Editor,
I have heard a lot of talk lately of how some people think that ASUNM favors some groups over others, when that is not the case at all.
Some people, including some potential candidates for Senate, vice president and president feel that we should cut the budget equally to everyone. But it is not fair to cut funds evenly across the board.
Look at our government. Do you really think our United States senators would ever allocate funds equally to every group that needed money? No, because it is impossible and unfair to do so. An organization that has been on campus for eight years should not have to have its funds cut to be equal, so ASUNM can give a group that is just starting more funds than it needs.
An organization that has been on campus a few years and has made a name for itself should be distinguished from a group that is new to UNM. What incentive does the group have to succeed and pursue its goals if it is always receiving the same amount of funds?
It is obvious that a group that reaches out to thousands of students should receive more money than a group that may reach out to only 15 students.
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Also, lately there has been a lot of talk that ASUNM favors student service agencies, because they receive more funds. Yes, they do receive more funds than other student organizations, but it is because these agencies are broad and their services can benefit every student.
Just last year, Community Experience's Spring Storm had its annual volunteer service day throughout Albuquerque, aiding more than 50 nonprofit agencies with over 500 volunteer students. Spring Storm this year is on April 22, and I am sure it will be an even greater success.
If you want to know more about how each student service agency reaches out to students, please feel free to contact me or anyone at ASUNM. Each senator has office hours so we can be available to talk to students about any problems or anything. It is the students' opportunity to voice their opinions to ASUNM.
Each senator's office hours can be found online at asunm.unm.edu and in the ASUNM office. If you have something to express to the ASUNM government, please feel free to contact us or stop by. The door is always open.
Erin Muffoletto
ASUNM senator
