Why can’t we have a nice city all year round?

Fall is undoubtedly the best time of year in Albuquerque. The State Fair, cooler temperatures, chiles roasting, Balloon Fiesta, and the streets suddenly become cleaner and safer. With a city election coming this fall as well, that last point is worth further discussion. In fact, the article below had the following gem:

ABQ Ride says the officers will check bus platforms and go on the buses to make sure things are running smoothly. They say they currently have 21 Transit Officers for the city, the largest ever in their history. In addition, the City is also moving some of its private security guards to the Louisiana and Central bus platform for the duration of the fair. Last month, Mayor Tim Keller shared the National Guard would also be helping during the fair.

The article also refers to “cleaning up the streets” around the Fairgrounds. Locals are familiar with the pattern as suddenly the “homeless” population is no longer as noticeable during Balloon Fiesta. That being said, downtown is perhaps so bad or so far away from the Fairgrounds and Balloon Fiesta that we haven’t seen a difference there. The point being: Like California Gov. Gavin Newsom Mayor Keller knows how to clean up our city but he just doesn’t want to do it year-round (or for just the people who live here).

Of course, we have an election this fall. If you feel that Albuquerque should only be cleaned up and made safe for State Fair and Balloon Fiesta by all means give him a 3rd term in office.