Editor,
PAC - Progressive Action Coalition - represents a slate of candidates running in the ASUNM elections. PAC is comprised of a diverse group of students who have come together to create progressive change for the University.
ASUNM exists to represent the concerns of the people this University was built to serve - the students. If elected, we will listen to our fellow students and fight to hold the administration responsible when it does not act in the interests of students or if it ignores the demands of the undergraduate population. One of our objectives is to stabilize tuition and fees by supporting student organizations that fight for tuition stabilization. Another is to make students aware of how their tuition is being spent.
A major component of the change we want to see is developing networks with the community that extend beyond our campus. UNM is not a self-contained entity, but part of the city of Albuquerque. In developing relationships with the broader Albuquerque community and working with underrepresented students from high schools right here in Albuquerque, we will improve the recruitment and retention of a diverse student body.
We are not trying to increase student fees, but rather seeking to reallocate the budget so that all organizations are fairly, equitably and adequately funded. We will work with the Albuquerque community and student organizations to lobby in Santa Fe for resources that benefit UNM, its students and the surrounding community.
We wish to empower the student government and give students a voice, as well as ensure that ASUNM does not merely serve to pad the rÇsumÇs of elected officials. A democracy is a government for the people and by the people.
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ASUNM only represents a small minority of the population here at UNM. It is obvious that much of the general student population lacks a comprehensive understanding of the bureaucratic system that comprises ASUNM. We are planning on familiarizing ourselves with the processes of ASUNM, educating not only ourselves, but also the entire UNM community about those processes.
We as a slate bring to the table a variety of leadership skills that are required of the student government. Current ASUNM representatives take too lightly the importance of student advocacy.
PAC wants to create community involvement and critical thinking among students. ASUNM representatives should not underestimate their position - the student voice is powerful and does have something to say.
Elizabeth Silva
ASUNM candidate
