Election Day is a week away for the City of Rio Rancho.

Here’s a review of what’s on ballots March 1.

In the mayoral race, racial-equality activist Barbara Jordan and political newcomer Jaclyn Wilhite are challenging two-term incumbent Gregg Hull.

“Our citizens are tired of being ignored and ready for transparency and integrity,” Jordan said. “I am so proud and humbled at all of the support our campaign has received. I am locally, state and nationally endorsed, which includes Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury. We are finishing strong and running to the finish line. If you have not done so already, please vote!”

Hull said his campaign is fully ramped up in the final days before the election.

“We’ve got a lot of people out knocking on doors,” he said. “We’re talking to a lot of people about what they want to see over the next four years.”

Hull said the most common desires expressed are for the city to continue to fix roads, recruit more businesses to bring in more jobs and maintain the great level of public safety in Rio Rancho.

“Just go vote,” he said, adding that he endorses all of the bonds and charter amendments on the ballot. “Those are critical to the future success of the community.”

Wilhite has notified the Observer that she will not speak to the city-government reporter and thus was not contacted for comment.

Incumbent City Councilor Jeremy Lenentine is running unopposed in District 2 for the second time.

In the three-way City Council District 3 race, challengers Joshua Jones and Clyde Ward are running against incumbent Bob Tyler, who’s aiming for a second term.

In Council District 5, appointed incumbent Karissa Culbreath is facing challenger William Edward Dunn.

Finally, three-term incumbent Municipal Judge G. Robert Cook is running against challenger Jonathan Muniz.

City elections are non-partisan. If no candidate in any given race receives more than 50 percent of the vote, the city must hold a run-off election between the top two candidates April 12.

The mayor and municipal judge are elected at large, while only residents of each city council district can vote in those races.

Three general obligation bond questions are also on the ballot. If approved, they’ll raise $10.61 million for roads, $3.6 million for public safety vehicles and equipment, and $1 million for quality-of-life facilities and materials.

Voters will decide separately on each bond. None of them would raise taxes if approved.

Six proposed charter amendments are also before voters. They are:

  • Establishing a permanent fund with $10 million to provide ongoing revenue from interest payments;
  • Increasing the time span between required charter reviews to eight years, although it could still be reviewed more frequently;
  • Increasing the time to appoint a successor for a governing body member who leaves office between elections from 45 days to 60.
  • Update the process of recording and codifying ordinances to match current technology and procedures, such as allowing e-signatures.
  • Requiring an acting city manager to be paid no less than the minimum salary set for the permanent city manager position.
  • Allowing the city to fill vacancies on volunteer boards and commissions “as soon as practicable” instead of within 30 days.

Early voting locations:

Locations are open through Saturday. Voters may vote at any of the 10 voting locations, regardless of the precinct where they are registered to vote.

The schedule is:

  • Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.: Broadmoor Senior Center, 3241 Broadmoor Blvd.
  • Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.:
    • Southern Plaza, 2003 Southern Blvd., Suite 126.
    • Loma Colorado Main Library, 755 Loma Colorado Blvd.
    • Haynes Community Center, 2006 Grande Blvd.
    • Plaza at Enchanted Hills, 7845 Enchanted Hills Blvd., Suite 100.
    • Rockaway Plaza, 111 NM 528, Suite 103.

 

Election Day polling locations:

All locations are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday. Voters may vote at any of the 10 voting locations, regardless of the precinct where they are registered to vote.

Locations are:

  • Cabezon Community Center, 2307 Cabezon Blvd.
  • Southern Plaza, 2003 Southern Blvd., Suite 126.
  • Broadmoor Senior Center, 3241 Broadmoor Blvd.
  • Loma Colorado Main Library, 755 Loma Colorado Blvd.
  • Haynes Community Center, 2006 Grande Blvd.
  • Plaza at Enchanted Hills, 7845 Enchanted Hills Blvd., Suite 100.
  • Rio Rancho Middle School, 1600 Loma Colorado Blvd.
  • Cielo Azul Elementary, 3804 Shiloh Road.
  • Rockaway Plaza, 111 NM 528, Suite 103.
  • Puesta Del Sol Elementary, 450 Southern Blvd.

For more election information, visit rrnm.gov.

Candidates questionnaire responses and articles about the bond questions and permanent fund are available at rrobserver.com.