ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) The Albuquerque City Council has decided to hire publicity handlers. KOAT-TV reports that city councilors announced a contract with an Albuquerque-based public relations firm. Council President Ken Sanchez says the decision was made in the wake of national attention from a scathing U.S. Justice Department report as well as protests of a series of police-involved shootings.
Sanchez says it has entered in a $25,000 agreement with the Garrity Group. He says the arrangement will cost less than a full-time public information officer. The Garrity Group says they are still in negotiations with the city on a contract.
The firm will handle media questions and work with councilors and staff on how to respond to the community.
