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Thursday, Mar 28th

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You are here: Opinions Viewpoints Support UNM-Gallup with your vote on GO Bond C

Support UNM-Gallup with your vote on GO Bond C

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GALLUP— During the upcoming general election, community members and voters in our area will have the opportunity to support UNM-Gallup and higher education with their vote on the General Election Bond (GO Bond) C on Nov. 3. As chancellor of UNM-Gallup, I’d like to outline the benefits contained in GO Bond C and why this bond is deserving of your support.

First and foremost, our students need and deserve high-quality learning environments. GO Bond C will provide funds to accomplish this goal with no increase in taxes—as verified by the New Mexico State Department of Finance and Administration. This bond is also estimated to result in around 1,500 jobs statewide including here in the city of Gallup as a direct positive impact of your support.

At UNM-Gallup, our specific request is for funds to renovate and update our Center for Career Technology, Education, and Innovation building. The $3 million this bond will provide to our campus would bring much-needed upgrades to not only this building, but would also support other spaces that our students and community members utilize across our campus. Our CCTEI building houses our automotive technology, construction technology, welding technology, allied health, emergency medical services, and other workforce training disciplines that are emerging and high-growth industries in our region and beyond.

A few other important considerations about this bond include:

The total statewide bond is for $156 million to renovate educational facilities throughout New Mexico.

The bond funding will have a positive impact on both state and local economies. Jobs will be created; construction workers will eat, shop, and stay in our community during these projects; local vendors will sell to the construction teams; and our local gross receipts will increase.

Most importantly, our students will gain newly-renovated facilities and updated technology that will enhance their educational experiences. UNM-Gallup must remain competitive with other New Mexico and out-of-state institutions if we are to recruit and graduate the best students in our state.

Simply stated, the students, faculty, and staff at UNM-Gallup need your support on GO Bond C. Absentee voting begins on Oct. 6 and early voting starts on Oct. 17. Please send a message to New Mexico that our part of the state is fully committed to supporting higher education. Please also remember that GO Bond B—also on the ballot—will provide statewide funding for local college and university libraries.

By Dr. James Malm
Chancellor, Professor of Business
UNM-Gallup