Mayor Berry starts run for second term

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Albuquerque Mayor Richard J. Berry formally announced Saturday that he will seek a second four-year term leading New Mexico's biggest city.

The announcement came as Berry and other candidates picked up candidate materials on the first day they were available from the City Clerk's Office.

"There is more to be accomplished, and my passion to serve is stronger than ever," Berry said in a statement released to the news media.  "The prospects for our future are bright.”

Berry beceame the third announced candidate for the nonpartisan office in the Oct. 8 municipal election.  Six City Council seats also will be on the ballot along with any questions, propositions and bond issues.

Mayoral candidates have until April 29 to collect and submit the signatures of 3,000 voters registered in the city.

Former City Councilor Pete Dinelli and retired Albuquerque Police Department Sgt. Paul Heh previously said they are running for mayor, and several other names have surfaced as possible candidates.

Also picking up candidate packets later on Saturday were former Albuquerque first lady Margaret Aragón de Chavez, the now-ex-wife of Mayor Martin Chavez, and Jay Flowers.  Flowers, 30, told political blogger Joe Monahan he's a member of the "working poor" and was running to bring attention to their issues.

KRQE News 13 will have more on Berry's announcement and the declarations of other candidates on evening newscasts.