Albuquerque City Attorney Responds to Conflict of Interest Allegations

Accusations from City Council Leadership

In a developing situation in Albuquerque, City Council President Brook Bassan has raised serious allegations against City Attorney Lauren Keefe, accusing her of a conflict of interest in ongoing litigation involving the City Council and Mayor Tim Keller’s administration. Bassan claims that Keefe may have collaborated with the Mayor’s Office on legal documents related to lawsuits that directly impact the Council, potentially breaching the City Charter and professional ethics.

City Attorney’s Defense

In response to these allegations, Keefe has firmly denied any wrongdoing. In an email statement, she emphasized her commitment to ethical practices, stating that she informed the Council of her conflict as soon as it arose and recused herself from representing the Council. Keefe noted that she facilitated the hiring of outside counsel to advocate for the Council’s interests while still receiving updates on the litigation to ensure the city’s overall interests were protected. “I take my ethical duties very seriously,” Keefe remarked, asserting the appropriateness of her actions.

Legal Framework and Implications

The situation highlights the complex legal framework governing the roles of city officials. According to the Albuquerque City Charter, the City Attorney is tasked with representing both the Mayor and the City Council, which can lead to potential conflicts when disputes arise between the two branches. The Charter requires attorneys to recuse themselves from matters where a conflict exists, a principle designed to maintain the integrity of municipal governance.

Broader Context of Ongoing Disputes

This controversy is set against a backdrop of escalating tensions between the Mayor’s Office and the City Council, with multiple lawsuits currently in play. These legal battles include challenges related to staffing in the fire department and other administrative actions initiated by the Mayor, which have prompted the Council to seek independent legal representation.

Next Steps for the City Council

As the situation unfolds, Bassan has called for an independent investigation into Keefe’s conduct. The City Council plans to formally address this request in their upcoming meeting scheduled for January 5. Should the investigation confirm any breaches of the Charter or ethical standards, consequences could range from disciplinary action by the state bar to potential termination by the Council or Mayor.

Potential Consequences of Findings

Findings of wrongdoing could not only lead to significant political ramifications but may also impact ongoing litigation involving the City Council. Allegations of conflict of interest can complicate legal proceedings and erode public trust in municipal governance.