By Jamie Koch
President, UNM Board of Regents
As the University of New Mexico's director of Government Relations, Marc Saavedra has proven beyond doubt to me, to the leadership of the UNM and to the members of the Legislature to be highly qualified and capable of executing the many tasks and duties we have placed upon him.
This conclusion is based on his job performance, his dedication and his skills. I am very concerned when outside parties, working on misguided assumptions and baseless rumors denigrate an individual so undeserving of such criticism, an individual who has time and time again served in the highest traditions of this university and on behalf of the people of New Mexico. The record needs to be corrected.
UNM serves a vital educational, economic and research mission. With a $1.68 billion budget in 2006 and more than 20,000 employees, the university is an essential economic engine for our state and provides our children with the skills they need to excel in an increasingly competitive global economy. The university attracts more than $700 million from out of state annually, adding even more to our economy and raising the standard of living for us all.
Each year, with the bipartisan support of the Legislature and the governor, we renew our commitment to maintaining excellence at UNM. Each session we marshal our supporters, our 160,000 graduates and our partners across the state to testify when asked, to be available when required, to educate when necessary all 112 legislators, the governor and the lieutenant governor.
An average of 18 percent to 20 percent of our budget comes from the legislative process. We take this very seriously and we must have the best, most qualified individuals to work with us in Santa Fe, folks who understand the process and are willing to work year round with the interim committees and then literally nonstop during each legislative session.
This is an acquired skill, one that comes from time, hard work and devotion to detail. One that recognizes an amendment offered in the middle of the night can change the entire bill. A person who can work with the leadership to make sure our citizen legislators have the facts they need when they need it. The clock never stops ticking in Santa Fe.
Marc Saavedra is that uniquely qualified person. That is why we have total confidence in his ability to coordinate our efforts in Santa Fe. That is why as president of the regents, I am fully in support of Marc Saavedra as our director of Government Relations.
We are fortunate to have someone with his experience and background to coordinate our legislative efforts with our leadership and to work closely with Vice President David Harris, a veteran of more than three decades of public service in the Legislature during the long days and nights of our legislative sessions.
We have chosen not to rely solely on lobbyists. Creating a strong, unified, professional internal structure is in the best interests of the university, is the most cost effective, and the most beneficial to lawmakers seeking factual information about the university throughout the year. We have encouraged all our employees, the faculty Senate, alumni and students to actively participate. Saavedra, in his new position is required to oversee the entire process. And I must say, he has done an exceptional job evidenced by the praise he has received from both sides of the aisle and from within the university.
He coordinated weekly meetings of the leadership, assisted our faculty and staff with providing testimony to our committees, worked into the night, through the weekends, watching each committee and floor action and keeping all of us informed.
The former Republican leader of the U.S. Senate, Illinois Sen. Everett Dirksen once said he got his BA in Illinois, his masters in political science in Washington, but did not get his Ph.D. until he visited the New Mexico Legislature. He was right.
Understanding this process comes from years of hard work, one day at a time; from the intricacies of the committee "do pass" to the timely concurrence by the House and Senate required in the closing minutes of every session.
It is unnecessary and frankly, below us to continually criticize those least deserving of such treatment simply to make a point that is not worth making.
Better we do what we can to praise our public servants and let them know, how valuable their dedication is to all of us.
Jamie Koch is a former legislator and state chairman of the Democratic Party.
opinion 
...go to bookmarks
E-mail Story
Print Friendly
