Return Duke City to its former glory
WHY WOULD any business want to locate or remain in Albuquerque? Our city is at the top of most national “Worst” lists and at the bottom of most national “Best” lists. Our crime has accelerated, our health industry is lacking and our schools are faltering. That said, the business does come and does remain because of the type of people shown in this photograph. These incredibly loyal and devoted friends, families and customers lined up two nights in a row to purchase original art — not TVs, games or iPhones, but art!
We are a city of creativity. Our community has long protected and supported this creativity. Albuquerque has shown great resilience in maintaining an art presence in the face of a disappointing local economy.
It is imperative to continue to support these supporters by doing what is necessary to keep our town on an upward path.
First, we must reduce our criminal activity immediately! The crime isn’t just centered around Downtown businesses. My businesses have been basically located in the far Northeast heights for over 36 years, and we have suffered from multiple criminal acts, including burglary, vandalism and of course, pervasive shoplifting. My customers have been harassed, and I have been called a racist for refusing continuing handouts — which I freely gave at one time but tired of the constant pressure. It has escalated immensely in the last few years. Weapons have also been used on other businesses in my center.
Second, we must improve our education system. I watch children outside playing when it is obvious they should be in school. Parents are nowhere to be seen. And yet, these locales indicate nice cars, satellite TV set-ups and when adults are around, none are without iPhones. Priorities? An obvious problem. Without education, we are now just adding to a nonearning population without any attempt at stopping this pervasive cycle.
Albuquerque at one time was a thriving and safe business community. It has the potential once more to rise above what it has become. I will continue to try to keep my business alive and healthy, but as the city goes, there goes the business community. Please fight to make our city what it once was. The people who stood outside of my business to support my business deserve at least this.
By the way, the use of the acronym “ART” for the Central Project? Our world of “art” has been insulted by this use. MARY ANN WEEMS Albuquerque