United States Senator Tom Udall, D-N.M., fielded questions Oct. 24 from Española Valley High School students in a town-hall style meeting in the school’s library. The event, organized by United States history teacher Francella Manzanares, featured questions on topics ranging from immigration to the economy.
The roughly 100 students in attendance were juniors and seniors from the Manzanares’ classes and those in Sandra Roney’s social studies. The event was not mandatory and the collective classes were allowed to ask a total of 12 questions.
Many of the questions reflected a concern for the economy into which the students would be graduating. One student asked what Udall could do to protect the usefulness of a college education. Another asked how they were supposed to live the “American dream” with falling incomes and skyrocketing tuition costs.
Udall responded to these questions by telling students of his commitment to fight for the middle class and keep the country competitive in a globalized economy.
Students also touched on other topics, like the decline in funding for the Santa Fe Indian Hospital and the differences between the Democratic Party and the Republican Party.
Student Jacqueline Avitia said she thought the event was interesting. Her favorite part was the discussion of the DREAM Act. Alexis Lopez said she was excited about the senator’s visit, and especially liked Udall’s comment that all Americans are immigrants of one kind or another.
Student Body President John Ramon Vigil, who presented Udall with a Sundevils polo shirt, said he was glad Udall was able to visit. He was most interested in the senator’s comments on immigration, which he calls a crucial issue.
Udall said he always enjoys going to visit high schools and talking to students. He has visited Española Valley High School many times and said he visits school sites on a regular basis.
He said he most enjoyed the students’ questions on the economy and the effect of the recession on the middle class, which he calls a tremendously important topic.