OPINION: In defense of strong, steady leadership

Over the past few months, I’ve noticed the near-proportional stream of “anti-Keller” opinion pieces filling the Journal’s pages — about five to one, which not coincidentally matches the number of candidates running against him for mayor. Lost in most of these critiques is a simple truth: What Albuquerque needs right now more than ever is strong, experienced leadership.

My family has lived in this community for generations. We’ve seen hard times before, and these are no exception. But the difference I see in Mayor Tim Keller is that he doesn’t flinch from those challenges — he faces them head-on. Time and again, he’s shown that addressing decades-old issues like crime, homelessness and addiction requires relentless problem-solving, an actual plan, and the determination to see it through.

For years, I’ve watched his detractors — and, at times, segments of the media — seem to root for his failure, and by extension, for the city’s failure. Keller stands in sharp contrast to that cynicism. He has the courage to acknowledge what’s broken while still championing what’s working — and yes, even to smile while doing it. He believes in this city. And somehow, that optimism itself has become a target.

We see that same spirit in every debate: Keller’s deep understanding of policy, his authenticity and his willingness to speak the truth even when it’s not popular. That’s real leadership — not empty promises or applause lines. Yet too often, pundits dismiss it as idealism rather than recognizing it as the moral conviction leadership demands.

Recently, some in the media seemed defensive when the mayor offered a good-natured jab about how little progress gets covered. The irony, of course, is that his campaign ads themselves highlight that very point — because they show what too often goes unreported. Whether it’s crime finally trending downward, progress on police reform, or the creation of the Albuquerque Community Safety Department — a national model now emulated by other cities — the results are real. They include new parks, housing, community centers and infrastructure investments across our city. These aren’t slogans; they’re tangible accomplishments that deserve recognition.

The clearest example of this disconnect came in a recent column by conservative editorial page columnist Jeff Tucker, who built an entire argument around a single sound bite taken out of context. He accused Keller of arrogance and dismissal, when in fact, Keller was doing what real leaders do: standing up for what’s right.

Here’s the full context Tucker left out. Keller was responding to a small but vocal group in the audience cheering on comments from his opponents about “shipping out” the homeless “zombies.” In response, the mayor said:

“It is not illegal to be homeless. You want to ship homeless people out of here by force? That is illegal. That is immoral and it’s wrong. I know that’s what would make you feel better. But I will never do it. And also, you can’t do it. So, if you want to just believe the red meat that everyone’s throwing out here, vote for them. I don’t want your vote.”

That’s not arrogance — that’s integrity. Keller was the only candidate on that stage willing to say what needed to be said. He stood up for our city’s values and for our shared humanity. And he paired that conviction with a real solution: the Gateway System, a coordinated network helping people move from the streets into housing and recovery. He acknowledged the scale of the problem and the need to do more — especially when it comes to addressing the addiction crisis driving much of our homelessness.

I’ve often been critical of government at every level for failing to prioritize marginalized communities. Yes, I want faster results too. But I give Keller credit for recommitting to another term — not because it’s easy, but because the work isn’t finished.

Ultimately, Albuquerque voters will decide who they trust to lead during another turbulent political era, one again defined by division under Donald Trump’s return to the national stage. As for me, I’d rather have a mayor who fights for Albuquerque than one who plays politics with it.

Strong leadership doesn’t mean avoiding criticism — it means having the courage to face it, to keep working and to keep believing in the people you serve. That’s what Tim Keller has done. And that’s why Albuquerque should keep him.