For Immediate Release
Contact: info@joyjunction.org
ALBUQUERQUE, NM – With Albuquerque’s crime rate being the worst in the nation, shockingly, Mayor R. J. Berry has been given an award by the Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce for his public safety work.
Local media shared some of the community reaction, which was far from positive.
Joy Junction Founder and CEO Dr. Jeremy Reynalds wasn’t at the ceremony, but said he was shocked beyond belief.
“We have been a member of the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce for a number of years, and had envisioned continued membership, but this is just too much to ignore. Effective immediately, we will be canceling our membership.”
He added, “To do nothing and stay silent would be an insult to the families who have lost loved ones through our crime infested city, and ignoring the plight of businesses whose finances have been depleted through this daily crime spree.”
Reynalds said he had always thought that chambers of commerce were to help and encourage members, “not slap them in the face with a bogus award. My mind is still reeling from this.”
Reynalds continued, “The local news goes from one disturbing crime story to another. From a cab driver having his throat slit, to people being beaten up in their homes, and to those whose homes are invaded by perpetrators who crawl in through ‘doggy doors,’ people no longer feel safe in their homes. Those working Downtown are feeling especially terrified getting to work.”
Joy Junction feels for everyone’s safety and peace of mind, the homeless and those who make Joy Junction’s ongoing operation possible, that a “feel good” award (which in this case didn’t make anyone feel anything other than angry) is not the solution to anything.
Reynalds said that answers need to come quickly, before Albuquerqueans start to leave the once beautiful city in droves out of unmitigated terror.
Reynalds said he appreciates all of our local law enforcement officials, especially the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Dept, which regularly interacts with the County-based Joy Junction.
