A UNM senior who has been appointed to a city ethics review committee said he is eager to serve his community.
"I was honored that someone was considering me," said Seth Heath, a senior majoring in political science and criminology. "A lot of people's faith in the political system has been shaken and I think it's an honor to try and restore some of that faith."
Heath was nominated to the City Board of Ethics and Campaign Practices by City Councilor Greg Payne in early November and was officially appointed Monday night.
The board investigates allegations of ethical violations committed by city officials.
Heath's appointment was made to replace board member Mary Agnes Gilbert, whose term ended nearly four months ago, and because some city councilors were worried about a possible conflict of interest. Gilbert has reportedly made it clear she is predisposed to vote against Albuquerque Mayor Martin Ch†vez in an investigation concerning a committee he formed to reportedly raise money for himself.
According to a series of articles printed in the Albuquerque Journal, concerns have been raised about the Political Action Committee, a group Ch†vez formed that raised money to help pay for some of his expenses.
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The committee raised nearly $50,000, to be donated to the mayor, which came from organizations that have contracts with the city.
Several members of the city council have been critical about the political committee and have called for an investigation of the mayor's actions.
"I hope there are no politics involved here," Heath said. "I'll do the best job I'm capable of."
Although some city councilors expressed reservations about Heath's appointment because it comes in the middle of the mayor's investigation, Heath said he will do his best to fulfill the obligations of the four-year appointment.
Heath said he sees the ethics board as a fact-finding body and that it is not totally relevant if he has a long or short history of experience with city issues. He said the most important thing is to remain objective, find at the facts and use critical-thinking skills to evaluate each situation.
He said the best way for him to contribute to the board's work is to conduct fair investigations.
Heath said that his appointment should be an example to UNM students that there are several opportunities for them to get involved with the community - they just have to find them.
He said he will first need to orient himself with the committee's rules and practices and with the information regarding the board's current investigation.
Heath added despite his appointment, he will continue to focus on his primary work - his course studies.
