Bob Perls from New Mexico Open Primaries, Campaign finance reporting, Funding for behavioral health services

This week on New Mexico in Focus, we look at legislation that could give voters the chance to vote to change how the state’s primary elections are operated. Bob Perls from New Mexico Open Primaries sits down with producer Sarah Gustavus to talk about why he believes opening up primary voting to people who aren’t registered Democrat or Republican will help increase engagement in politics and civic life. Host Gene Grant and this week’s Line opinion panelists also discuss the idea of open primaries.

Correspondent Gwyneth Doland takes us to the Roundhouse to examine proposals to increase accountability and oversight for campaign finance reporting. It’s the latest report for the People, Power and Democracy Project.

Host Gene Grant and this week’s Line opinion panelists also discuss funding for behavioral health services across the state and legislation that addresses wages.

GUESTS:
Bob Perls, Founder, New Mexico Open Primaries

LINE PANELISTS:
Mark Boitano, former New Mexico state senator
Martha Burk, a political psychologist and author
Dan Foley, former New Mexico house minority whip
Viki Harrison, Common Cause New Mexico

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 931 airs February 5, 2016 at 7:00pm on Ch.5.1