Letters

Many of UNM's problems beyond ASUNM's control

Editor,

I am writing in regard to the staff editorial, "Irrelevant agendas sap interest in ASUNM," in Tuesday's edition of the Daily Lobo.

I agree that the goals presented when candidates run for election are hardly the most pressing concerns of the student body.

Last semester, ASUNM passed out surveys and asked students to fill them out. The results revealed students were upset about parking and textbook prices - both things ASUNM can do nothing about.

I've met with administrators about parking concerns countless times, and if there were a reasonable solution, it would be in place. Publishers control textbook prices, and we cannot just not buy books. So it leaves us trying to find achievable goals - things that we might be able to accomplish.

In the editorial, the Lobo staff writes that its concerns as students include financial aid, scholarships and the availability of classes. I, too, have those concerns. And as unpopular as it may seem, those concerns are the reasons I chose to support an increase in tuition.

The regents were adamant that the faculty and staff needed a 4 percent compensation increase. In addition to the adjustment made to the tuition credit of 4.5 percent made this year in Santa Fe, that leaves us with a 9 percent tuition increase with nothing going to students. Included in the proposal I supported was money for need-based aid, merit-based aid, scholarships, advisement and faculty hiring.

I do not know the will of every student on campus, but if I am going to pay 9 percent more and get nothing in return, I'd rather pay 12 percent and have $3 million set aside to hire tenure-track faculty and graduate assistants. It also might ensure an extra $200,000 goes to hire more qualified advisers, or the library will receive $300,000 so it can continue to buy books and journals.

I think students would say the quality of their education is important. That is why we're all here, after all - to get an education.

Kevin Stevenson

ASUNM president

Alex Hughes possesses qualities of good leader

Editor,

As a former student body president of Eastern New Mexico University and director of the statewide organization ASNM, I have had the opportunity to work with student leaders of all varieties. What most failed to acknowledge was that leadership is action, not merely a position.

We have the opportunity to elect a student body president who is about action and getting things accomplished: Alex Hughes. He has proven he can get things done, whether in his role as ASUNM senator or as an everyday student.

A good leader is one who surrounds himself or herself with strong individuals who can get the job done. I am happy to see Hughes has done this with his Howl slate. It is filled with students of integrity, leaders of student clubs and hard workers. The platform is aggressive but obtainable. Some goals will require diligence and diplomacy, and no one is better suited to make this platform a reality.

Students can be assured their ideas and problems will be addressed. UNM needs more parking, more computer access, wireless internet service and assurance our student fees are well spent.

Aren't you tired of student governments that don't represent your views? I am, and I hope you will take the necessary steps today to rectify the situation. Please join me in voting for Hughes for student body president and electing the Howl slate.

Bob Cornelius

UNM student

Unite slate brings diversity to student government

Editor,

There were many interesting accusations and a lack of information or any real interviews in yesterday's Daily Lobo staff editorial. If the Lobo staff knew the responsibilities of ASUNM senators, it would know the Senate does community service projects. The Lobo Care Drive was an idea brought to the Unite slate by a student. Don't forget the ASUNM Community Experience and the Giving Tree Drive. These kinds of projects build morale and school spirit, not just sports games.

Then there was the mention of the other slate's goals - old goals from before most students have been on campus. We in ASUNM work on improving the campus experience for all students and this includes safety. We have worked with Parking and Transportation Services to enact better shuttle hours and pickups during the evening. We have also worked with CIRT and Recreational Services to work for better hours.

I also wanted to respond to DonTrell Moore's endorsement, because I wanted a response to come from someone who is running and has been and will be there for students. I am here to listen to my fellow students, as is the Unite slate - it is what we are about and who we are.

Our candidates have experience in government and come from a variety of different backgrounds.

We are here to bring diversity to student government it hasn't seen before. I serve as president of two groups on campus. We are here to work together and bring unity back to this campus. We are all students, and we are all Lobos.

As the Unite slate, we have goals to continue to protect UNM students at the state Legislature. We have lobbied to protect the lottery scholarship from decoupling from tuition. We will be there for you.

Justin Stewart

UNM student