The death of Albuquerque attorney Mary Han, Behavioral Health, Border Immigration Crisis, LANL Report Admits Errors in Packing Waste for WIPP

This week on New Mexico in Focus, in the wake of the Department of Justice report criticizing the use of force and other issues in the Albuquerque Police Department, correspondent Floyd Vasquez revisits the death of Albuquerque attorney Mary Han. The response by the APD to Han’s unattended death is among the highest profile incidents to cast a shadow on the conduct and integrity of the APD, as well as the leadership of Mayor Richard J. Berry.

The Line opinion panel looks at the new revelations regarding Arizona companies brought in by the State of New Mexico last year to take over behavioral health providers accused of fraud. Articles in the Santa Fe New Mexican revealed the Human Services Department paid one of those companies for work done months before an audit on the providers was complete. There are also questions on the rates billed by those companies for work and how they were selected in the first place.

The Line also looks at the latest on the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant — and the problems with a barrel of waste packed at Los Alamos National Laboratory that exploded in February, that may or may not be the cause behind a radiation leak that has shuttered WIPP and raised many questions about its operations. And the group discusses the ongoing crisis at the border with the surge of children and families from Central America. Many residents in Artesia are concerned about the long-term impact of using a federal facility to house up to 700 families there. And Gov. Susana Martinez blasted Congress and President Barack Obama this week for gridlock in Washington that has blocked immigration reform.

Correspondent: Floyd Vasquez

Guests:
Thomas Grover, Attorney and Former APD Officer
Rosario Vega Lynn, Attorney for Family of Mary Han
Brian McCutcheon, Retired Lieutenant from Albuquerque Police Department
R. David Pederson, General Counsel, New Mexico Attorney General’s Office

Line Panelists:
Dede Feldman, Former State Senator
Trip Jennings, New Mexico in Depth
Sophie Martin, Attorney
Rob Nikolewski, New Mexico Watchdog

HOST/COMMENTATOR:
Gene Grant

The Producer of NEW MEXICO IN FOCUS is Megan Kamerick. Associate Producer is Kathy Wimmer. Funding for this program was provided in part by the McCune Foundation.

Episode 753 for air July 11, 2014