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Trustee candidates debate development, water and 4th Street business priorities at Los Ranchos forum
Summary
At a League of Women Voters forum, four trustee candidates for the Village of Los Ranchos de Albuquerque outlined differing approaches to protecting acequias and open space, stimulating business on 4th Street and managing new development, while agreeing on the need for transparency and community engagement.
Mary H. Smith of the League of Women Voters of Central New Mexico moderated a candidates forum for the Village of Los Ranchos de Albuquerque on topics voters said matter most: water and acequias, 4th Street commerce, parking and village governance.
The four candidates — incumbent trustees Gilbert (Gil) Benavides and George Radnavich, and challengers John B. Edward and Gwen Adams Baldwin — framed their campaigns around protecting the village's agricultural character while supporting viable small businesses along the historic 4th Street corridor.
Why it matters: Los Ranchos is a small, agrarian‑rooted village where water access and open space shape daily life and economics. Candidates agreed the acequia system and cottonwood canopy are central assets, and each tied those environmental priorities to practical policy choices.
On governance: Baldwin described trustees as the community’s representative voice to the mayor and administrators within the village’s strong‑mayor form of government and emphasized rebuilding public trust through transparent processes. Radnavich argued trustees should seek a stronger role in setting the village’s direction and suggested educating residents on alternate government forms. Benavides and Edward both stressed constituent outreach and fiscal stewardship as part of trustees’ duties.
On process and transparency: Candidates endorsed public, transparent decision‑making for any local economic development tax (referred to at the forum as the LEHI/LEDA proposal). Several candidates proposed independent or broadly representative review committees to guide grants and spending if voters approve a quarter‑cent local option tax.
Where they differed: Candidates diverged most in tone and emphasis rather than on fundamental goals. Radnavich highlighted technical code knowledge and planning experience; Benavides emphasized keeping village services funded and safety prioritized; Baldwin focused on community engagement and conservation incentives; Edward concentrated on advocacy for permanent protections of open spaces and greater public input.
The forum closed with candidates making brief final appeals to voters and the moderator urging the audience to consult LWV resources and vote. No formal votes or endorsements were taken at the event.
