"The Albuquerque Citizens Committee was launched in 1952 as a result of deep-seated recognition of the need for a permanent, non-partisan organization to seek out and encourage responsible citizens to serve as city commissioners and to give them the support needed to win elections." Representatives of more than 50 groups met at the citizen's council to assist the City of Albuquerque in solving municipal problems. The group became Albuquerque Citizens Committee. Their platform was "concern for the quality of urban living," including the environment, human life (youth, prevention programs, security of people and property), economic opportunity/anti-poverty, high standards of competence in government, and "home rule" to enable the citizens of Albuquerque to make decisions without legislative permission, in matters affecting Albuquerque alone. Albuquerque Citizens Committee successfully ran a slate of candidates for City Commission in 1954, winning 3 to 1 over the mainstream ticket. Don Johnstone, one of the founders of the Committee, played a pivotal role in the successful campaign of 1954. After the election, the Committee became a permanent organization through the adoption of a constitution. Johnstone served as secretary on the executive board of the committee. The committee dedicated itself to conducting studies of municipal problems, assisting the city in promoting city ordinances and state legislation, ascertaining public opinion on municipal affairs, and disseminating information on city affairs. Membership was comprised of geographically, ethnically, politically and economically diverse citizens of Albuquerque and was open to registered voters. Source: Albuquerque Citizens Committee brochure (box 2, folder 18).
From the description of Don Johnstone papers pertaining to the Albuquerque Citizens Committee, 1951-1970. (University of New Mexico-Main Campus). WorldCat record id: 748677889
