JoAnne Vigil Coppler says her experience sets her apart in her run to be Santa Fe's mayor

JoAnne Vigil Coppler says her experience sets her apart in her run to be Santa Fe's mayor

Author: The Santa Fe New Mexican September 5, 2025 Duration: 44:39

JoAnne Vigil Coppler has served for two Santa Fe mayors and two New Mexico governors during her career and has worked in every branch of government. In the latest episode of “Around the Roundhouse” she touts her decades of experience as what will give her the edge in her second campaign to be Santa Fe’s mayor. 

Vigil Coppler finished runner-up to Alan Webber in the 2021 election and said she gained a lot from the experience that she can lean on in her current campaign. She said she feels more comfortable being herself, sharing her message and handling the demands that come with running for mayor. 

The former Santa Fe city councilor said she is disappointed in the job Webber has done in office, and the state of the city prompted her to want to run again. 

Vigil Coppler said the city needs to get tougher on crime, which she noted as the most important issue facing Santa Fe. She also discussed her plans for creating more affordable housing in Santa Fe and mentioned the need to streamline the permitting process that has been plagued by backlogs.

When asked what needs to be done about the toppled Soldiers’ Monument in the center of the Plaza, Vigil Coppler said there needs to be action instead of continuing to delay a decision that has been drawn out for years. 

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Every week, Around the Roundhouse pulls back the curtain on the workings of New Mexico’s state government. Hosted by veteran statehouse reporter Daniel J. Chacón of The Santa Fe New Mexican, this podcast goes beyond the headlines and floor votes to explore the real stories shaping policy. You’ll hear directly from the legislators, advocates, and officials driving the agenda, getting a sense of the personalities and behind-the-scenes dynamics that define each session. The focus is on the substantive debates and political maneuvering that turn ideas into law, providing context often missed in daily news reports. Tune in for candid conversations and analysis that make the legislative process accessible and engaging. This isn't just a recap of events; it's an insider's guide to the forces at play under the Capitol dome. For anyone interested in how New Mexico is governed, this weekly podcast serves as an essential, grounded companion to the fast-paced world of Santa Fe politics.
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