The Line: Santa Fe Mayor Halts Raises, In Hot Water Over Water Use

April 27, 2018 – As the new Santa Fe mayor, Alan Webber is under scrutiny, especially as he is the first salaried, full-time mayor in the city’s modern history. He first looked at a raise for select employees, put in place before his election and without city council approval, as just a minor error. After learning the action violated city policy, however, Mayor Webber halted the raises and asked for and received city manager Brian Snyder’s resignation. 

Also under a microscope is Mayor Webber’s water usage. Although he challenged Santa Feans to reduce their consumption during a water-wise campaign, his own household use is eight times the average of other Santa Fe homes. Gene Grant and this week’s Line opinion panelists debate the missteps and adjustments made during the Santa Fe mayor’s first month and a half in office.

For Further Reading:

Santa Fe city manager, HR director lose jobs in debacle over raises

Snyder out as Santa Fe city manager over temporary raises

Santa Fe mayor draws criticism for high water usage

Line Panelists:
Tom Garrity, The Garrity Group PR
Andy Lyman, reporter for NM Political Report
Sophie Martin, attorney
Christine Sierra, UNM political science professor emeritus