Assessing Congressional Races, Incentivizing Bipartisan Collaboration & Environmental Rights of NM Rivers

This week on New Mexico in Focus, the Line Opinion Panel dives into our state’s three congressional races as candidates navigate new district lines in the final weeks of the campaign. The new districts have made those races more competitive, and they’re creating some interesting challenges for all three incumbents. Plus, Gene and the Panel explore the potential future of colonialist monuments in the city of Santa Fe after protests on Indigenous People’s Day.  

Senior Producer Lou DiVizio talks to representatives from two organizations who are part of a new initiative meant to encourage candidates, political parties, and voters to uphold five core doctrines of democratic elections – integrity, nonviolence, security, oversight, and the peaceful transfer of power. 

A New Mexico State Senator explains his opposition towards Constitutional Amendment 1, which would increase the amount of accessible funding for early childhood and public education. Senator Bill Sharer says taking more money out of the Permanent Education Fund now would be ineffective, and irresponsible.  

Two New Mexico residents who’ve dedicated their careers to preventing domestic violence share their expertise and insights on controlling that kind of abuse. They also discuss the impact of the recently reinstated Violence Against Women Act, and how mental health treatment can help prevent domestic violence.  

Our Land Senior Producer Laura Paskus explores the legalities of water rights along New Mexico’s many rivers, including the Rio Grande. She speaks with Paul Tashjian, director of freshwater conservation for Audubon Southwest about the current system used to assign water rights, and the reality that the river itself has no rights to the water that maintains its ecosystem.  

Host: Gene Grant 

The Line opinion panel: 
Julia Goldberg, senior correspondent, Santa Fe Reporter 
Dan Foley, fmr. NM Representative 
Giovanna Rossi, president, Collective Action Strategies, LLC 

Segments: 

Incentivizing Bipartisan Collaboration in Government  
Correspondent: Lou DiVizio 
Guests: Heather Balas, vice president of programs, election reformers network 
Danielle Gonzales, executive director, New Mexico First 

NM Senator Questions Longterm Fiscal Implications of Constitutional Amendment 1 
Correspondent: Lou DiVizio 
Guest: St. Sen. Bill Sharer, (R) District 1 – San Juan County 

Domestic Violence Awareness & Prevention Month 
Correspondent: Lou DiVizio 
Guests: 
Larry Jones, fmr. NJ Superior Court Judge 
Joni Jones, RN, mental health expert & advocate 

Without Rights, NM’s Rivers Can Come Up Empty 
Correspondent: Laura Paskus 
Guest: Paul Tashjian, Audubon Southwest, Director of Freshwater Conservation