Got Priorities?

I'm down with luminarias...and christmas lights.

But the city could do more than christmas lights and luminarias to shine.

The Mayor is at his dog and lights show again. And he's good at it. I suppose it could bring some publicity for the city.

I just can't help of thinking of the folks up on Pajarito Mesa. For over a decade they've organized to demand basic services like electricity and water, worked to get their roads in shape, and provided school transportation for children.

Or folks without shelter or warmth this cold winter. Or even people just having a hard time paying the electric and heating bills.

On our 300th birthday as a city, we should be looking to tackle those problems. Lighting the city can wait.

I was just in New Orleans for the Gulf Coast Justice and Solidarity Tour. I saw first hand what happens when priorities are mixed up. When culture is used to promote a city, yet the folks whose culture is celebrated can't participate because they can't afford it.

The lights turn on in the French Quarter, yet the Treme area where Mama D and Jim Hayes live is dark, with corpses still being found.

This dynamic plays out in ABQ all the time.

We promote Native America, yet build roads through sacred sites. Now we're lighting luminarias and Christmas lights, while ignoring the plight of the people on Pajarito Mesa.

Albuquerque will shine brighter when we get our priorities straight.