Albuquerque Rapid Transit, Republican National Convention, The Line
New Mexico in Focus takes a deep dive this week into the issues behind the controversial Albuquerque Rapid Transit project. The city received a federal grant to build a rapid transit system down Central Avenue but the project faces fierce opposition from some landlords and business owners along the proposed route. Advocates say the project will bring more business activity to Central Avenue but opponents argue it will increase traffic congestion and drive out local businesses that are already struggling to survive. A lawsuit is scheduled for a hearing before a federal judge this week. Correspondent Megan Kamerick sits down with City of Albuquerque COO Michael Riordan and community leaders from both sides of the debate over the project. Read more about the project here.
Correspondent Gwyneth Doland checks in with some of the New Mexico delegates from last week’s Republican National Convention. We’ll hear from delegates from the Democratic National Convention next week on New Mexico in Focus.
Host Gene Grant leads a discussion on the DNC with our Line opinion panelists. They also discuss the push by Albuquerque hotel owners to make Airbnb hosts also pay lodgers taxes.
Guests:
Jean Bernstein, CEO Flying Star Cafes and Satellite Coffee
Cecilia C De Baca, Republican delegate
Fernando C De Baca, Republican delegate
Susan Deichsel, Urban ABQ
John Hooker, architect, former mayor of Los Ranchos
Michael Riordan, chief operating officer for the City of Albuquerque
Keith West, CEO Urban Fresh
Correspondents:
Gwyneth Doland
Megan Kamerick
Line Panelists:
Eddy Aragon, CEO, “The Rock of Talk,” Fox News ABQ 95.9 FM
Janice Arnold-Jones, former state representative
Marsha Garcia, Strategies 360
Eric Griego, former New Mexico state senator
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 956 airs July 29, 2016 at 7:00pm on Ch.5.1