The former District 31 State Representative and former District 8 City Councilor is known for his political ambition and his ability to campaign. However, this move towards the big chair on the 11th floor doesn't make any sense.
Directory Payne currently occupies one of those city dream jobs that pay exceedingly well - somewhere in the $100k range. Running against the boss isn't exactly calculated to enhance one's career and Payne is known for his political calculation. So, it's unlikely that the rumor has any merit. However, just because it's unlikely doesn't mean it isn't true.
If you consider all of the possibilities, a Payne run looks more plausible. After last weekend, Marty faces 6 challengers in the upcoming election - Donna Rowe, Richard Romero, Rob Dickson, Rudolph Serrano, James Thomas, and R. J. Berry.
Of course, not all of them will qualify for public financing. It's not easy to collect the 3200 plus signatures and associated $5 donations required as Councilors Cadigan and O'Malley found out the hard way. If we had to guess we'd say that the only candidates that end up qualifying for the "clean" money will be the Almighty Alcalde, Richard Romero, and R. J. Berry. Our guess is that there will be one, maybe two other candidates that decide to try and raise enough to continue the fight.
When you consider the makeup of the current field of candidates, it's quite possible that one or two of them will be Democrats or at least left of center. Marty has always depended on Republicans to win elections. He simply can't afford to face two opponents from his side of the isle. That's where Greg Payne comes in.
Payne is known as a vigorous and merciless campaigner. His entry into the race as a known Republican would siphon votes away from the lone Republican worthy of the name - R. J. Berry. At the very least, the Almighty Alcalde would force a runoff election - an election that favors the incumbent, just as the current Closed and Unethical Elections Code does.
If you take the possibilities even further, Marty could use his network of city employees to help his "rival" Greg Payne to receive public financing. If Payne makes his way on to the ballot with $328,000 he could do a great deal of damage to... Marty's rivals.
Ok... we might be a little too suspicious. But a loyal Payne on the ballot would make himself an incredible nuisance to anyone who became a threat to Marty. Consider for a moment a field of candidates with two Republicans - one loyal to the incumbent Democrat - and two to three Democrats. All of them have the same amount of money to spend, but two of them are coordinating their efforts behind the scenes.
The end result is that Marty would have twice the money and half the exposure. Marty can run a "positive" campaign, while his confederate takes aim at which ever candidate is causing him the most trouble. Yet one more way that Eli Lee and Eric Griego "Open and Ethical Elections" code can be used create a closed and unethical election.
Make no mistake, should Greg Payne enter the mayoral race it will not be for his political ambition rather, it will be for his personal gain. Payne owes his high paying job to Marty. It's simply in his best interest to remain Transit Director and continue to receive his $100k salary. Considering Albuquerque's new "ethical" elections scheme, it's going to be an interesting and perhaps Payne-ful election.
----- Correction -----
We originally indicated that Director Payne represented House District 32. That was one of our typos showing. He actually represented House District 31 until his deal at transit came through. Thanks to a poster for catching our mistake. It has been corrected above.
----- Update -----
We originally received this a couple of weeks ago. Due to some distractions from our vocation, we've been somewhat remiss in keeping up with our email. On March 18th we received the following email:
Eye,Surprising... not at all. After all, the mayor's job may come with all of the trappings and the big chair on the 11th floor, but it would mean a pay cut for the director. Not to mention severing ties with his boss - that is of course, if he were actually running against the Alcalde.
Like many rumors, the speculation that I might enter the Mayor's race is a fiction. I am not running for Mayor in 2009 in any way, shape or form.
I have two young children, a great job -- and absolutely zero interest in political office right now.
I personally know and like both Richard Romero (who was my principal at Sandia High School) and State Rep. R.J. Berry. However, it should come as no surprise that I am supporting Mayor Chavez in his bid for re-election. That support does not include my jumping into this year's mayoral election in a manner as the "grapevine" is suggesting.
Thanks and best regards,
Greg Payne
Director, ABQ RIDE
31 comments:
I like Payne .... I think he is the most qualified name I've heard so far, and his good reputation follows him ..... perhaps he could straighten out the mess our buddy Marty (and his company) has got us into!
I remember when Payne was driving drunk and threw a soda can at the cop who pulled him over. Then he lied about it. Fortunately for the officer, he had his tape to prove Payne a drunken liar.
I live in Payne's old City Council seat. I think he's done a good job at Transit but I don't think he's running for Mayor. If he and Marty were going to make a play like this they would have done it right after Berry got in.
Post one. Don't be stupid, moron.
The only reason Payne would enter the race is to damage the other Republican who is running. With naiveness like this, is it any wonder why Marty is guaranteed to win? Wake the %^&* up Albq.
This system of election is fixed. And its all legal.
this sucks.
Payne was elected to HD31 (not 32), but didn't even last a half a term. He's a quitter who were it not for a friend in high places couldn't get a job- public or private sector.
Just shoot me.
Never mind, with Payne as Mayor, there will be plenty of that.
Not to mention corruption, graft, embezzlement, in short, SSDD*
Same shit, different day/dictator.
Payne should run and if elected he could appoint Marty as his CAO.
Greg Payne is a chauvinistic pig who does not have any respect for women
All rumors and lies!
Is this the same Payne who, while a city councillor who was stopped for throwing a Coke can at a bicyclist while in a car, then cussed at the officer, denied knowing what happened, and then ranted and raved about APD's conduct days later? Oh yeah, it was witnessed by the officer and his charade caught on tape.
Everyone needs to go to the APOA Union meeting tonight Thursday. The Political Action Committe well only one Officer agreeded to it that would be the VP to endorse Chavez. Once again all bylaws have been violated and the Union doesn't follow any rules. We need to all show up and stop this nonsense. The VP sailed us down the river, who is this rookie to be playing with our future so he can look out for his own ass. We need to stand up. Lets not allow him to lie and get away with not admitting that he already committed our endorsement to Chavez, we know he did.
Payne has got my support ... gotta keep em in line!
Payne was indeed caught on tape in the mentioned incident and lied his ass off until the tape was played on 770 KKOB radio... then magically he went to re-hab or something like it.
THe most damaging thing about his character flaw(s) was his saying that he now was in favor of civilian oversight of APD and how he "Was wronged" etc.. then the tape came out and he had to own up to lying.
No Payne no way --- I suspect there might be some merit to the thought that he is a "spolier" for the other Rs in the race to help his buddy the midget.
Yes, us stupid AFD guys endorsed Marty for his non-run for senate and got the best contract ever. Although I hate the creep I didn’t mind support at that time because we all knew it wasn’t gonna happen anyway.
And yes we’re idiots for endorsing him for Mayor that was an executive board decision. It never matters what the body wants. Cops and firemen can go to every 244 or APOA meetings in our careers, but it doesn’t give us a voice. It’s politics for schist’s sakes.
I’m pissed that the 244 endorsed the midget already without knowing who else will run. If he wins we’ll have the same shit Chief and bully crap tactics for another 4 years. But, I’ve given up on my passion for the department, at this point it’s about the money. You cops lost your longevity while we gained yours. So all I can say is suck it up and quit caring about your department or union they don’t care about you anyway.
The dictatorship is in place and will continue to run just like Hugo Chavez, getting term limits thrown out. Albuquerque isn’t part of America we live in a 3rd world country. Now, with no death penalty it’s really gonna get worse with a huge influx of criminals.
I think Greg Payne has matured alot since his incident. He took
responsibility for his actions and still continues to have the determination to stand up for his political veiws. Don't knock the guy for taking the opportunity to have a good job, he also has two kids who depend on him to make good decisions. Get over the coke incident! There is worse political corruption that has gone on in this city and this state.
You all are just haters because he's been able to overcome all the BS rumors and still be a name worth talking about
You APD guys have it rough. Our Fire Chief may do some strange shit with his family here, but your chief and his deputy chiefs suck! You cops need a total overhaul in your dept. You have one of the worst chiefs we have ever seen, a real arrogant prick. He thinks he is too good for everyopne. Where did you guys find that jewell..
I hope for your sake, as well as the city's that Mayor Marty, and he will win again, gets rid of your arrogant chief and his deputies.
Payne Rules Suckers!!!
You AFD poster have got to be kidding me. You are part of AFD because you could not make it onto the PD. Your president Diego makes $80 AT Commanders pay, what a real winner. You guys are sold forever.
Actually AFD guys are in AFD because we were not picked on in high school and we went to the high school prom and people liked us. The Diego you APD punk chumps are talking shit about actually fought on APD's behalf in Santa Fe over the PERA 25 year bill.....??? NOT 1 APD officer or APOA E Board member was ever in Santa FE for the 60 session. If your Union Pres Ron Olivas wants to tell the truth he can verify that it was AFD Local 244 that was there fighting for both AFD, and APOA to keep us EXEMPT from the 25 year rule. Hey bitter and misinformed APD guy your right Diego does make that kind of money and you know what? We in AFD don't care because the time, effort, and sacrifice he has devoted to us in the Department, and Local 244 is well worth the $80 grand in pay. It shows in our Union Contract, the PPC's he has filed, fought and won, and the PAC's that we as a Union have endorsed and won. APD a few of you guys are so bitter and disgruntled that maybe it's not your Chief, The Mayor, AFD, Diego, maybe it is YOU that is the problem. Leave AFD outta' your misery. Thank You! Proud Local 244 Member.
APD's union sucks! ur right they dont fight for the important stuff. AFD rocks!
RE: AFD guy; He has a point, and Im sure their guy is worth the $80 K..
Now ; go wash the truck, cook some dinner, get 8 hrs sleep and a workut ... then go off duty and go to your second job and let the big kids talk hito.
Above poster from Local 244, I am with APD, but you go. You speak the truth and thats what our Union hates. Just like us endorsing Chavez WTF why are we doing this again. Guess we will continue to have good bitch sessions on this site for another four years. GO APD Union.
I often get asked by other city workers, including cops:
What does it take to become a firefighter? You get to sit around all day with the remote, workout, cook and sleep.
I tell them: WELL, 1st you have to learn how to read!
Go back to the donut shop you AFD haters. That's why we beat you at every competition and have for years. Maybe it's not just the workouts, but the 80,000 plus calls we respond to a year with half the manpower!
i sleep with alot of firemen,,its hot!
Are you Hindi's ex-wife?
Out of the 80,000 calls a year you take 70,000 of them you sit in the truck until you request APD to arrive and clear the scene. But again that's what we do. Which is cool because if I (a member of APD) get's hurt I want you guys to scoop me and save my life. It's obviously a win/win situation. Maybe we need to combine our unions and show a stronger force! Hell we should include BCSO and BCFD!!!! That would surely piss of the politicians because there is power in numbers.
I agree you APD'ers cover our ass on those bad calls. My crew has always had a good relationship with you. And it is win-win.
BCFD is already part of local 244 and how lame they are. AFD pays the majority of the dues, because of numbers and BCFD sucks most the money up. It's not a good idea, but again it wasn't the body's doing. Hodgie the former union pres was responsible for that. Now he's the BCFD Chief, go figure!
Firefighters are not hot anymore!! what happened to all the hot firemen :( and most cops are fat!! that sucks
You don't know what the hell you're talking about. AFD sucks up most of the money. What the hell does BCFD have to spend the money on. Trying going to a union meeting once in awhile. It's the AFD cry babies that are always complaining...
I don't care what any of you...Greg Payne saved me and my baby's life. And for that, I am forever indebted.
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