Mayor Tim Keller Signs Reforms of City Code of Ethics, Lobbying Oversight Ordinance
October 22, 2019
Following a unanimous City Council vote on the administration’s proposal, the ethics and lobbying landscape in Albuquerque will see changes after Mayor Tim Keller signed a package of significant reforms into law this morning at City Hall. The Mayor was joined by City Councilors and government accountability and transparency advocates.
“Our ethics reform package fixes shortcomings and closes loopholes in the oversight of elections and lobbying of elected officials, making sure that citizens have a local government that is transparent and accountable to them,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “These reforms are a promise kept to modernize these ordinances and make city government more open.”
The Code of Ethics governs the Board of Ethics, as well as disclosures required of elected officials. This reform takes politics out of appointments to the Board, sets clear guidelines regarding campaign complaint timelines, and increases disclosure requirements for elected officials.
The reform of the Lobbyist Ordinance makes public disclosure more meaningful, ensuring the public knows who has hired lobbyists and what issues they are hired to lobby on. It also increases the frequency with which lobbyists must file reports from one annual report to quarterly reports, making access to information timelier.
“Access to information is central to effective democracy,” said City Clerk Katy Duhigg. “Mayor Keller and the City Council stepped up to create a culture of transparency in the City, and these reforms remedy clear shortcomings in our ordinances.”
“Transparency is vital to our local government and elections,” said City Council President Klarissa Peña. “I was honored to work with my fellow Councilors, Mayor Keller, and City Clerk Katy Duhigg on this legislation to ensure our City’s accountability to our community.”
“Moving forward, it’s important for our government employees to know these reforms on ethics and transparency are our marching orders.” Said Councilor Borrego.
“Throughout history, innovations in democracy have come from cities.” Said Councilor Harris. “The City of Albuquerque is now a leader in ethics and transparency.”
“I was proud to be a co-sponsor of this bipartisan legislation.” Said Councilor Sanchez. “When it comes to ethics, we should be holding the very highest standard. There is no more important trust than the public’s trust.”