NM voters decide on major bonds, issues

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Some big bond issues were decided Tuesday night.

The much disputed Paseo-I-25 project will move forward, it passed 65 percent to 35 percent.

Mayor R.J Berry had strongly campaigned for the $50 million project.

The approval means work to improve what many call a traffic nightmare could begin as early as the end of next summer.

Also there was a vote of confidence on the Paseo Project at the county level after a Bernalillo County bond that ties into the Paseo project passed by 66 percent to 34 percent.

The $10 million bond includes $5 million to help pay for the makeover.

Albuquerque voters also approved raising the city's minimum wage but it's not a done deal.

It passed 65 percent to 35 percent.

The minimum wage will increase from $7.50 an hour to $8.50.

Even though the increase passed, it might be awhile before workers actually see it.

Opponents have already threatened to sue and the city council could overrule the vote at a later date.

There was also a big vote for the state's colleges.

Voters approved $120 million to spruce up old buildings and build some new ones.

Usually these statewide bonds pass easily but two years ago a similar bond narrowly failed.

This time around backers raised some serious cash for an ad blitz pushing the need for bond C and it passed 61 percent to 39 percent.

Also decided Tuesday night were three amendments dealing with the scandal plagued PRC.

The Public Regulation Commission has the vital job of overseeing public utilities and insurance companies and setting rates.

The push to increase qualifications to run for PRC passed 81 percent to 19 percent.

The next would shift the job of registering corporations from the PRC to the secretary of state's office. It was a very close decision with 51 percent voting yes and 49 percent against.

The last one would create new state agency to oversee the insurance industry, stripping the PRC of that duty.

It was passed, 51 percent approved 49 percent against.