a vibrant, sustainable future for all residents. George Radnovich The most pressing issues are commuter traffic, urban impacts, and preservation of our agrarian / open space environment. In addressing traffic, I led the Fourth Street Project, designed to slow cars and shift commuters to Second Street, and I’m now working with the mayor on a similar effort for Rio Grande Boulevard. To limit urban impacts, I served on the Fourth Street Commercial Corridor Advisory Committee to ensure village-scale density and character. For agriculture and open space, I authored Albuquerque’s Open Space Facility Plan, have designed five valley farms, and am currently master planning the North Valley’s agrarian lands. Question 4
Gwenn Baldwin No. While traffic issues—both congestion and speed—are frustrating, bridges and tolls are expensive, take a long time to put in place and aren’t within the Village’s control. Traffic safety is my top transportation priority. Speed cameras work very well, whether on neighborhood streets or commercial/truck routes, and tickets should be significant and collected. 4th St. is our main street for economic vitality and community gathering, so through-traffic from Albuquerque or Bernalillo County should be on 2nd, where speed limits and lanes are better equipped for commuters. We should also work with Albuquerque to implement traffic safety strategies south of Los Ranchos on 4th St. Gilbert Benavides Cross streets, Chavez, Ranchitos, El Pueblo, and Ortega get punished during rush hour. Reducing cross street traffic will reduce traffic on Rio Grande. Speed humps, stop signs, and police patrols help, but we need to do more. Two noisy bridges are in the Village: Montano and Paseo del Norte. Traffic noise is the main complaint by residents living near the bridges and speeding is the main culprit. Speed Cameras would be helpful. Toll roads would hurt our businesses on Main Street and complicate our lives. We do have other tools such as bump outs or raised islands to slow traffic. John Edward Another bridge is unlikely, though a tunnel could be explored. Improving local schools would reduce traffic and calm speeds as more families stay within the Village. I support speed cameras. I support exploring tolls for non-residents using key roads like Rio Grande etc—with exemptions for residents & school parents, and no toll 4-7p, if the vehicle remains in the Village over 30 minutes. City of Albuquerque’s road funding shortfalls have hurt us as we are their pressure relief valve. Regional transit like Rio Metro’s BRT on Paseo is decades behind. We need smarter coordination, stronger advocacy, and fair traffic solutions that protect our Village’s quality of life. George Radnovich Traffic in the village is complex because we are a “commuter crossroads”. The biggest problems occur when accidents or slowdowns on Paseo del Norte, Alameda, Montaño, or I-40 push drivers into the North Valley as an escape route. I have been working with our Council of Governments on solutions, including “Stay in Your Lane” signage on Paseo to curb unsafe lane changes and adding emergency lanes on Paseo del Norte to reduce the effects of accidents. Within the village, signage and road redesign can help make cut-through traffic less direct. Toll roads or resident-only exceptions are not workable or appropriate. Question 5
Gwenn Baldwin The Village’s budget should reflect strong core services (our public safety and infrastructure), long-term priorities and near-term realities (such as state or federal funding fluctuations), with adequate reserves to keep the Village financially resilient and fiscally responsible. The budget process should engage residents to ensure decisions align with community values. Long-term, we should make investments that will provide the most benefit to residents and keep the Village financially stable for years to come, such as completing 4th St. improvements, supporting our small business economic vitality, providing the highest community benefit and value for Village facilities and investing in water security, acequia health and storm drainage. Gilbert Benavides The Village is fortunate to have sufficient revenue to cover our operating expenses including some limited growth. In particular, the Agri-Nature Center needs additional staff. Every year our revenue generated from GRT has grown but not enough to cover federal funding shortfalls. The Village will prioritize safety and security, Agri-Nature Center, Del Norte Open Space, and its employees. Every fiscal year, a conservative budget is proposed and adopted by the Board of Trustees. As in the past, we are fiscally responsible and have not put our finances at risk as confirmed by our yearly audit report. John Edward My budget process starts with balance, prudence, and accountability. With a finance degree and decades of experience, I bring fiscal acumen to ensure every dollar serves our residents wisely. I’ll prioritize safety, essential services, and well-negotiated contracts reviewed within the full budget context. Beyond maintaining stability, I’ll actively pursue grants, legislative outlays, and federal funds to strengthen our financial position. Los Ranchos taxpayers deserve a fair return on their contributions, and I’ll ensure our budget reflects both responsibility and vision. George Radnovich As a Trustee, I carefully review our budget each month, asking questions to ensure I fully understand it before voting. Our CFO, Tammy, does an excellent job presenting our financials. While we benefit from NMDOT and other state grants, we must be cautious not to let outside funding reshape our roads into something that doesn’t fit our character—like the wide, striped, suburban-style roads of the Northeast Heights. Our investments should reflect who we are as a place: a semi-rural, artful, and business-friendly village for the right kinds of businesses to keep our Gross Receipts taxes healthy. Question 6
Gwenn Baldwin I grew up in a very small village and chose to live in Los Ranchos for all that is special about it. While newer to Los Ranchos, I’ve rolled up my sleeves and shown my commitment to protecting what makes Los Ranchos unique while helping grow stronger together. I believe in public service, collaboration and getting results for our village. Now that I’m mostly retired, I bring this experience to Los Ranchos without creating potential conflicts of interest. Gilbert Benavides My wife and I sent our 3 children to Los Ranchos Elementary where I volunteered to do Hands-On Science for every class. We grow grapes and make wine with friends and neighbors. We grow green chile. I am honest, fair, and I do my homework. I have degrees from UNM and Stanford and feel fortunate for my life. I want to continue to be your Trustee because of the exciting opportunities ahead. I want to work on the utilization of the Anderson House, make connections between the Agri-Nature Center and Main Street, and enable small farmers in the Village. I would be honored to work with Mayor Lawrence Rael, other trustees and fellow residents to shape Los Ranchos’ next great chapter. John Edward I am a father to three wonderful kids who teach me something new every day. I love riding the ditches, where I can wash my stresses away and reflect. I take great pride in everything I do. Campaigning has been a joy—walking, knocking, and reconnecting with friends and neighbors I’ve known since childhood. Agriculture, with its beauty and the sweat it requires, keeps me grounded. Service to the community was instilled in me by my parents, who gave tirelessly throughout their lives. For me, serving is like brushing your teeth—you do it instinctively, every day. Sports and my experience as a former college and professional athlete taught me teamwork, discipline, perseverance, and the courage to be a positive voice in tough times. I was once nominated for the Ethics in Business Award by Samaritan, and I credit my strong moral foundation to my family, especially my parents. Upholding strong ethics is what I aim to bring to the leadership of Los Ranchos. George Radnovich I recently faced a health emergency in my family when my wife needed emergency open-heart surgery. I stepped away from my campaign to focus on what really matters most—her care. That’s why you haven’t seen me at events like meet-and-greets, Hops parties, or other gatherings. This year, everything you see from me is self-funded, as I haven’t had time to fundraise. I’ve put my family first, but I remain fully committed to serving the residents of our village and will always be here for you. City of Albuquerque Elections
The North Valley is a diverse part of Albuquerque with planning boundaries of I-40 on the south, Montaño on the north, I-25 on the east and the Rio Grande on the west. It is not quite downtown and not quite the Village of Los Ranchos, and it picks up a part of the city’s industrial area along its east side, while to the west are the historical semi-rural acequia-fed neighborhoods near the river. We checked in with North Valley Coalition leaders for some ideas on issues that are important to this area, which hosts about 14 neighborhood associations. Alex Uballez, Mayling Armijo and Louis Sanchez did not respond to our questions, but for more information on them and all the mayoral candidates check out these two articles from the Nob Hill News. Candidate responses are in a randomized order. Question 1
Eddie Varela To safeguard the North Valley’s rural and historical essence against urban density pressures, my strategy emphasizes sustainable, low-impact development that aligns with the area’s character. I’d push for zoning laws that protect green spaces and maintain the traditional look, ensuring new growth harmonizes with the community’s heritage. Darren White The North Valley is one of Albuquerque’s most distinctive and cherished places, and I will never support a one-size-fits-all approach that erases its unique character. While greater housing density can be appropriate, it must be context-sensitive and respectful of the community. The City’s efforts to increase housing should focus on transit corridors and established urban areas, not the agricultural heart of the North Valley. Our narrow roads, green spaces, and historic architecture cannot absorb large-scale development without losing their soul and charm. I am committed to protecting this area and preserving what makes it truly special. Tim Keller We can preserve the North Valley’s rural and historic character while allowing thoughtful growth along key commercial corridors and preserving it elsewhere. My approach is “both/and” — increasing housing options while preserving what makes the Valley unique. Projects like Calle Cuarta, a 61-unit affordable community with solar panels and gardens, show how density can fit the neighborhood. I follow the North Valley Area Plan, and cultural overlay which safeguards open space, acequias, and cultural heritage while guiding compatible development. By balancing preservation with housing needs, we can strengthen the North Valley’s future without losing the character that defines it. Question 2
Eddie Varela I’d ensure North Valley areas designated as Metropolitan Redevelopment zones truly benefit by actively securing funding, guiding strategic planning, and advocating for plan goals. This involves close collaboration with community leaders to prioritize projects that revitalize while respecting the area’s character, ensuring transparent, effective use of resources for tangible improvements. Darren White Redevelopment designations sound promising but fail to deliver real benefits to the people who live there. I will push for transparency, accountability, and community involvement in how Metropolitan Redevelopment Area funds are spent. Redevelopment must strengthen, not displace, the North Valley’s communities — ensuring that revitalization reflects our shared vision for a vibrant, sustainable, and culturally rooted future. Tim Keller Since I supported the passage of the North Corridor MRA plan for 2nd and 4th Street, I’ve focused on identifying blighted and underutilized properties and engaging property owners directly. We’re now seeing new applications and considering expanding the boundaries. Projects like Calle Cuarta and the Sign Language Academy at the North Fourth Arts Center show that revitalization is underway. I also advocated for Tax Increment Financing legislation, giving the North Corridor the ability to reinvest its own taxes to fund improvements. Additionally, we must continue to lobby the legislature directly to get supplemental MRA funds earmarked for the North Valley. Question 3
Eddie Varela I firmly support retaining the bosque as a nature area. Its preservation is crucial for maintaining our community’s environmental health and providing a sanctuary for residents and wildlife alike. Turning it into an economic driver risks compromising its ecological integrity and the very essence that makes it invaluable. Protecting the bosque ensures it remains a cherished natural asset for generations to come. Darren White I believe the bosque should remain a protected natural area, not an economic opportunity for development. It is one of Albuquerque’s greatest treasures. The bosque’s true economic value comes from its role in enhancing quality of life, attracting visitors, and supporting outdoor recreation and tourism. Any improvements should strengthen its overall health and accessibility, not commercialize it. Tim Keller I believe we must strike the right balance of uses in the bosque—protecting it as a natural area while allowing limited, thoughtful access for recreation and education. In the North Valley, I’ve worked to find balance with neighborhoods by improving access sensitively around the Candelaria Nature Preserve - to open this November. I also support the Acequia Madre project near the west side of the Central bridge. In general, I do not support disturbing the bosque. Earlier this year, I reaffirmed this commitment through an Executive Order responding to Trump’s environmental rollbacks prioritizing open space preservation and habitat restoration. Question 4
Eddie Varela I’d address reduced parking on Fourth Street by enhancing alternative transportation and creating multi-use spaces that serve both parking and community events. Implementing smart parking solutions, like shared parking agreements and improved public transit options, can reduce the need for extensive asphalt areas while supporting local businesses. This approach balances the goal of less asphalt with maintaining vibrant economic activity, ensuring the area remains accessible and attractive for residents and visitors alike. Darren White Reducing parking along Fourth Street must be done carefully to avoid harming local businesses and residents. A lack of adequate, convenient parking can be devastating for small businesses that rely on easy customer access. I will advocate for a balanced approach by exploring shared parking, improved transit options, and safe pedestrian and bike connections, while maintaining enough nearby parking to support economic activity. Tim Keller The best way to address parking along Fourth Street is through collaboration—working directly with local businesses to understand their needs while balancing them with the community’s priorities for safer streets, slower traffic, and better options for walking and biking. By engaging both business owners and residents, we can find the right mix of parking, access, and mobility that supports economic activity without sacrificing the character and safety of the corridor. Also, projects like my work to finish the 2nd street bike path and connector to Rio Grande, help reduce the need for parking. Question 5
Eddie Varela I would support establishing a Business Improvement District (BID) in the Fourth Street Corridor area. A BID can play a pivotal role in revitalizing the area by fostering a collaborative environment among businesses, enhancing safety, beautification, and marketing efforts. This initiative would not only improve the district’s appeal but also stimulate economic growth and community engagement, aligning with our broader goals for sustainable urban development. Darren White I would be open to exploring a Business Improvement District (BID) along the Fourth Street Corridor, but only if it reflects the priorities and consent of the local property owners and business community. A BID can be an effective tool for improving infrastructure, safety, and beautification, but it must be transparent, accountable, and equitable. I would support a BID that enhances the area without placing unfair financial burdens on small businesses, and only after ensuring it is clearly understood and accepted by its stakeholders. Collaboration and trust are essential to making it successful. Tim Keller I support the formation of a Business Improvement District (BID) along the Fourth Street Corridor and would be happy to help make it happen. I am doing this now in Downtown and have the experience of knowing how to put it together and how the city can best help. A BID is a great way for local businesses to come together to advocate for their interests, enhance public spaces, complement city services, and promote the area. Most importantly, it helps strengthen the local economy by making businesses along Fourth Street more visible, vibrant, and successful. Excited for original reporting about Albuquerque’s North Valley and Los Ranchos? Subscribe to receive two free issues each month. Globito Glow Draws a Crowd in Los RanchosThousands took to Fourth Street in the Village of Los Ranchos during the annual Balloon Fiesta to see dozens of “globitos” inflate, bob around and rise off the ground ten feet, or so. Globitos are small, remote controlled hot air balloons. This was the first time this event was held outside of Balloon Fiesta Park. The little balloons have mini-propane burners and tiny fans, just like the big balloons. One favorite was the ‘Bit-o-Mischief’ pumpkin balloon being piloted by Jack Skellington from The Nightmare Before Christmas fame.
Edith Boulevard to Close for Sandia Ranch Area ImprovementsBernalillo County will close a portion of Edith Boulevard in front of Sandia Ranch beginning this week for roadway and utility improvements related to the Albuquerque Sign Language Academy, Fire Station 36 and Sandia Ranch development. (To read a story about the new development in North Valley News, go here.) The full road closure will remain in effect through Nov. 17, barring any unforeseen delays. After Nov. 17, one lane of traffic will reopen with flaggers directing vehicles through the construction zone. Substantial completion of the project is expected by Dec.18, with additional landscaping along the Sandia Ranch frontage to follow. The project will improve roadway access and utilities along Edith Boulevard near Sandia Ranch, which will soon be home to a new park, the Bernalillo County Cooperative Extension Office and facilities for 4-H and Master Gardeners. Detour Directions (Oct. 13–Nov. 17)During the complete closure of Edith between Osuna and Los Ranchos Road:
Motorists are encouraged to seek alternate routes and use caution when traveling near the work area. North Valley Neighborhood Meetings
Los Ranchos Upcoming EventsSunday, Oct. 19
Monday, Oct. 20
Tuesday, Oct. 21
Wednesday, Oct. 22
Send your calendar and meeting information to reporter Carolyn Carlson at ccarlso...@gmail.com to be included in the next issue. Support Community SchoolsInterested in supporting one or more community schools? Love local Albuquerque journalism? Subscribe to these sister newsletters! Nob Hill News
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