And the Allegations Fly...

No, we're not talking about Udall - Chavez, Wilson - Pearce, White - Carraro... we're talking the Foolish Foursome. You'd think that this was an important election with the future of the nation at stake instead of yet another failed attempt to make Ken Sanchez president of a governing body.

The accusations from last night's dinner club debacle have had us laughing all day as last night's absent councilors tried to explain away their precipitous and foolish boycott.

Mayer said that for two months, Winter had said he would support her for the job. She said he later agreed to support Sanchez but changed his mind again just before Monday's meeting when he received a call from Allen Weh, chairman of the state Republican Party.

- ABQ Journal - Subscription

Sanchez said he had the support of Councilor Brad Winter, a much needed vote, but minutes before tonight's meeting Winter said he wouldn't support Sanchez.

"Politically to me you're only as good as your word," Sanchez said at a news conference. "This is an issue of integrity: this is an issue of honesty."

- KRQE.com

"He said that his wife would divorce him and his wife does serve on the Water Authority. And I would hope that would not be the case when we are making decisions as members of this council," said Sanchez.

- KOB-TV.com

That last one is a real gem... Divorce over a position that only about 9 people care about! Funny stuff! Besides, how many of you have told everyone that would listen that you were going to vote for one candidate only to press the opposing candidate's button? (John Kerry supporters you know who you are.)

What's even more entertaining is that our Eyes tell us that "moderate Democrat" (Ok, Martycrat) Sanchez has been dissed no less than 4 previous times by the Democrat controlled County Commission. Each year Commissioner (now Councilor) Sanchez would nominate himself for the president's post only to have his fellow Democrats pass on his presidential bid.

Perhaps the brain trust of Mayer and Harris should have done a little historical research before backing the Sanchez horse. Newly elected Councilor Trudy Jones might want to be careful who she takes political advice from. She gets a mulligan on this one but let's hope she's smart enough not to miss her second council meeting.

Tantrum! Council Disobedience

Four city councilors pitched a fit at tonight's council meeting and decided a dinner date at Capo's restaurant was more important than attending the meeting. Councilors Sanchez, Mayer, Harris, and newly elected Trudy Jones decided to show their displeasure with the vote to make Councilor Winter President of the Council by boycotting the meeting.

Of course the councilors made time after their main courses to drop by city hall long enough to look foolish for the media and make the 10 o'clock news, but they apparently didn't have time to do what they were elected to do - our business. The reason given by the foolish foursome - Councilor Winter decided to pull his support for Councilor Sanchez's bid for President in favor of... well, himself. Hey, who would you vote for?

Meanwhile issues like Tax Increment Funding Districts, Red Light Camera Moratoriums, and Neighborhood Recognition Ordinances were on the agenda with barely a quorum to hear them. What we're really torqued about is the fact that even though the Red Light Camera Moratorium passed 3 to 2 (Winter, Cadigan, & Garduno in favor, O'Malley & Benton against) it's not even close to veto proof. And if today's little tantrum is any indication, Winter will have a heck of a time trying to get three votes out of tonight's Capo's Dinner Club members should the Almighty Alcade decide to veto the bill.

We've got some news for the Foolish Foursome, NO ONE CARES! Most people would have a hard time naming the councilor they voted for much less which one ended up president of this "august" body. Tonight's little show of council disobedience only served to make you look foolish and petty. Not at all the best start for the new council.