This week on NEW MEXICO IN FOCUS, The Line panel zeroes\u00a0in on New Mexico\u2019s economy. Recent jobs reports show the\u00a0state suffered more job losses than any other state in the\u00a0West. Who\u2019s to blame and, more importantly, how can\u00a0policymakers turn around the state\u2019s economy?<\/p>\n
The Line also examines the departure from the NMFOG\u00a0Board of GOP attorney and operative Pat Rogers. Rogers has\u00a0been a noted open government advocate, but was caught\u00a0communicating about public matters using the private email\u00a0addresses of government officials. The move, while not\u00a0illegal, cast Rogers\u2019 role in key state dealings in\u00a0shadow. Meanwhile, Governor Martinez ran into trouble in\u00a0her efforts to post state employee names and salaries on\u00a0the state\u2019s Sunshine Portal web site. Now, Susana Martinez\u00a0plans to chose a new web site and post the information\u00a0there. And, of course, the week\u2019s other big headlines get\u00a0the treatment as the panel goes \u201don-the-clock.\u201d<\/p>\n
Plus, National Weather Service hydrologist Ed Polasko is\u00a0in the studio to talk about what some are calling the\u00a0worst drought in half a century. Why is New Mexico so dry,\u00a0and what chance do we have of getting above-average\u00a0moisture? Polasko explains the forecasts and analyzes the\u00a0impact of the drought.<\/p>\n
GUEST:\u00a0Ed Polasko, Hydrologic Program Manager, National Weather\u00a0Service<\/p>\n
THE LINE Panelists:<\/p>\n
Jamie Estrada, Former U.S. Commerce Department Official<\/p>\n
Dan Foley, Former New Mexico House Republican Whip<\/p>\n
Sophie Martin, Editor in Chief, New Mexico Law Review<\/p>\n
Laura Sanchez, Attorney<\/p>\n
CORRESPONDENT:\u00a0Matt Grubs, NEW MEXICO IN FOCUS Producer<\/p>\n
Host\/Commentator:\u00a0Gene Grant<\/p>\n
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