GPSA needs president who will fight for fiscal discipline

Editor,

B. Lee Drake should take some classes in the Social Sciences building. He said, "GPSA is like the House." Should we call him Mr. Speaker if he is elected president? What would the speaker do to address the issue below?

There is a proposed plan to build a weight room for students at a total cost of $120 million, and the administration wants to tack an additional $200 in fees (taxes) to our tuition bill every year for 30 years. Why do we need a $120 million gym on Central Avenue? Graduate students will oppose this sharp increase in fees (taxes). Undergraduate government will support this project because they feed on administration talking points.

You do not understand the political system at UNM if you think ASUNM is the Senate and GPSA is the House. Both bodies set their priorities and push to achieve their individual objectives. When the organizations agree they can work together, we cannot adjourn to a conference committee to iron out differing policy concerns. Drake's platform mentions undergraduates six times, and if ASUNM is his focus, he should run in their election.

Undergraduate government's focus is the homecoming football dance. GPSA must focus on research, education, retention and post-graduation employment. We need a president who will fight for fiscal discipline, not fall in line for overpriced fluff. Lissa Knudsen should be GPSA president because she has demonstrated she can effectively move an agenda. She will never tell us, "It is a done deal."

Beth Johnson

UNM student