Albuquerque Mayor Martin Ch†vez made an impromptu visit to UNM Monday to open the lines of communication with who he calls the most important people at UNM -students.
The mayor, who began meeting with classes from area schools once a week when he took office in 1993, said he understands the importance of being accessible.
"As time goes on, it's an elected official's natural inclination to have less and less contact with people," said Ch†vez, who opted against a formal lecture and pulled up a seat in the SUB for more than two hours to mingle with students. "It's important to stay in touch with the people you represent."
Several students, who at first appeared intimidated by the mayor, quickly warmed up to him and shared their concerns about many UNM-related issues, including tuition rates, the future of the Lottery Scholarship and campus safety.
Ch†vez, who said he was excited about President Louis Caldera and his aspirations for UNM, said the incomplete Cornell Parking Structure is an eyesore on campus. He said, though, that he will wait to see the finished product before making any judgments.
He told a group of students huddled around him that he disagrees with the ever-increasing tuition rates at UNM, and that if he had his way, things would be different.
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"We need to make a college degree as accessible as possible," Ch†vez said. "Out-of-state students should be allowed to come to UNM for as little cost as possible. As for residents, their educations should be free."
Campus safety, including bike thefts and the need for increased lighting, was a topic on other students' minds.
Ch†vez said he is content that University police are doing their best to keep campus safe, but said he wondered about the communication between them and APD.
"On any given night there are maybe 100 officers patrolling the entire city," Ch†vez said of the need for the two agencies to work together. "There should be 100 more, and to do it right, even more."
Christina Hutchinson, a UNM junior, said she applauded Ch†vez for his attempt to connect with UNM students, and she hopes more elected officials follow suit.
"It's important to know the decision-makers who are affecting your life," she said.
