Economic Recovery Council, Acequia Traditions, & Primary Voting During COVID-19

This week on New Mexico in Focus, producer Matt Grubs talks with Christina Campos and Brian Moore, who co-chair the governor’s new Economic Recovery Council. The group has been tasked with setting up guidelines, suggestions and best practices for reopening the state’s businesses and economy.

Correspondent Laura Paskus looks at ways New Mexico carries on the tradition of honoring San Ysidro, patron saint of acequias, during the current COVID-19 pandemic. Paskus talks with Paula Garcia, executive director of the New Mexico Acequia Association, about adjusting to the new normal and bringing more awareness to local food systems.

Ahead of next week’s primary elections, correspondent Gwyneth Doland talks with Gabe Sanchez, a professor in UNM’s Political Science Department, and Heather Ferguson of Common Cause New Mexico. The state has set a record for absentee votes in a primary election. Still, there are 167 fewer polling sites on Election Day and concerns about access to the polls amid the pandemic.

Gene Grant and The Line opinion panel discuss the state’s reaction to the governor’s public health order updates, including how New Mexicans navigated the health policies over the Memorial Day weekend. The Line also looks at key contested legislative races in light of next week primary elections.

Host: Gene Grant

In Focus Interviews:

Economic Recovery Council Co-Chairs
Correspondent: Matt Grubs
Guests:
Christina Campos, administrator, Guadalupe County Hospital
Brian Moore, co-owner, Clayton Ranch Market

Acequias in the Time of COVID-19
Correspondent: Laura Paskus
Guests:
Paula Garcia, executive director, New Mexico Acequia Association

Primary Voting
Correspondent: Gwyneth Doland
Guests:
Heather Ferguson, Common Cause New Mexico
Gabe Sanchez, professor, UNM Political Science

Line Panelists:
Dave Mulryan, founder, Everybody Votes
Laura E. Sanchez, attorney
H. Diane Snyder, former state senator