Concerns raised over Berry's CAO choice
Posted at: 10/19/2009 7:51 AM
| Updated at: 10/19/2009 11:10 AM
By: Jeff Mayer, Eyewitness News 4, and Kurt Christopher, KOB.com
David Campbell
Berry has chosen David Campbell, a well-known Albuquerque attorney to serve as city CAO, replacing Ed Adams. Campbell served as the city attorney from 1989 to 1993.
However, some councilors have concerns over his close ties to the homebuilders association and say he has been involved in lawsuits against the city in the past.
City councilor Brad Winter told Eyewitness News 4 he is going to vote against Campbell because he says as a land-use attorney, Campbell has sued the city more than once stemming from land and zoning disputes.
City councilor Ken Sanchez says that was just part of Campbell’s job and the city should not hold grudges. He plans to vote in favor of Campbell.
“I would hope that based on his position as the CAO that he will no longer be serving in the capacity as an attorney representing clients,” said Sanchez. “He will be representing employees, the mayor and the council for the City of Albuquerque.”
City councilor-elect Dan Lewis says he opposes the nomination. Councilor-elect Michael Cook and councilor Don Harris say they are undecided.
“Sometimes experience can almost be baggage and people are concerned that if he knows too much and knows too many people that he might be manipulating the system instead of being an efficient manager,” said Harris.
City councilor Rey Garduno says he is undecided until he can find out where Campbell stands on land issues.
Attempts to reach Campbell and the other three city councilors for comment Sunday were unsuccessful.
The city council will make its decision at its first meeting in December. It will take a vote of at least five of the nine city councilors to confirm Campbell as city CAO.
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