Some Dems are disappointed to see UNM used for votes

NEW MEXICO Democrats for Democracy (NMD4D) with a Facebook group of 42,000-plus followers, does not always agree with the Albuquerque Journal’s editorials, but the Sept. 21 editorial regarding (gubernatorial candidate and U.S. Rep.) Michelle Lujan Grisham’s pandering to voters about cutting University of New Mexico sports is where we would have to agree.

She and other candidates have never spoken up about the deficit spending from UNM sports — until their political careers could benefit from it. As an ex-Lobo football player — 1982-1985 — and a booster, I’m incredibly disappointed with the new president, athletic director and Board of Regents on this decision. However, the governor’s role is NOT to come in and dictate what UNM does in operations. The governor’s purpose is to appoint the best-qualified Board of Regents and let the regents and the president do their jobs.

Unfortunately, (over) the past 16 years our governors have used our universities and political appointees as favors and a way for the Governor’s Office to control our universities. With budget cuts and falling attendance, I would hope our next governor will appoint qualified regents and allow our presidents and ADs to do their jobs without fear of being replaced every four years. Let’s remind everyone these positions are not elected positions, so let’s allow them to run our university as the institution they are suppose to be and stop using them as leverage for the governor.

JEFF APODACA NMD4D Albuquerque