Transparency and Public Records, New Mexico’s driver’s licenses, APS’ Bond Request

This week on New Mexico in Focus, correspondent Gwyneth Doland talks with journalists at the Roundhouse about transparency and public records in our latest report for the People, Power and Democracy project.

Lawmakers in Santa Fe are also once again debating the future of New Mexico’s driver’s licenses. The current policy allows individuals to obtain a license regardless of immigration status. Governor Susana Martinez said in her State of the State address this month that “our license is not secure, and New Mexicans have repeatedly demanded a change to this law.” What do polls about driver’s licenses and immigration policy tell us about public opinion? Gabe Sanchez from Latino Decisions joins us to talk about his most recent poll on those issues and how public opinion is measured by researchers.

Did you know there is an election coming up next week? The Albuquerque Public Schools is asking voters to approve bonds that would fund school renovation projects, new technology and safety improvements. Producer Sarah Gustavus sits down with a community leader and the head of the Capital Master Plan at APS to talk about the bond request.

And host Gene Grant and this week’s Line opinion panelists debate other stories in the headlines.

GUESTS:
Rev. Trey Hammond, Albuquerque Interfaith
Gabe Sanchez, Latino Decisions
Kizito Wijenje, Albuquerque Public Schools

LINE PANELISTS:
Eddy Aragon, CEO, “The Rock of Talk,” Fox News ABQ 95.9 FM
Lonna Atkeson, UNM political science professor and director of the Center for the Study of Voting, Elections, and Democracy
Sophie Martin, attorney and editor of DukeCityFix.com
Rob Nikolewski, independent journalist

CORRESPONDENTS:
Gwyneth Doland
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 930 airs January 29, 2016 at 7:00pm on Ch.5.1