Activist Lyla June Johnston discusses Kit Carson Park renaming, APD Culture of Violence, SNAP benefits & work requirements

In June, the Taos Town Council voted to rename Kit Carson Park to Red Willow, but then rescinded that decision in July after residents complained there was not enough public input, while supporters of Carson defended his legacy and members of Taos Pueblo raised concerns with using the name Red Willow. NMiF Producer Megan Kamerick speaks with activist Lyla June Johnston, one of the founders of the Taos Peace and Reconciliation Council, which first proposed the name change idea as a way to initiate wider discussions about the history of Taos, and how it impacts relations among different members of the community today.

The Line opinion panel discusses an op-ed in the New York Times that criticized the Albuquerque Police Department for helping to foster a culture of violence that resulted in the murders of two homeless men, allegedly by three teenagers. APD recently announced it was getting rid of a military armored vehicle, but then announced it has purchased a new armored tactical vehicle and plans to buy another, despite criticisms that it has become too militarized. This comes in the wake of the scathing report in April by the Department of Justice that found a pattern in APD of unnecessary deadly force.

The panel also looks at an announcement by Tesla Motors in which the car company told states competing for its gigafactory that they may need to contribute up to $500 million to land the project. Tesla told investors it had broken ground on the plant in Nevada, but it’s also continuing to evaluate other states, including New Mexico, as potential sites for the giant factory, which is supposed to employ upwards of 6,500 people. State lawmakers said such a large incentive could be worthwhile if there are protections in place to ensure Tesla performs as promised.

The Line discusses a proposal by the Martinez Administration to reinstitute and broaden the work requirements for those who receive SNAP benefits (formerly known as Food Stamps). The 20-hour-per-week requirement was suspended in 2009 due to the recession. An estimated 26,600 childless adults will be impacted. Administration officials also want low-income parents and caregivers with children age six or older to search for a job or do community service if they receive SNAP benefits. Critics say now is not the time to implement these changes, given the continuing shaky state of New Mexico’s economy.

Host:
Gene Grant

GUEST: Lyla June Johnston, Co-Founder, Taos Peace and Reconciliation Council

LINE PANELISTS:
Janice Arnold-Jones, Former State Representative
Dan Foley, Former House Minority Whip
Sophie Martin, Attorney
Rob Nikolewski, New Mexico Watchdog

CORRESPONDENT: Megan Kamerick

The Producer of NEW MEXICO IN FOCUS is Megan Kamerick. Associate Producer is Kathy Wimmer. Funding for this program was provided in part by the McCune Foundation.

Episode 805 for air August 8, 2014