APS Superintendent Dr. Luis Valentino, ABQ Civic Plaza, Trial of APD Officers

On the next New Mexico in Focus, producer Sarah Gustavus sits down with Dr. Luis Valentino, the new superintendent for Albuquerque Public Schools. Dr. Valentino shares his priorities for the district and talks about the role of parents and community members in advocating for students and teachers at the state level.

We also learn what’s happening right now in Civic Plaza in Albuquerque. The annual Downtown Summerfest is taking place this weekend, but more events are happening in the area than ever before. How is activity on Civic Plaza connected to broader economic development goals?

Host Gene Grant and this week’s Line opinion panelists discuss the trial of two APD officers who were involved in the fatal shooting of James Boyd in 2014. They also debate whether Albuquerque should have a curfew for teenagers and talk about a new climate change initiative from the Obama administration that aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from coal-burning power plants. How might that plan impact our state?

GUESTS:
Dr. Luis Valentino, superintendent of Albuquerque Public Schools
Downtown ABQ Main Street board members:
Tim Trujillo, Dekker/Perich/Sabatini
David L. Silverman, Geltmore, LLC

LINE PANELISTS:
Merritt Allen, Vox Optima LLC
Sophie Martin, an attorney and editor of DukeCityFix.com
Rob Nikolewski, Watchdog.org
Stephen Spitz, New Mexico People, Places and Ideas on KUNM

CORRESPONDENTS:
Sarah Gustavus

HOST:
Gene Grant

The Producer of NEW MEXICO IN FOCUS is Sarah Gustavus. Associate Producer is Kathy Wimmer. Funding for this program was provided in part by the McCune Foundation Communications Fund, Santa Fe Community Foundation.

Episode 906 airs August 7, 2015