LETTER: Endorsement details need outlined

“Good communication is the bridge between confusion and clarity.” — Nat Turner

The Rio Rancho “Candidate Guide” dated Jan. 3, 2024, does not provide advice regarding endorsement (by fire, by police) claims by municipal candidates.

I submitted the following questions to Chief of Police Steele and Fire Chief DeFillippo on Feb. 8, 2024, in order to obtain clarification of their endorsement guidelines:

1. Describe the criteria used that determines whether or not a municipal candidate receives an endorsement.

2. Typically, does a candidate approach police or fire seeking an endorsement or vice versa?

3. Does the endorsed candidate need to pay for the endorsement? If so, to what entity and what is the amount?

4. Does the endorsed candidate receive campaign funds as part of an endorsement? If so, provide the source and amount of funding.

5. Does the endorsed candidate receive an affidavit of endorsement?

I did not receive a response from either the chief of police or the fire chief.

While all citizens respect the work police and fire personnel do, endorsements present a conflict of interest when an elected official needs to vote on any police or fire wage or benefit package.

If that eventuality occurs, we will call upon any elected city official who received an endorsement from fire or police to recuse himself/herself from decision-making on any city business involving police or fire.

Regards,

Michael Jackovich

Rio Rancho