‘No Kings Day’ preview with Indivisible Santa Fe member Dr. Heidi Li Feldman
Demonstrations against President Donald Trump have taken place across the country in the first months of his second term in office as citizens opposed to his policies have protested against what they call authoritarian actions. On Saturday, June 14, a nationwide “No Kings” protest is planned in nearly 2,000 locations, including Santa Fe and Albuquerque. The mass demonstration falls on the same day as Flag Day and a military parade in Washington, D.C. to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Army. It’s also Trump’s birthday. On the latest episode of “Around the Roundhouse,” Dr. Heidi Li Feldman joins host Daniel J. Chacón to discuss No Kings Day and share her thoughts on Trump’s second term so far. Professor of Law, Emeritus at Georgetown University Law Center, Feldman speaks about what has concerned her most about Trump’s actions and how she feels the court system has done in upholding the rule of law. Feldman, an active member of Indivisible Santa Fe, also talks about the organization and shares the aim of the No Kings Day demonstrations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
--------
24:18
State Rep. Rebecca Dow sees an opening for Republicans to gain ground in New Mexico
Rebecca Dow defeated a Democratic incumbent to win House District 38 in November to return to the New Mexico Legislature after an unsuccessful run for the Republican nomination for governor in 2022. Dow’s win was the only flip of a state House seat in 2024, but she sees opportunities for Republicans to gain more ground in New Mexico in coming elections. Dow, who lives in Truth or Consequences, joins Santa Fe New Mexican reporter Daniel J. Chacón for the latest episode of “Around the Roundhouse” to discuss her House seat victory, the race for governor, her thoughts on the 2025 legislative session and what legislation she plans to bring back for next year’s session. Dow shares her feeling that the priorities of progressive Democrats in control of the Legislature don’t align with the values of most New Mexicans. She talks about her thoughts on public safety issues facing the state and New Mexico, including the governor’s decision to mobilize the National Guard to help tackle crime in Albuquerque.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
--------
33:08
State Auditor Joseph Maestas speaks on Santa Fe's audits, a DOGE-like proposal and funding issues
Joseph Maestas has spent much of his life in public service, with time as a city councilor in Española and Santa Fe, the mayor of Española and a member of the Public Regulation Commission. He says his current job, state auditor, has been the most rewarding as he works to safeguard taxpayer money across the state. In the latest episode of “Around the Roundhouse,” Maestas joins Santa Fe New Mexican senior political reporter Daniel J. Chacón to discuss his background, his current role as auditor and his plans for the future. Serving in his third year as state auditor, Maestas talks about some of the issues his office is facing, including a contracting public accounting industry and a budget he feels falls short in allowing his department to perform its duties at the level he would like. Maestas shares his thoughts on a DOGE-like proposal brought forth in the latest legislative session. He also talks about what’s been going on at the federal level, saying the Trump administration’s firing of federal inspectors general places more responsibility on state governments in battling fraud, waste and abuse. Chacón asks Maestas about the city of Santa Fe’s standing as it has worked to catch up from years of late audits. He also inquires about a recently announced special audit into Mora County amid allegations of financial improprieties, including an estimated $2.7 million in unaccounted public funds.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
--------
35:42
New Mexico Democratic Party Chair Sara Attleson speaks on efforts to strengthen the party
Even before she was elected to be the new chair of the Democratic Party of New Mexico in late April, Sara Attleson was traveling the state and spreading the message of party unity while visiting 22 of New Mexico’s 33 counties. She has continued her travels in her first month on the job, saying her focus is to show up and listen. Attleson joined Santa Fe New Mexican senior state politics reporter Daniel J. Chacón for the latest episode of “Around the Roundhouse” to share her mission for the state’s Democratic Party and talks about the work she’s been up to so far — including establishing party infrastructure in the six counties in the state that have none. Chacón asks Attleson, a former librarian, about what drew her to New Mexico, how she became involved in politics and why she decided to run for the Democratic Party chair. She is asked if the party has lost its way and about how the party should respond after Donald Trump made inroads in the state in the 2024 presidential election.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
--------
22:33
Sen. Moe Maestas on N.M.'s careless driving statute, probation reform and modernizing the police force
New Mexico’s careless driving statute returned to the spotlight recently with the tragic death of 75-year-old Glen Smith, who was struck and killed by a city bus driver operating a city-owned vehicle while Smith was sitting on a bus stop bench near the Santa Fe Place mall. Police investigators believe there is reason to charge the driver with careless driving, a petty misdemeanor. They didn’t, however, because the crash occurred on private property. In the latest episode of “Around the Roundhouse,” Santa Fe New Mexican public safety reporter Nicholas Gilmore speaks to state Sen. Antonio “Moe” Maestas, D-Albuquerque, about several public safety topics, including attempted changes to the state’s careless driving statute. Maestas, a member of the interim Courts, Corrections and Justice Committee, discusses the difference between reckless and careless driving. He talks about attempts to amend the careless driving statute that have all failed in the last 15 years, and what his plans are moving forward. Gilmore also asks Maestas about issues involving the state’s Law Enforcement Certification Board and Law Enforcement Academy. Maestas speaks of the need to fix the relationship between the certification board and the Department of Public Safety. Maestas talks about some of his legislative priorities, which include probation reform and police training reform. He also shares his thoughts on a possible special session focused on public safety that Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham hinted at following the conclusion of this year’s 60-day legislative session.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Santa Fe New Mexican’s weekly podcast hosted by state government and lead politics reporter Daniel J. Chacón features the policies, politics and personalities at the state Capitol during New Mexico's 2025 legislative session.
USA