Otero County Election Saga, Police Shooting Lawsuit in Chaves County & Acequias Facing Wildfires and Floods

This week on New Mexico in Focus, the Line Opinion Panel reacts to the recent developments in Otero County where commissioners have finally voted to certify its primary election results. That’s after a lawsuit from the Secretary of State, and an order from the State Supreme Court. Our Panelists discuss why this happened in the first place, and if we should expect a similar dispute in November. Plus, the Panel explores the ups and downs of the Governor’s race where Democratic incumbent Michelle Lujan Grisham holds a narrow lead over Republican challenger Mark Ronchetti. And our panelists review a Chaves County lawsuit over a police shooting, as the Attorney General probes another officer-involved incident in the same county.  

Senior Producer Lou DiVizio talks one-on-one with Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver about the situation in Otero County, and asks how this is impacting the perception of democracy in New Mexico. Plus, Lou speaks with the executive director of the New Mexico Acequia Association about the damage caused by the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire, and asks how her community is preparing for the possibility of severe flooding.  

Host: Gene Grant

The Line opinion panel:
Merritt Allen, Vox Optima Public Relations 
Andy Lyman, NM Political Report 
Laura Sanchez, attorney

Segments:
NM Secretary of State Addresses Otero County Certification Saga 
Correspondent: Lou DiVizio 
Guest: Maggie Toulouse Oliver, New Mexico Secretary of State 

Impact of Fire & Floods on Acequias 
Correspondent: Lou DiVizio 
Guest: Paula Garcia, executive director, NM Acequia Association