ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.
Two key New Mexico Democratic lawmakers are pouring cold water on Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller's plea for state help to hire 400 officers.
KOB-TV in Albuquerque reports Sen. John Arthur Smith and Rep. Patty Lundstrom say the new mayor shouldn't expect any new appropriations to fulfill a campaign promise to increase police staffing.
Both, who chair important appropriation committees, say Albuquerque has its own tax base and can fund the new officers if that's what its city council wants.
During the mayoral campaign last year, Keller promised to hire 400 new officers to help fight rising crime in New Mexico's largest city. He vowed to convince state lawmakers to help the city out.
Albuquerque needs roughly $17 million to hire 400 officers.
Comments