Gallup candidates talk about racism and alcohol
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GALLUP
Gallup’s relationship with its neighbors to the north and south took center stage Monday night as candidates running for the March 10 city elections participated in a candidate’s forum held on the University of New Mexico-Gallup campus.
About 125 people showed up for the event with less than 10 being Native Americans in a city that is between 35 and 38 percent Native.
One of the several questions that related to Natives, alcoholism or the Gallup Detox Center, was on racism and whether or not it existed in Gallup.
“I don’t believe there is racism in Gallup,” said Jackie McKinney, who is running for re-election. “I believe there are people who like to cry racism when the needs that they feel aren’t meant.”
He added that the city’s trade depends on Navajos. “These people who come in and help our economy, we need to make sure we treat them respectfully.”
To read the full article, pick up your copy of the Navajo Times at your nearest newsstand Thursday mornings!
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