Climate Change & Risks to National Landmarks, APD Reforms, VA Hospitals Scandal, NM’s Tax Structure
This week on NEW MEXICO IN FOCUS, they are among the country’s most important and iconic sites, and now they face real threats from rising sea levels, fires and epic floods. A new report from the Union of Concerned Scientists is sounding the alarm about the risk to national landmarks from climate change. NMiF Correspondent Floyd Vasquez looks what this means for Bandelier National Monument, the Valles Caldera and Santa Clara Pueblo.
In the One-on-One segment, NMiF Correspondent Gwyneth Doland speaks with Hank Shaw, a former political reporter who has carved out an unusual space in the food world as a master chef, who also believes the best way to eat is to forage, grow, hunt and fish for your ingredients.
The Line opinion panel delves into the latest developments around the Albuquerque Police Department. The Department of Justice, which issued a scathing report on APD, is expected to release a draft agreement with APD soon. Meanwhile Chief Gordon Eden has called upon the Albuquerque Police Association to back APD reforms or risk losing some of its power. He also forbade any unauthorized contact by officers with DOJ. Meanwhile two new citizens groups have formed to push for reform in the department. One is made up of clergy and one is a coalition that includes relatives of those shot by APD.
The Line looks at the ongoing scandal at the Veterans Administration hospitals. At least 21 people have died while waiting to see a doctor, but local VA officials say they are already implementing changes that have reduced waiting times. Some advocates are demanding more resources for the VA, which has been deluged with aging Vietnam-era veterans as well as new patients from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. Rep. Steve Pearce is pushing a plan that would allow veterans to use local doctors and hospitals rather than traveling to VA facilities.
The Line also looks at a fresh effort to revamp New Mexico’s tax structure, particularly the gross receipts tax. It’s an issue that has bi-partisan support, yet never seems to quite come to fruition in the legislature.
GUESTS:
Walter Dasheno, Former Governor of Santa Clara Pueblo
Hank Shaw, Hunter, Angler and Food Blogger/Author
Anastasia Steffen, Archaeologist, Valles Caldera National Preserve
LINE GUEST PANELISTS
Julie Ann Grimm, Editor, Santa Fe Reporter
LINE PANELISTS:
Tom Garrity, The Garrity Group
Rob Nikolewski, New Mexico Watchdog
Laura Sanchez-Rivét, Sanchez Legal Solutions
CORRESPONDENT:
Gwyneth Doland, NMiF Correspondent
Floyd Vasquez, NMiF Correspondent
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 750 for air June 13, 2014
Additional resources for this week’s show:
* Report by Union of Concerned Scientists – National Landmarks at Risk
* Hank Shaw’s website – Honest Food
* Interview with Hank Shaw by Gwyneth Doland in Santa Fe Reporter – Duck, Duck, Goose: How Hank Shaw Makes Cooking Manly