Did you know that the most controversial item on next Tuesday's ABQ election ballot is the extension of Paseo Del Norte on the westside? Of course you did. But a TV spot unveiled by the "Stop Tax Waste" group, which is funded mainly by the environmental community, does not EVER mention the road in their TV ad urging city voters to reject the $52 million street bond issue, $12 million of which would go to extend Paseo. A bit strange seeing as how this is the same group attacking the City Council for lumping the Paseo project in with other street projects thereby thwarting a stand-alone vote on Paseo. You can see the ad for yourself at http://www.stoptaxwaste.com/TVAd.html

It seems the mere mention of Paseo is now the equivalent of swearing; by the City Council majority that supported the road but hid it from the public, and the environmental groups opposed. The TV ad also tries to drag Mayor Marty into the fray by directly criticizing his support of the street bonds, but Chavez (so far) has not taken the bait. The smart money is on the bonds passing, maybe not by a huge total, but nevertheless winning, so the mayor's low-profile is seen as the wisest strategy headed into the crucial final days.

Opponents of Paseo realize most voters support it, so instead of attacking the road, their TV aims to get everyone mad about the westside getting most of the road repair money this bond cycle. This, they hope, will defeat the street bonds and thus the Paseo extension they dread. Old timers, reacting to the latest tactics, decry the divisiveness of city politics these days. One told me late Monday: "Both sides are as far apart as ever. Now, they are trying to tear the whole town apart. The sooner this election is over, the better!"