by Rodd Cayton
Albuquerque City Councilor Dan Lewis verbally sparred with representatives of Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller at this week’s city council meeting, regarding the mayor’s words at a weekend rally.
Lewis’ noted that Keller used the phrase “litigate, legislate, agitate,” which has been used across the country by opponents of Trump administration cuts to federal programs and policies on immigration and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).
Lewis focused on the word “agitate,” after mentioning a reported arson at Republican Party headquarters in Albuquerque and vandalism at Tesla dealerships, including a showroom near Bernalillo.
He said Keller’s pledge to “agitate” at the “Hands Off!” protest before a crowd of hundreds) at Civic Plaza echoes attempts elsewhere to stir up provocation.
“Did that indicate any kind of message to the city people of Albuquerque on how they should behave regarding things they disagree with?” Lewis said.
He further grilled the mayor’s staff about whether Keller was suggesting a particular direction for the city.
“This is the mayor of Albuquerque, and so I’m wondering what kind of direction that he gave to you all regarding that statement,” Lewis said. “You know, is it a policy statement? Is it a strategy of the mayor of the City of Albuquerque, the people of Albuquerque to focus on agitating, legislating, litigating?”
He also asked whether Keller referred to possible local legislation.
City chief administrative officer Samantha Sengel said the mayor has not discussed that particular phrase with staff.
“What we’ve had a discussion about is that … the administration is greatly concerned about the potential for funding being cut for the city,” Sengel said.
She said the federal cuts could reduce the Albuquerque Police Department ranks by 50 officers and keep the department from acquiring needed technology, and the administration is asking New Mexico’s congressional delegation to protect the state’s interest as the federal government continues its budgeting process.
Sengel said her job consists of overseeing operations of the city and that she hasn’t discussed with Keller the definition of the word “agitate.”
“I would encourage you to ask him about it,” Lewis responded. “Because it seems like it has policy connotations … I think it’s incredibly irresponsible for the mayor of the City of Albuquerque again to shout for people to agitate.”
Councilor Tammy Fiebelkorn, who attended the rally, said she heard Keller say “agitate,” and offered another definition at the meeting
“I just Googled ‘agitate,” Fiebelkorn said. “It says ‘campaign to arouse public concern about an issue in the hopes of prompting action.’ And I just want to say I’m very thankful that we had a mayor that was willing to stand up and try to push for some action against what’s happening in our country right now. I think that all of the millions of people who attended the hands off rally across our country all feel similarly.”
Lewis asked whether Keller is recommending the city launch any litigation against the federal government.
City Attorney Lauren Keefe said the city has not initiated or joined any litigation.
“At this point, we are watching very closely the situation with all of the grants, and you know, whether any funding is revoked that has been previously been promised,” she said.
Lewis and administration officials also tussled over Albuquerque’s immigrant-friendly city status, police cooperation with immigration authorities and the possible effect on federal aid. Sengal suggested the councilor’s mention of a man detained in connection with the slaying of a local teenager was an attempt to bait her into saying something on behalf of the mayor, which she declined to do.
“I’d encourage you to have this discussion with him,” she said. “But we’ve been clear about our position that people that engage in crime will be pursued and and should be prosecuted for the crimes that they commit.”