Candidates Lawrence Rael & Alan Webber; David Campbell on Albuquerque’s Potential; APD Reforms

This week, NEW MEXICO IN FOCUS concludes its interviews with the candidates running in the Democratic primary for governor. NMiF Special Correspondent Martha Burk, author of “Your Voice Your Vote: The Savvy Woman’s Guide to Power, Politics, and the Change We Need,” talks with Lawrence Rael and Alan Webber about the economy, education, and gender equity issues. The primary takes place June 3. Early voting begins May 17th.

NMiF Producer Megan Kamerick speaks with David Campbell in the One-on-One segment. Campbell served as assistant city attorney, city attorney and chief administrative officer for the city of Albuquerque, working with three different mayors. He made a drastic career shift several years ago by joining the Foreign Service, and sat down for an interview when he was back home between leaving his first post in Mauritius, and starting his new post in Ecuador. Campbell speaks about his experiences and talks about Albuquerque’s potential as an international city.

The Line opinion panel delves into the governor’s race as well, with a discussion of the five Democratic candidates vying to challenge Gov. Susana Martinez. The Democratic Governors Association has decided not to put money into the race here because it’s pessimistic about any Democrat being able to unseat Gov. Martinez. The Line will also look at the latest story in Mother Jones magazine about a whistleblower lawsuit in the Economic Development Department brought by two Martinez appointees, and whether that might impact the race.

The group discusses the first proposed reforms for the Albuquerque Police Department, announced in the wake of a Department of Justice report that found a pattern or practice of force by APD that violates citizens’ constitutional rights. Among the changes or proposed changes is a ban on officers using personal weapons, as well as more crisis training, and a larger focus on mental health issues in the city.

The Line also looks at the oil and gas boom in New Mexico, and a new plan by a state agency to form a “quick response” team of experts to address communities’ environmental concerns.

GUESTS:
Lawrence Rael, Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate
Alan Webber, Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate
David Campbell, Vice Consul, U.S. Consulate – Guayaquil, Ecuador

LINE PANELISTS:
Sophie Martin, Attorney
Laura Sanchez-Rivét, Sanchez Legal Solutions

GUEST LINE PANELISTS
Mark Boitano, Former New Mexico State Senator
Harry Van Buren, Associate Professor, Anderson School of Management

CORRESPONDENT:
Martha Burk, NMiF Special Correspondent
Megan Kamerick, NMiF Producer

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 746 for air May 16, 2014