Mayor Keller needs time to reverse ABQ’s troubles

PETE DINELLI articulated some very small-minded and short-sighted views in his (June 8) op-ed “Mayor earns a ‘C’ average for first six months.”

Everyone — especially people who have served in the public sphere, like Dinelli — should realize that turning Albuquerque around after eight years of the failed (Richard) Berry administration isn’t going to happen in six months. Not to mention that the toughest problems like curbing crime, reforming APD and boosting economic development are also the ones that are going to take the longest to tackle — and will need much more than a new mayor to make them happen.

Mayor Tim Keller’s campaign promise was to create a safe, inclusive and innovative city for all of us. He and his administration are working hard to make good on that promise. And Mayor Keller has demonstrated a refreshing level of candor that stands in stark contrast to the Berry administration’s self-justifications. Recognizing that the initial response to the recent child-abuse case was inappropriate and inadequate, Keller and (new police) Chief (Michael) Geier were honest enough to admit the mistake — and, most importantly, started a process to change police procedures going forward.

Dinelli, rather than concocting a ridiculous report card based on unrealistic expectations and standards that cannot be achieved in the “real world,” why not offer your time and talent in ways that could truly help our city move forward?