Editor,
Regarding the recent article "Regents give OK to bond issue," I would say it is about time that somebody woke up and realized the campus needs improvements and renovations.
Whether students should pay for part of the bonds is open for debate. It does seem as though students are taking an excessive hit considering the recent tuition hike they will have to pay for.
Apparently the bond money is going to be spent on select buildings, and I think UNM administrators are overlooking several things that need immediate attention.
This campus has the setting and unique architecture to be one of the best-looking campuses in the country. The grounds, for the most part, are well-maintained, but for some reason, the maintenance is sorely lacking.
I personally would like to see a good chunk of the bond money directed at the following:
- Paint the exterior of most of the buildings on campus along with the benches, light poles, trash receptacles, parking lots, curbs and Daily Lobo distribution boxes. Much of the campus also needs new signage.
- Remove the graffiti, some of which has unbelievably been left untouched for years. There is no place for graffiti on this campus.
- Pressure wash the side-walks. One only needs to take a walk around Ortega Hall to see the piles of bird droppings that have been left to rot for years. I would think the droppings would be a health hazard.
My guess is that UNM officials don't take visiting dignitaries anywhere near Ortega Hall when they are touring the campus.
Whether it is bond money or money from another source, I believe the above projects will bring a sense of renewed pride to the students, staff and alumni of UNM.
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John O'Mara
UNM alumnus
