SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico’s utility regulation committee ousted its Navajo chairwoman for what she claims is retribution for pushing for more broadband access in rural communities. The state’s Public Regulation Commission voted 3-2 on Wednesday to replace Chairwoman Theresa Becenti-Aguilar with Commissioner Stephen Fischmann. Becenti-Aguilar claims the recall occurred because her fellow commissioners gave the issue of rural broadband availability far less priority than she had. Commissioner Cynthia Hall disputed Becenti-Aguilar’s claim but did not provide reasons why the chairwoman was ousted. Fischmann declined to answer any questions about Becenti-Aguilar’s removal. Becenti-Aguilar had been the chairwoman of the commission since 2018.
New Mexico Capitol on High Alert
In the wake of riots at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, the FBI warned all 50 states to anticipate armed protests at their state
