New Mexico in Focus (A Production of NMPBS)

Joanne Vigil Coppler: Santa Fe Mayoral Candidate

·28 min·2 clips

Joanne Vigil Coppler, a former city councilor who lost to Alan Webber, argues she's best positioned to turn Santa Fe around.

The episode is an interview with Joanne Vigil Coppler, a candidate for mayor of Santa Fe, conducted by host Lou DiVizio. Vigil Coppler introduces herself as a longtime public servant with experience in all three branches of government, including roles in HR and court administration. She explains how her career prepared her for mayor, emphasizing compassion and system-building. The host asks about her preparedness, and she asserts she is the most qualified candidate due to her trench experience in city government under different mayors. Vigil Coppler reflects on her time as a city councilor under Mayor Alan Webber, describing a deteriorating relationship and unresolved audit issues that led her to run against him. She outlines her 10-point turnaround plan, with public safety as the top priority, citing police frustration with catch-and-release policies. On homelessness, she calls for a coalition of organizations and stepped-up enforcement against open drug use. Housing affordability is addressed through increasing supply and density, despite NIMBYism concerns. The conversation shifts to immigrant-friendly policies, where she defends welcoming immigrants but insists on law enforcement for all. Vigil Coppler discusses the strong mayor system, criticizing top-heavy management and proposing to reclassify positions. She comments on rank choice voting, noting public confusion. The episode ends with her final appeal to voters, highlighting her confidence and experience.

As heard by us

A Santa Fe mayoral interview centered on safety, housing, and the city systems behind both.

Santa Fe's mayoral race comes into sharper view through Joanne Vigil-Koppler's pitch for another run, framed by a career that spans state government, the City Council, real estate, and work across all three branches of government.

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Why you'd press play

You get a grounded look at Santa Fe mayoral candidate Joanne Vigil-Koppler's pitch on safety, housing, homelessness, and coordination across local organizations.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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