OPINION: Why the heck did you endorse Keller? Let us explain

Who can fix the mess we find ourselves in as a city? That’s the question many Albuquerque residents are asking as we approach the upcoming mayoral runoff election.

As police officers, we’re not just asking — we’re living the consequences of past decisions and actively working toward a better future. And we believe the answer is clear: Mayor Tim Keller deserves another term.

Over the past decade, Albuquerque has faced unprecedented challenges in public safety. From federal oversight by the Department of Justice to record-low staffing levels, scandals and a growing homelessness crisis, our city has endured more than its fair share of turmoil.

Much of this unfolded during Keller’s administration — but not because of it. In fact, Keller inherited a broken system shaped by the failed leadership of previous administrations, particularly that of Darren White under former Mayor Richard Berry. So why would the Albuquerque Police Officers Association endorse Keller again? Simple. Because we cannot afford to return to the leadership of Darren White and his allies.

Some may have forgotten, but officers have not. We remember the damage done under White’s tenure as public safety director. He broke trust with officers by refusing to honor a signed contract, slashing pay by 8% across the board. That decision led to a lawsuit costing the city over $5 million. He also cut officer ranks and slowed hiring, triggering a staffing crisis that has haunted us for years.

White now claims he can clean up our streets. But the truth is, he helped create the very mess we’re in. Back then, 84% of officers voted “no confidence” in his leadership. We lacked faith in his ability to manage public safety, honor commitments and serve the community. That hasn’t changed. In contrast, Mayor Keller has shown a consistent commitment to working with officers to address crime and homelessness. We’ve partnered with his administration through the DOJ reform process, and now that federal oversight is finally behind us, we are optimistic about the future.

Keller didn’t create the crisis — he stepped into it and chose collaboration over blame. He’s listened to officers. He’s invested in rebuilding trust and capacity. And he’s demonstrated a willingness to stay the course, even when the path is difficult. That’s the kind of leadership Albuquerque needs.

We know what it’s like to serve on the front lines of this city every day. We see the consequences of broken promises and failed policies. We also see the progress that’s possible when leadership is steady, transparent and committed to real change. We cannot afford to go backward. Darren White’s policies left us understaffed, underpaid and unsupported. His promises were empty, and his legacy is one of erosion — not restoration.

Keller offers a different path. One rooted in partnership, reform and a shared vision for a safer Albuquerque. That’s why we’re endorsing him. Not because everything is perfect — but because we believe in the direction we’re heading and the integrity of the person leading us there. Let’s keep moving forward. Let’s stay the course. Let’s build the future our city deserves — with leadership we can trust.

Shaun Willoughby is the president of the Albuquerque Police Officers Association.