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September 23, 2013 Dear Animal Protection Voter, Animal Protection Voters (APV) is proud to announce the following

2013 Albuquerque election endorsements: Richard Berry for Mayor Ken Sanchez for City Council District 1 Isaac Benton for City Council District 2 Dan Lewis for City Council District 5 Don Harris for City Council District 9. Mayor Richard Berry has been attentive to the substantial needs of the Animal Welfare Department and has invited ideas from the community and Animal Protection Voters for improving the lives of animals in the citys shelters. Much still needs to be done for the thousands of homeless animals who wind up at our citys shelters every year. Councilmen Sanchez and Benton have extensive track records demonstrating their commitment to and support of a wide variety of animal protection issues, including voting in 2005 to support the HEART ordinance, one of the most progressive animal ordinances in the country, and continuing to support robust budgets for the Animal Welfare Department every time a vote is taken on the subject. While previously serving on the council for eight years, Councilman Benton was a leader in securing funding for capital improvements, and in pursuing a council vote on the issue of the cruel trapping of wild animals. Councilman Sanchez understands the important connection between public safety and animal welfare, and he ensures our citys policies reflect that connection. Councilmen Sanchez and Benton have a 100% voting record of protecting Albuquerques animals, and APV is grateful to them for their stalwart support of animal issues over so many years. Since in office, Councilman Dan Lewis has helped improve the lives of the citys homeless animals by ensuring that the Animal Welfare Department is properly funded.

Animal Protection Voters PO Box 11651, Albuquerque NM 87192 505-265-2322 505-265-2488 (fax) info@apvnm.org www.apvnm.org

Councilor Don Harris has worked hard to defeat recent legislation aimed at gutting the budget of the citys Animal Welfare Department, and he helped restore funding to the departments crucial functions. Councilman Harris also thwarted budget cut attempts during several previous funding cycles, cuts that would have resulted in the disappearance of critical jobs that save animals lives in Albuquerque. In the past, Councilor Harris intervened on behalf of the lives of prairie dogs who were threatened on a property in his district, resulting in their humane relocation. In addition, two bond initiatives on the ballot deserve your support because they will have a positive effect on the citys animals: 1. Government Obligation Energy and Water Conservation, Public Facilities, and System Modernization Bonds include $1.4 million that the Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department will use to build a dog exercise area, initiate upgrades to a kennel building, and replace shelter equipment that needs updating. 2. Government Obligation Zoo, Biological Park, Museum and Cultural Facility Bonds include $3.5 million to repair, renovate and upgrade Albuquerques zoo and aquarium. APV looks forward to working with the entire city council to continue Albuquerques progress for animal protection and to address the crushing problem of cat and dog homelessness. Election day is Tuesday, October 8th, but you can vote early in several locations and avoid Election Day delays and lines. For more information, including absentee voting details, visit cabq.gov/voting-elections. If youd like to volunteer to help APVendorsed candidates, please contact Laura Bonar at laura@apvnm.org. Finally, thank you for caring about animals in New Mexico, and for ensuring that animal welfare issues remain an important part of our policymakers dialogue on issues that matter to New Mexicans. Please help spread the word about Animal Protection Voters among your friends who care about animals, and encourage them to become members. For more information, visit our website at apvnm.org. Thank you! Sincerely yours,

Elisabeth Jennings Executive Director

Animal Protection Voters PO Box 11651, Albuquerque NM 87192 505-265-2322 505-265-2488 (fax) info@apvnm.org apvnm.org

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