Mirehaven News
Building Community in our Neighborhood
December 2025, Issue 8
Mirehaven News
Building Community in our Neighborhood
December December 2025, Issue 82025, Issue 8
Mirehaven News is an independent news publication not affiliated with Estates at Mirehaven
HIGHLIGHTS THIS MONTH
• Don't miss the Neighborhood Food Project on the General Interest page. By Kim Haftermalz
• It's time to vote! City election information .. scroll down here
• See the River of Lights feature by Dan Garcia
• Enjoy the Winter Holiday feature by Cathy Carter
It's a runoff
Albuquerque's Mayoral
and District 1 City Council
runoff election
is Dec 9, 2025
December 1 through December 9, 2025, is the runoff election for Albuquerque mayoral race and the Westside of Albuquerque Council District 1. Early voting is December 1 through December 6. Go to https://www.berncoclerk.gov/elections/ to find answers to your specific questions.
The following candidate information comes from www.vote411.org a website produced by the League of Woman Voters Education Fund. “VOTE411 is committed to ensuring voters have the information they need to successfully participate in every election.”
This reporter selected one question from several that are currently relevant. Go to www.vote411.org to read all the questions and answers.
Albuquerque’s Mayor runoff race is non-partisan
www.vote411.org
www.vote411.org
Tim Keller, incumbent, earned 35.86% of the vote. https://www.mayortimkeller.com/
abqjournal.com
abqjournal.com
Darren White, former Bernalillo County Sheriff, earned 30.65% of the vote. https://darrenwhiteformayor.com/
How would you as Mayor address possible reductions in Federal programs and funding in the coming years?
Keller: Cuts threaten the progress we’ve made on public safety, transit and housing. As Mayor, I’ve stood up to Washington before—fighting against harmful Trump-era policies—and I’ll do it again. My ‘Defend ABQ’ plan layers lawsuits, executive orders and alternative funding. We’ll also protect services by diversifying our economy and working closely with state partners to fill gaps. We can’t afford to be at the mercy of DC politics. My job is to safeguard families and keep our city moving forward.
White: I will allow ICE access to arrest data to identify anyone who is in our country illegally and charged with a crime. The skyrocketing federal debt will likely cause cuts in federal funds. This will require the city to manage its finances responsibly. Albuquerque has increased its budget by more than 60% over the last 8 years, yet we continue to face the same core challenges—public safety, homelessness and infrastructure. This points not to a lack of resources, but to misplaced priorities.
City Council District 1 is a non-partisan race.
photo: ABQJournal
photo: ABQJournal
Joshua Taylor Neal, a civil engineer. Received 20.26% in the general election. https://www.nealforabq.com/
photo by ABQJournal.com
photo by ABQJournal.com
Stephanie Telles, budget expert and certified fraud examiner. Received 36.41% in the general election vote. https://www.stephanieforabq.com/
How might the City Council address possible reductions in Federal programs and funding in the coming years?
Neal: If federal funding is reduced, City Council must prioritize essential services, cut waste, and explore partnerships with state, local, and private organizations. We should diversify our revenue base, pursue grants aggressively, and ensure taxpayer dollars are spent efficiently. By focusing on core services and smart budgeting, Albuquerque can remain resilient and continue delivering results for residents even during funding shortfalls.
Telles: My background in government oversight equips me to manage risk and ensure accountability in times of uncertainty. I’d prioritize housing, behavioral health, and preventive care by using city resources strategically, building coalitions with hospitals, unions, and nonprofits, and pressing for restored funding. I’d also redirect subsidies from luxury projects to community needs and pursue sustainable, equitable revenue streams that don’t fall hardest on working families.
Tip O’Neal said, “All politics is local “. This is true today. “The personal is political”, coined during the 1970’s feminist movement is also true. Local elections affect our daily lives more than state and federal elections. Our secret votes are also personal value statements. Vote in the 2025 Albuquerque runoff election.
Welcome
Thanks for joining us! Mirehaven News is published by residents who share the activities and news that happen in the community. The editors, reporters, photographers, graphic designers and administrators are excited to bring you the latest community news.
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Our Mission
We seek to build community within our neighborhood.
Our Values
Integrity, Respect, Excellence
How we do this
Mirehaven News reports stories from within the community and stories from outside the community that impact us. We embrace accurate, unbiased reporting that effectively communicates the depth and heart of a story for all Mirehaven residents and beyond.
Mirehaven News Staff
Editor-in-Chief & Publisher
Cathy Carter
Managing Editor
Kim Hafermalz
Reporters
Karin Garcia, Chuck Webster, Cynthia Gefvert, Teresa Reinhard, Carolyn Ajie, Dan Garcia, Robin Abrett, Paul Tanenbaum
Administrator
Nancy Steffens
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