Forum candidates cite drugs and homelessness as top challenges, suggest enforcement, mental health and housing approaches

At the Meet the Candidates event, multiple candidates named drug use, homelessness and related public‑safety concerns as among Alamosa’s biggest immediate challenges and described different policy responses.

Alex Brown, running as a Ward 4 write‑in, said drugs are “ubiquitous” and argued for stricter penalties for possession and distribution. “This catch and release thing is not working,” Brown said, and said he has worked with police on neighborhood watch plans in his area.

Mark Martinez and others urged a broader approach that includes mental‑health services and economic opportunity. “Drug use doesn’t start just because they want to. It comes from mental illness, depression, sometimes a sense of hopelessness,” Martinez said, arguing for behavioral health access alongside economic supports.

Zachary Reeves emphasized a community approach to safety and suggested cameras, lighting and other neighborhood‑level safety measures. Reeves also supported a Housing First model—placing people in housing to stabilize them and then addressing addiction and related services.

Jan Vigil and other incumbents pointed to city resources and collaborations. Vigil said the council can ask police for increased patrols where safety is a concern and flagged partnerships with community organizations that provide transitional housing and outreach. Councilor Dawn Krebs praised volunteer efforts and coalition work to aid residents in need.

No candidate proposed an immediate, council‑level ordinance at the forum; most favored a mix of enforcement, prevention and housing/behavioral health services. Several speakers linked drug‑related harms to housing instability and economic stress and emphasized that both enforcement and services are necessary components of a response.