Editor,
After reading about Mayor Chavez's "plan" to clean up the city by requesting citizens to tear down fliers off lightposts, I felt compelled to provide another viewpoint on the subject.
I agree that out-of-town advertisements, ridiculous diet plans and similar fliers should be controlled and simply take up space. However, I hope that the distinction between these sorts of advertisements and local event information is clearly pointed out.
Local bands, poets, producers and people simply trying to create some sort of entertainment zone in Albuquerque have struggled for years against this anti-nightlife aspect of living in this city. Artists are providing an invaluable service to Albuquerque by creating a cultural scene here that is only now beginning to be recognized.
If you were to visit any city with a thriving music and arts scene, you would find lightposts and walls covered with announcements and event information, and more important, the support of the city - all part of a healthy and creative environment that supports cutting edge cultural activities. Similar to some of the amazing "graffiti" and murals around town, this is not litter, it is a sign of life.
To us, a lightpost filled with concert announcements is a wonderful thing to see. It means that the scene here is growing, and we are leaving behind the stagnation that has made Albuquerque such a difficult city for artists to inhabit at times. This city is changing, and it is important to recognize the uniqueness of the land that we inhabit - culturally and artistically speaking. Musicians and artists need the support of the community, the University and the government to know that our hard work and organization in creating something for you all to do at night is being appreciated and valued.
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With absurd campaigns like this - anyone remember the "no alcohol or new club" movement against downtown before Mayor Baca started the rejuvenation project? - is it any wonder so many talented artists with the potential to put New Mexico on the map are forced to move and call somewhere else home, or stay here in relative obscurity, with their own city unaware of their creativity?
Jeff Duneman
Latin American Studies graduate student and local musician
