Albuquerque has been last in so many categories for so long that many have given up and moved to better managed cities, usually in better managed states. We don’t have to continue to be on a fast exit plan and can turn that around with Manny Gonzales as Mayor of Albuquerque. Here’s why:
1. Crime. Plain and simple Albuquerque has a huge problem with crime and many people live in fear wondering when they will be the next victim. Mayor Keller campaigned on cleaning up the crime problem four years ago and yet the crime rate has increased 24% under his rule. In 2019, Albuquerque was the 9th most dangerous city in the nation. According to 'Neighborhood Scout,' who attributes their information directly to FBI crime data, shows Albuquerque stands at a 71% crime rate for every 1000 citizens through 2020. That is shocking!
How can Albuquerque not only improve its crime ratings from one of the most violent, dangerous cities in the nation and make its citizens feel safe again?
The first step is electing a mayor who understands crime and has a track record of managing it effectively. If you look at the record of the current Bernalillo County Sheriff, Manny Gonzales, you can see what it takes to beat the Albuquerque crime stats. Gonzales has been stepping up to fight crime for years and has a proven track record. The unincorporated areas of Bernalillo County have a lower crime rate in every category as compared to Albuquerque.
Gonzales currently runs Gang Recognition and Intelligence Patrol (GRIP) events in targeted areas working with businesses to stop the crime that is affecting them and their employees. Keeping our businesses safe protects their employees and helps keep their operations stable. This helps bring stability to the immediate neighborhood, which increases stability to the larger community while lowering the crime rate. This program would be a huge first step in lowering the Albuquerque crime rate and only Gonzales has the experience to make it happen.
According to Dennis Kenney, John Jay College of Criminal Justice professor, “Mayors can have a powerful effect if they rally the community behind law enforcement”. He said the collaboration between the community and authorities is the “single most important determinant of police effectiveness.”
2. Homelessness. The homeless situation in Albuquerque has increased dramatically under the Keller administration, because it has become much easier to be homeless in Albuquerque. Gonzales has a heart to help those in need but has stated he will stop the ‘bird feeder’ policies that lead to ever increasing homelessness in Albuquerque.
When you have policies that encourage the homeless to stay on the streets, you’ll get what that produces. Under the Keller administration, Albuquerque’s homeless numbers have exploded and based on what we’ve seen in states that have legalized recreational marijuana, it’s going to increase even more substantially when that goes into effect in New Mexico next year.
If Albuquerque has any hope of changing this situation, we must have stronger leadership than we’ve seen over the past four years. Gonzales has vowed to help those who truly need the help and get the others productively employed and housed. That’s the commitment and leadership Albuquerque deserves and needs for a brighter future.
3. Economy. The New Mexico economy is ranked 48th in the nation. Albuquerque's is only slightly higher at 44th in the nation. Our unemployment rate is 7.6% while the nationwide average is 6.0%. Our economy is following a clear trend of politicians being….well, politicians. Feeding their own pockets at the expense of ours.
Albuquerque's Mayor Keller is following closely in the footsteps of our Governor and both are equally bad news for Burquanos. Average income has gone down. Our youth are not sticking around when they complete their education and leave to cities and states with more opportunity, and less crime.
In 2018, Albuquerque ranked 160 out of 200 metro areas for its ability to create and keep good jobs. According to a 2021 study from POLICOM Economic Analysis Corporation, Albuquerque is ranked 200 out of 384 metro areas when Keller took office. It is now ranked 245 out of 384. That is a trend in the wrong direction.
There is hope for Albuquerque to once again be a safe place to raise a family and run a business, but only if voters have the courage to vote for strong leadership under Manny Gonzalez.
Rachel Donovan is a published author, certified mediator for the courts, police chaplain and patriotic New Mexican that volunteers thousands of hours each year in service to others.