OPINION: Talk of the Town

Darren White lacks integrity

As of this writing, we don’t know who gave the yellow “I Love Tim Keller” sweatshirts to homeless people on Central Avenue. It’s worth remembering, however, that Darren White has had issues with a lack of integrity in the past.

One is his total flip on cannabis. During Gov. Gary Johnson’s term, White resigned in 1999 from his position as secretary of the Public Safety Department because he opposed the legalization of cannabis. In 2007, White was quoted in an Albuquerque newspaper as saying, “I’ve never supported medical marijuana.” However, after the state legalized cannabis, White founded and served as the CEO of PūrLife, a medical cannabis company, from October 2015 until the company was sold in September 2021.

Also, there are still unresolved questions about the house he owned in Florida. He claimed this house as his primary residence from 2022 to 2025, thus saving $50,000 in property tax. At one point, he said the Florida house was his primary residence. Later, he said it wasn’t.

There are other instances where White displayed a serious lack of character: receiving a “no confidence vote” from the members of the police union in February 2011; and in July 2011, intervening at the scene of his wife’s one-car accident.

Mayor Keller has consistently demonstrated the opposite. He’s a man of integrity and should be elected instead of a flawed person like Darren White.

Dale Garrett

Albuquerque

Keller disregarded Hispanic culture

Which candidate for mayor will best defend family values important to Albuquerque’s Hispanic community? Mayor Tim Keller has disregarded our culture and history by refusing to return the statue of our ancestor and hero, Juan de Oñate, from hidden jail to its rightful place at the head of La Jornada monument in Old Town Plaza. Because of this, my relatives and I place our trust in Darren White.

Hispanics have long been shaped by a strong Christian heritage. Central to that heritage is the nuclear family, with a committed father and mother providing moral guidance to their children. Most Albuquerque Hispanics descend from the 1598 Oñate expedition, and our presence remains foundational to New Mexico’s identity.

Oñate’s legacy continues through his many descendants. In 1998, Mayor Jim Baca launched the Quarto Centenario, honoring the Spanish colonists who introduced language, culture, technology and the vaquero tradition to the Southwest. As the first governor of Nueva México, Oñate — my 13th great-grandfather — financed and led the expedition that established Villa Real de Santa Fe, laying the cultural groundwork for future generations.

The Spanish vaquero tradition was built on skill, grit and perseverance. Ranchero families helped form the American cowboy, passing on a spirit of resilience that still defines us.

It is a painful irony that this symbol of the American cowboy — Oñate — has effectively been “jailed” in Albuquerque for five years. His absence is a glaring omission from the story of Hispanic America. To appease a small group of misinformed protesters, Keller removed the monument.

I urge my fellow Hispanics — and all voters who value family and heritage — to reject Keller’s bias and give White the opportunity to restore the Oñate statue and its story to its rightful home in Old Town.

Donald Chavez

Belen

This winter, no child should go without

With all the sadness in the world right now, I found myself questioning how I can make a small difference in the Albuquerque community this holiday season. I felt the need to bring a little hope to Albuquerque and turn my sorrows into action by starting a holiday giving tree for students at Whittier Elementary School, Wilson Middle School, Highland High School and Hawthorne Elementary School.

There is an abundance of families who could use a helping hand this winter. With the support of the Dukes Track Club, Michael Thomas Coffee and Heart & Sole Sports, we set out to connect neighbors with children who might otherwise go without using the power of community and social media.

At each participating business, you’ll find a Giving Tree adorned with tags. Each tag lists a child’s wish for necessities, warm clothing, shoes that fit and a special holiday gift. Community members can pick up a tag and “adopt” a student. Gifts will be lovingly wrapped and delivered to schools before winter break.

What moves me is how these businesses support the community year-round, not just during the holidays. Michael Thomas Coffee provides scholarships for our youth program. And Heart & Sole supports our kiddos with shoes and covering costs of apparel, nutrition and other items.

In a time of struggle, your compassion can turn a difficult season into one filled with hope. My hope is that by demonstrating how people can come together, we bring more joy into the world. Small acts of kindness truly make an impact.

We’re sharing these stories on Instagram and Facebook (@DukesTrackClub and @MichaelThomasCoffee). Inspire others to join by picking up a tag, hosting a Giving Tree or spreading the word on your own Facebook/Instagram pages. No child should go without this winter.

Arlene Espinoza-Armijo

Albuquerque

Is anybody listening? Not in restaurants

My husband and I are in our 70s and have always enjoyed dining out, but we rarely do now. I am hearing impaired with both hearing loss and tinnitus.

We no longer go out to eat because it has become nearly impossible to have a conversation with each other, or any guests, due to the loud music blasting throughout most restaurants. Currently we have found only a handful of restaurants out of the nearly 1,400 in Albuquerque that do not play music. Many establishments even pipe it into their outdoor dining areas. Is anybody really listening to the music?

Within the next 10 years it is estimated that the Boomer generation will become the largest age group in America and many of us are, or will become, hearing impaired.

The restaurant industry could benefit greatly with making their establishments more “hearing friendly” by turning the music off or lowering it to a whisper. My generation not only has the time to dine out, but we often have the disposable income to do so — and to tip generously.

Please give us Boomers a reason to return to restaurants.

Lynn Shaw

Albuquerque