Santolina Development, Legislation to Improve Lives of Children/Families, Homeless Camp Developments, Confirmation of Hanna Skandera

This week on New Mexico in Focus, our correspondent Gwyneth Doland asks lawmakers at the Roundhouse how they are trying to help improve the lives of children and families in New Mexico. We hear about legislation to study family leave in New Mexico and address the needs of children in the classroom.

In Albuquerque, the proposed Santolina development has people talking. Supporters say the planned development southwest of Albuquerque would help address future growth. Opponents argue it would strain economic and water resources. We invited a group of community leaders from both sides to join us at the table to discuss these issues.

Host Gene Grant and this week’s line panelists also weigh in on that debate, discuss the latest developments for a homeless camp in Albuquerque, and talk about the confirmation of Hanna Skandera as the state’s Secretary of Education.

GUESTS:
John Garcia, Executive Vice President – Home Builders Association
Rod Mahoney, President – South Valley Coalition of Neighborhood Associations
Virginia Necochea, Director – Center for Social Sustainable Systems (CESOSS)
Jim Strozier, Principal – Consensus Planning, Inc.
Representative Gail Chasey (D)
Senator Gay Kernan (R)
Senator John Sapien (D)

LINE PANELISTS:
Dede Feldman, Former State Senator
Tom Garrity, The Garrity Group PR
Julie Ann Grimm, Editor, Santa Fe Reporter
Harry Van Buren, Professor, Anderson School of Management

CORRESPONDENTS:
Gwyneth Doland, @GwynethDoland
Floyd Vasquez, @floydvasquez

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 832 for air February 20, 2015