artdirector@sfreporter.com
Online, Sept. 13: “Mayor Hopefuls talk issues”
Weigh the options
I feel dismayed by the vilification of Mayor Alan Webber over the obelisk incident. Grievances on all sides are to be expected; it would be highly unlikely for an issue of this magnitude to be handled without alienating some or all of the parties involved; however, the fact that there was no injury or loss to human life was paramount. Can we commit as a community to cultivating the “public mourning, forgiveness, and healing” that truth and reconciliation requires? If not, what’s the alternative? Most of us have important relationships across all ethnicities; it is in our best interests to foster understanding. Mayor Webber navigated the obelisk and COVID in addition to preexisting challenges and he still wants to keep his seat; this shows a willingness to serve that could be of great benefit.
The best choice for mayor would be an unequivocal environmental leader. In the absence of such a candidate, the best alternative might be a seasoned one. No matter who occupies the office, we, the constituents, must pressure them to exert an urgent response to the climate emergency—every one of our lives and livelihoods depends on this, especially if the feds sell out to polluter interests.
Nodiah Brent, Santa Fe
Cover, Sept. 29: “Santa Fe Unidos”
Define successful
Great article extolling the virtues of soccer and hinting it should have its own, separate stadium—paid for by taxpayers, of course. It’s inaccurate to call a team successful when it can’t build its own stadium on the revenues. That isn’t how sports is done, you say? Remember territorial governor Lew Wallace’s take: “All calculations based on our experiences elsewhere fail in New Mexico.” We have stadiums already. The sports can share. That will be a good lesson for the children, and we could apply the savings to our schools.
Amme Hogan, Albuquerque
