How I See It
by Dorothy Wilkinson
Chair, West Side Dems
It ain’t over ‘til it’s over.
The election on Tuesday was wonderful, although we did not win a couple of council seats we were counting on. But we have a chance to continue living in the city where the leaders share our democratic values. Or we could lose all and live under an administration and city council that believes Trump is always right and that I.C.E. with officers wearing masks should be allowed to come to the city and arrest our neighbors because they are dark skinned and they may not have the right papers to stay in our state, even if they have been here for 20 years.
Tim Keller won the race for mayor, but he didn’t win over 50 percent of the vote to win reelection. He won 36 percent of the vote and Republican Darren White won 34 percent. So there will be a runoff election.
If you voted for Alex Uballez or Mayling Armijo, I urge you to vote for Keller. I understand you may have grievances against Keller, but he shares our democratic values. He has stood up to Trump’s people, and he will continue to stand up to them. White, on the other hand, will invite Trump’s people in, including I.C.E. and federal troops. Choosing not to vote will be casting a vote for a Trumper.
The other runoff vote for the Westside is in District 1 where Stephanie Telles won 36 percent of the vote and Republican Joshua Neal won the 26 percent.
If you live in District 1, please get out and vote for Stephanie. If Stephanie wins, we will have a majority of Democrats on the council, and it will be much friendlier to us everyday people.
Klarissa Pena, councilor for District 3, is also in a runoff against Teresa Garcia.
Meet the New Ideas Working Group
Laurie Gould is the new chair of our Ideas Working Group. She has a wealth of experience in politics in Oregon and now she has joined us. She’s a great addition.
Other members of the Ideas Working Group include Nancy Wesemann, Lynne Gibbon, Amy Hilliard, Nick Harrison and Dorothy Wilkinson.
The purpose of this team is to flesh out some ideas to attract members and to prepare for a massive membership drive starting in January.
This is Laurie’s story: After moving to Albuquerque four years ago, I finally feel settled enough to get involved with local politics and the Westside Democrats seems like a lively, interesting organization focused on local candidates and issues. I’m excited to be part of the Ideas Working Group because the strength of the Democratic Party is its members.
In the short-term, we’re laying the groundwork for an expanded membership drive and getting feedback from members. Soon we’ll be extending our efforts and looking for ideas (and volunteers) to keep our organization vital and active. I’m really looking forward to getting to know Democrats in my new hometown.
It’s Your Turn
“It’s Your Turn” is the title of a new column in our monthly newsletter. Each month we will feature an article from a WSD member. If you would like to contribute, send your article to info@westsidedems.org. Your article can be informational, about something in city, county or state government that you like or dislike, ideas you would like to see WSD implement, or criticisms.
It’s My Turn
by Eric Valdez
Vice Chair, West Side Dems
I have been reflecting deeply on what I believe the future of the Democratic Party should embody. I envision a party that goes above and beyond in championing the working class and addressing the struggles they endure each and every day. We stand at a pivotal moment in our nation’s history—one in which countless Americans are suffering as a direct consequence of the inequalities and injustices that have afflicted our society for far too long.
The Democratic Party must rise to meet this moment. We must protect our immigrant communities, confront racial injustice, protect the LGBTQ+ community, ensure access to universal healthcare, raise the minimum wage, strengthen workers’ rights, expand access to affordable housing, and safeguard our environment for generations to come.
I foresee a bold and progressive future for the United States of America—a future that will only become reality if we stand united, get involved, seek public office, and make certain that our voices are never silenced. The future of this nation rests in our hands.
WSD Community Shares Thankfulness, Music & Donations at Luncheon
by Sue Wolinsky
Ready to Make an Impact?
Share Your Skills with WSD
The mood was merry and the room was filled with thankful souls as the Jazz Beans set the tempo at the West Side Democrats (WSD) annual Thankfulness Luncheon. It was held Saturday, November 8, at West Mesa Community Center. Approximately 50 persons attended, including members old and new, elected officials and candidates, friends and family, and even a few kids were there playing in the Kids’ Corner.
“West Side Dems members worked so hard for our West Side candidates in the municipal and school board elections. Some won, some lost, and some races are still undetermined (the mayor, and West Side City Council Districts 1 and 3. We are happy with our wins and mourn our losses. That’s what a community does,” said Dorothy Wilkinson, WSD Chair.
The runoff election will be on December 9. Early voting is December 1-6. Absentee ballot applications can be made until November 25; absentee ballots will start to be mailed on November 18. Same-day voter registration will be available. Dorothy and WSD Vice Chair Eric Valdez encouraged everyone to support Mayor Keller to defeat ultra-MAGA Darren White in the mayoral runoff.
There was a cloud of sadness hovering in the room, fed by the sudden loss of SNAP benefits by 42 million people amid the-then 38-day government shutdown. We feel glad that we live in New Mexico, where our state is taking extraordinary measures to fill some of the funding gap. We also felt that we want to help our neighbors.
WSD has identified Rio Grande Food Project, More Than Just Food – Rio Grande Food Project, the largest food pantry on the West Side, as the focus for member donations to help our hungry neighbors. A WSD member and 10-year volunteer at RGFP, shared her volunteering story there during the luncheon. (See related article.)
The food followed the thankful theme, with WSD providing savory turkey and glazed ham. Many members brought yummy side dishes and desserts. And many volunteers set up the food and cleaned up afterward. “We could not have these wonderful community events without our volunteers,” Dorothy said. “They are the backbone of our organization.”
“We loved the Jazz Beans, who provided great music throughout the event. They performed for free and one of their members even joined WSD,” said Dorothy. “I want to personally thank Steve Arbuckle, a WSD member and member of the band, for making this happen.” Several folks were seen dancing off and on throughout the afternoon event.
WSD also conducted a short business meeting.
- Outstanding volunteers who were honored included Terry Rich, who supports our newsletters and website; Mary Yuhaus and Nancy Wesemann, two sisters who make every picnic, luncheon, and happy hour a big success; and Elia Martinez, who took over our website after Ivan Pfeiffer retired (she was not at the luncheon).
- We also held a raffle that included ~20 members who paid their 2026 dues since October 1. Many members paid at the luncheon. If you want to pay your dues, go to Donate.
We Grooved
On Saturday, we were entertained by the Jazz Beans, a local group of great musicians. Their playing really lit up the room. They are Paolo Pastore, guitar; Massimo Iannilli, sax; Steve Arbuckle, drums; and Andrea Ravazzolo, bass.
WSD member and drummer Steve Arbuckle arranged for the band to play at our Thankfulness luncheon. While Steve is retiring from the group, the band will continue to play at different venues. They can be found jamming at Garduño’s Restaurant at the Nativo Lodge Hotel in Albuquerque every Sunday from 5 until 7:30 pm.
You can also catch them at Teddy Roe’s speakeasy just behind M’tucci’s Bar Roma in Nob Hill. Reservations recommended. Go here to get a table.
Information about the band be found on Facebook.
If you are interested in forming a group of WSD members to go Garduno’s or Teddy Roe’s, contact chair@weststsidedems.org.
Rio Grande Food Project Donations
West Side Food Pantry Fills Ever-growing Big Need
by Sue Wolinsky
A Challenge to West Side Dems: Want to help our hungry neighbors? Find other members and friends who want to help too. Gather donations. Or sign up to volunteer at one of the activities where RGFP needs help. If interested in forming a group to help RGFP, send your ideas in an email to info@westside.dems.org
“Thank you, West Side Dems members, some of whom have already given generously to the Rio Grande Food Project,” said Dorothy Wilkiinson, WSD Chair. “Many of you donated at our thankfulness luncheon on November 8 and some of you are volunteering or plan to volunteer. This is the community spirit of WSD in action, helping our neighbors. But they need more help to continue serving our hungry neighbors.”
The Rio Grande Food Project (RGFP) is the largest food pantry on the West Side of Albuquerque and the second largest in the Albuquerque area. It is located at 600 Coors Blvd. NW, in an area known as a food desert. “Your WSD Executive Committee identified RGFP as a West Side program that plays a critical role in feeding the most vulnerable in our community. They need our financial support, and they need our hands-on support through volunteering,” Dorothy said.
Get Some WSD SWAG!
Some WSD members showed up at our luncheon in our new WSD T-shirts and hats. We now have a variety of WSD SWAG that you can purchase yourself. Go to the WSD link below (at VistaPrint) and start shopping—shirts, hats, bumper stickers, square and round stickers, and water bottles are available. Prices will vary depending on the quantity you purchase. You must directly order and pay for the item(s), and get products delivered to you. WSD is not involved with orders; we just provided our logo.
Here are the steps to get started. Several people have tried the link and it worked fine!
- Got to here to create your account
- After registering, you will see the pre-designed items to choose from
- Click on whichever you like and order as needed
- If you need to login at a later date – bookmark https://westsidedems.
ourproshop.com - If you need help or have questions about the products, go to the support page or visit https://westsidedems.
ourproshop.com/support
When you get your swag, take a photo and send it to info@westsidedem.org.
I Want to Do Something –
But What?
I’ve heard that comment many times recently. So here is your answer:
We need volunteers to set up and take down our meetings.
We need members willing to text and call other members, reminding them of meetings and events.
We need people who have special talents and would like form groups around those talents or establish book clubs featuring a particular theme.
There are many other things volunteers can do. Just make a suggestion!
A member-centric club is one in which we all are involved, not just a few people.
To volunteer or to suggest an activity, send your contact information to chair@westsidedems.org.
We Are Off in December
Westside Dems are taking a holiday in December. There will be no meeting or newsletter. We are taking time to be with family and friends. Happy Holidays and Happy Thanksgiving and we’ll see you in 2026 when we launch our new member-centric WSD.
Join us in 2026
Members of West Side Dems are welcome to come to our executive committee meetings. We meet on the first Saturday of the month.
For more information about when and where we meet, contact info@westsidedems.org.
West Side Dems Immigration Info Hub
“If the rights of one person are denied, the rights of all of us are denied. This concept of mass deportation is very frightening. So West Side Dems will develop a hub of information about immigration and mass deportation.”
— Dorothy Wilkinson
Read Dorothy’s editorial on why immigration is so important.
Click here to see our new IMMIGRATION PAGE, with ways to get involved.
“If the rights of one person are denied, the rights of all of us are denied. This concept of mass deportation is very frightening. So West Side Dems will develop a hub of information about immigration and mass deportation.”
— Dorothy Wilkinson
Read Dorothy’s editorial on why immigration is so important.
Click here to see our new IMMIGRATION PAGE, with ways to get involved.
Our Mission
To Serve the 88,000 Democrats
Living on the West Side
Democrats Care!
We encourage and support candidates who will work for the good of everyone in our community. We believe in a government that is truly “of the people, by the people, and for the people”…not just for corporations, Wall Street, or the rich.
United By A Common Goal…
Social justice and human rights are more important than corporate profits. We seek to improve the quality of life for all of our residents through grass-roots support of candidates who listen and work to implement liberal programs and legislation.
Get Involved…
Your candidates can’t win without your help. Canvassing, phone banking, word-of-mouth, volunteering, and donating are all ways to work together to achieve our common goals.