About the Book

Jamie Koch, lifelong Santa Fean and a major powerbroker in New Mexico, has been an influential voice advocating for fiscal responsibility and prudent planning since 1968. This book is a collection of his candid, recorded conversations with key figures who have shaped New Mexico over the years.

It offers a unique perspective on New Mexico political history from 1967 to 2015 through discussions with those directly involved. Topics covered include the state’s first subdivision regulation, the Open Meetings Act, the severance tax permanent fund, the Terrero Superfund cleanup, the founding of the New Mexico Mutual Casualty Company, Project SEARCH, and Koch’s thirteen years as regent of the University of New Mexico.

Forty-two significant individuals are interviewed, including former governor Bill Richardson; U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich; Senior Editor of the Albuquerque Journal Kent Walz; former House Speaker Raymond Sanchez; Paul Roth, MD, chancellor of the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center and dean of the School of Medicine; Chaouki Abdallah, past interim president and provost of the University of New Mexico; former CEO of the University of New Mexico Hospital Steve McKernan; former State Superintendent of Insurance Chris Krahling; and Bill King, son of former governor Bruce King.

Anyone interested in New Mexico politics and politics in general will find this book invaluable.