Editor,
After this ugly campaign season, I wish to thank all those people who took the time to participate in the democratic process. They realized that besides the choice between Attorney General Patricia Madrid and Rep. Heather Wilson, there were more than 50 other items on the ballot that required public input. These decisions may have more day-to-day impact on our lives than one legislator will.
Those who did not vote missed the opportunity to decide on such issues as the funding of street and bike path construction and improvements, storm-water management, libraries and other public works projects. Other choices affected taxation rates, public lands and resource management; who will represent us in the state, county and city governments; who will write and enforce the laws in this state; what the state constitution contains; and who will oversee management of state money. Some of these people will be in positions to affect the cost of tuition at this University.
Finally, there was the decision on Bond B, which will provide approximately $18 million for construction of facilities at this University. This alone should have been more than enough reason for all eligible students to vote.
The people who justify their apathy with statements about not being listened to or other variations on the theme of "What have you done for me lately?" miss the point. If they are not willing to advocate for themselves, then it is unlikely that politicians will consider their interests to be of much importance. Next election, participate - it is in your own self-interest.
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Nicolas K. George
UNM student
