There’s a layer of the political landscape that seldom makes its way to your social media feed or the evening news. It happens in living rooms, community centers, local union halls, and hearing rooms where two minutes and a microphone can make a real difference.

This is the level of politics “A View From the Ground” will explore.

In this debut episode, Liam Hoch speaks with three Albuquerque residents who are doing the unheralded work of building and improving their communities.

Eric Kruger is the treasurer and head of community engagement for the North Campus Neighborhood Association. He shares what he believes is lost when people don’t engage with political life at the neighborhood level. His takeaway touches on a universal need, the feeling of belonging.

Maia Mullen is the president of the North Campus Neighborhood Association. Maia describes how the power of community was unleashed when an out-of-state gas corporation applied to build a massive gas station near Indian School Road and Carlisle Boulevard. Concerned about adding a fourth gas station near the intersection, and its impact on a nearby school and daycare, Maia rallied her board and a coalition of neighborhood organizations to show up at a city hearing and make their voices heard. 

Corrina Jaramillo Feldman is the chair of Ward 18b, currently composed of 10 precincts, and one of many representative divisions that most Albuquerque residents probably couldn’t locate on a map. She discussed her role in educating her constituents on their voting rights as well as the impact ward and precinct representation can have on a State or federal race.

“A View From the Ground” is based on a simple idea: The most consequential political conversations in New Mexico do not always take place at the Roundhouse or your city council’s chambers. They’re happening in your neighborhood or the ward meeting a few blocks from your home. This show is dedicated to bringing you those stories and highlighting the individuals working to make your community a better place.