IN THE NEWS
Sunday, May 22, 2022, Albuquerque Journal, Two Democrats vie for District 1 Bernalillo County Commission seat
Baca said her decades long government career has readied her for elected office. “I’m really good at listening and trying to work within the community and within government and come up with collective ideas and solutions to problems,” said Baca, who spent 33 years in Albuquerque’s city government and also worked for a time with the National Park Service.
Wednesday, May 18, 2022, Editorial, Albuquerque Journal Journal announces endorsements for BernCO commission
”Baca brings a wealth of experience in government and a storied family legacy to her bid for a commissioner’s seat. She is the daughter of former farmer, educator, city councilor, county commissioner, mayoral candidate, conservationist and builder Pat Baca, who spearheaded the city’s open space program. Barbara Baca, 61, has devoted much of her career to natural resource conservation, planning and land management. She serves on the board of the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District, having retired as Albuquerque’s parks and rec director in 2014”
Wednesday, May 18, 2022, ABQ Journal says I bring a "wealth of experience", by Barbara Baca
Wow, what terrific news in the paper this morning — The Albuquerque Journal has endorsed my campaign for Bernalillo County Commission!
Tuesday, May 17, 2022, Sen. Martin Heinrich: "Barbara is the leader Bernalillo County needs", by Baca for County Commission
Senator Heinrich: “Barbara Baca is the leader Bernalillo County needs to support our vibrant community. A lifelong resident of Albuquerque’s Westside, Barbara is an expert in natural resource conservation, planning, and land management. From leading our City’s Parks and Recreation to serving on the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District Board, Barbara is a strong advocate for better water management and delivery and making our community safer.”
Monday, May 16, 2022, Three upcoming events for you to join, by Team Baca
Now that we’re nearing the final stretch, there’s a lot going on. It’s the perfect time to get involved, come out and see Barbara on the campaign trail, and learn more about her plans for the County Commission.
Tuesday, May 10, 2022, Oil and Gas/Santolina interests don’t want Barbara, by Team Baca
The oil and gas/big developer Super PAC we told you about, “Working Together New Mexico,” finally made their finance reports public. They’ve raised thousands of dollars from Chevron, big developers and their lobbyists, and have targeted Barbara's campaign for County Commission with less than one month to go until Election Day.
Sunday, May 8, 2022, “My heart is full with love today,” by Barbara Baca
“My heart is full with pride and love for my two kids, Patrick and Aliana. I have great joy knowing they have become responsible, hardworking, loving and caring individuals... with a good sense of humor!”
Tuesday, May 3, 2022, “We need to mobilize quickly and protect women's rights,” by Barbara Baca
“As elected leaders, we have an obligation and responsibility to use our voices and influence to stand up for women. The attacks on reproductive healthcare happening right now in this country are shocking, and the message the Supreme Court seems bound to send us on this issue is downright appalling. If and when the topic of abortion gets thrown back to individual states to be dealt with at the state level, who is in charge at the local level will matter even more. I am a fierce advocate for women who will always stand strong with medical professionals in support of reproductive health care.”
Monday, May 2, 3022 “We can't let them down,” by Team Barbara Baca
“Have you seen how much our endorsement list has grown? Barbara and our team are truly overwhelmed by all the support — thank you! Never did she dream that all of these amazing leaders and organizations would be so helpful in this race for County Commission District 1.”
Saturday, April 30, 2022 “Will you join our families tomorrow?,” by Barbara Baca“My family roots in this district go deep. I am a proud 14th generation New Mexican who grew up on Albuquerque’s Westside —in a home built by my parents. My mother, Marie Baca, was an elementary school teacher and assistant principal who worked for APS for over 20 years. My father, Patrick J. Baca, was a WWII veteran, an educator, and public-school principal who also represented the Westside and North Valley as an Albuquerque City Councilor (1974-1989) and Bernalillo County Commissioner (1990-1994). In 2015, the City of Albuquerque dedicated a public library in his honor.”
Monday, April 25, 2022, What a great Earth Day weekend! by Barbara Baca
“I have celebrated Earth Day over the years in many different ways — with my family and my community by planting trees, organizing clean ups, and developing educational programs working with our youth to help build the next generation of environmental stewards. It has been an honor to have worked for over 33 years in the field of conservation and land management, and I look forward to continuing that work on the County Commission.”
Wednesday, April 20, 2022, “The Fire Fighters join Labor in supporting our campaign,” by Barbara Baca
“The Albuquerque Area Fire Fighters Local 244 are pleased to endorse Barbara Baca for Bernalillo County Commission, District 1. Due to her public service experience and demonstrated commitment to our community, it’s clear that Barbara is who we need fighting for the safety and well-being not only of our union members and their families, but our entire New Mexico community of working families.”
Thursday, April 14, 2022, “Planned Parenthood knows I’m 100% on reproductive healthcare”, by Barbara Baca
“I am pleased to announce that Planned Parenthood Votes New Mexico has endorsed my campaign for Bernalillo County Commission — because they trust I will stand strong with women and medical professionals in support of reproductive health care. As elected leaders, we have an obligation and responsibility to use our voices and influence to stand up for women. The attacks on reproductive healthcare happening right now in this country are shocking and only takes us back.”
Wednesday, April 13, 2022, “something fishy is going on,” Neri Holguin, Campaign Manager
“On our opponent’s report, one of her “max-out” donors (i.e. gave $5,000) is her campaign manager and his wife. Campaign managers charge fees — they don’t give thousands to their candidate. It’s like an employee paying the boss. It’s fishy, right? Next, we saw the Super PAC that’s been formed to attack Barbara has yet to file a report disclosing any of their contributors. Unfortunately, we won’t know who’s behind these attacks until we’ve already been hit. It’s absolutely crucial that we stay prepared!”
Thursday, April 7, 2022, “Sierra Club knows who's best for our environment” by Team Barbara Baca
“Barbara has worked closely with the Sierra Club throughout her professional career, beginning in the 1980s as the Open Space Planner for the City of Albuquerque. The Sierra Club worked with Barbara on the Rio Grande Valley State Park Management Plan and the Northwest Mesa Escarpment Plan, which was the local planning, acquisition, and resource management effort which led to the establishment of Petroglyph National Monument. As a board member for the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District, Barbara has pushed for responsible water management and the protection of endangered species within the Middle Rio Grande Bosque.”
Monday, April 4, 2022, “This moment is important for Barbara Baca," by Ike Benton
“Barbara would make an excellent addition to the County Commission because she knows the job — and she gets things done. Through my time on the City Council, I’ve seen her work firsthand at the City and Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District. She is a great listener, collaborator, and true public servant who knows how to bring people together to accomplish big things. The power of people coming together can overcome anything. Barbara embodies that, and her campaign embodies that, too. That’s why we need you with us!”
Friday, April 1, 2022, “No foolin' around today…” by Baca for Bernco
“Barbara’s campaign needs your help! The support we’ve received since Barbara announced her candidacy for Bernalillo County Commission has been tremendous. Many of your neighbors and community members are stepping up to help, and we’re hoping you can, too! Will you come out to meet Barbara this Sunday, April 3 for a fun brunch event? Also, this Monday, April 4 is the first big fundraising deadline of this campaign. Events like this one on Sunday are a great way to help us with our fundraising goals, come out to hear what Barbara is all about, and get involved with our campaign. We’d love you to join us!”
Thursday, March 31, 2022, “This Saturday: celebrate Primera Agua with us!,” by Barbara Baca for County Commission
“It’s Spring, and it’s the start of the irrigation season! This year, on Saturday, April 2, we will be celebrating Primera Agua, or “First Water,” at a very special place on West Central and the Rio Grande — The Acequia Madre de Atrisco and I hope you will join us. We are blessed to live in the Rio Grande Valley, to have a sense of place where the river and the water brings communities together. Our ancient acequias have been delivering water to farms for centuries and have been the key to survival in the desert southwest. Acequias connect our communities across political boundaries and run through a wide variety of neighborhoods of all socioeconomic levels, through urban and rural properties, working farms, and developed communities in the Valley.”
Saturday, March 26, 2022, Esperanza = hope for our community, Barbara Baca
Do you know about the Esperanza Community Bike Shop on the Westside? It’s one of my favorite examples of how to successfully reinvest in our older neighborhoods while creating opportunities for kids and families.
Wednesday, March 23, 2022, Labor Unions have a strong partner in me, Barbara Baca
Our campaign’s momentum keeps growing by the day — and today is no different. I’m excited to announce that we’ve earned the support of two members of our strong Labor community, the New Mexico Building & Construction Trades Council and the Southwest Regional Council of Carpenters Local 1319!
Tuesday, March 15, 2022, A conservative PAC has been formed to defeat Barbara, Team Baca
Yesterday, it was reported in Joe Monahan and the Journal that a new Super PAC, "Working Together New Mexico," has been formed to attack Barbara and other true-blue Democrats. This Super PAC is being organized by a disgraced campaign staffer who tried to smear Governor Lujan Grisham and raised hundreds of thousands to attack Albuquerque Mayor Keller. They will also have "considerable funding from corporate interests, such as oil and gas."
Thursday, March 10, 2022, Albuquerque Journal, BernCo commission seat draws large field
The other County Commission seat on this year’s ballot is District 1. Currently represented by Democrat Debbie O’Malley, who cannot seek another term, it includes the North Valley and a large swath of the West Side. Barbara Baca, onetime city of Albuquerque Parks and Recreation director, and Erin Muffoletto, external affairs manager for Comcast, have filed as District 1 candidates in the Democratic primary.
Wednesday, March 9, 2022, I’ve officially filed! Now the tough fight begins... by Barbara Baca
I’ve done my best to live my values as a lifelong Democrat, and my record proves that. When it comes to my opponent, we cannot trust whose side she will choose on the Bernalillo County Commission — will it be with working families, local businesses, and our existing neighborhoods in need of quality infrastructure and roads, or will she work to support big business and sprawl developers?
Monday, March 7, 2022, I wholeheartedly endorse Barbara Baca for County Commission by Rep. Melanie Stansbury
Barbara is a proud New Mexican who is from a family with a long-standing history of public service. She has spent a career working on protection of public land, outdoor recreation, parks, and open space.
Barbara knows the issues the County is facing: encouraging economic growth with well-planned infrastructure, and good paying jobs, coordination among the City, County and State regarding public safety, mental health, and creating an environment where local businesses can thrive on West Central and the Northwest Mesa.
Tuesday, March 1, 2022, I am asking you to help Barbara Baca today by Former State Senator Dede Feldman
I have known Barbara Baca as a friend and staunch Democrat for over thirty years. She shares the same values that have motivated me: community, opportunity, preservation of the environment and a determination that those with the greatest need — whether they be seniors, people with disabilities or those who lack adequate resources — not be overlooked.
Thursday, March 17, 2022, What a kickoff! Thank you, Team Baca
A very special thank you to the public servants who also jumped on board to support this event — leaders like current County Commissioner Debbie O’Malley, ABQ City Council President Ike Benton, and Mayor Tim Keller.
Wednesday, March 2, 2022, I believe and trust in Barbara Baca, by Mayor Tim Keller
At the City, we need partners to solve our biggest challenges. No government nor leader can work in a silo — we must work together. Barbara Baca knows that and has strong professional experience, having worked most of her career in leadership positions at the City.
Friday, January 25, 2022 - I didn't hesitate to endorse Barbara by County Commissioner Debbie O’Malley
Barbara is a woman of integrity. She is an honest, consistent, and thoughtful straight-shooter who I’ve known for years, and whose values I trust. She always has the best interest of our community at heart because of the work she's done, from her time working at the City as an Open Space Planner, Senior Social Services Manager, and Parks & Recreation Director — and now as the elected At-Large Board Member of the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District (MRGCD).
Friday January 7, 2022 I'm running for Bernalillo County Commission! by Barbara Baca
As a 14th generation New Mexican, I was raised to believe that public service is how we give back to our community. It’s deeply ingrained in my family. My father, Patrick J. Baca, was a WWII veteran, an educator, and public-school principal who also represented the Westside and North Valley as an Albuquerque City Councilor (1974-1989) and Bernalillo County Commissioner (1990-1994). In 2015, the City of Albuquerque dedicated a public library in his honor. My mother was also an educator and retired after 20 years at APS.
Thursday, January 6, 2022, Press Release: Barbara Baca Announces her Candidacy for the Bernalillo County Commission
“My priorities are what matters most to our families: improving the safety of communities; supporting the development of mental and behavioral health facilities to reduce addiction, homelessness, and crime; and creating good paying, long-term jobs.”