Meeting with the Mayor

I met with Mayor Robert E. Walkup of Tucson the morning of Friday 20, 2009. I wanted to go over some of the bigger issues facing the city and the university.

First of all, from the brief period in which I spoke to Mayor Walkup, I can understand why the people have chosen him for a third term as mayor. He seems genuine, very likable, and very interested in the progression of the city. Politically, he claims to be a “Republic-dem” which is a comforting thought for someone who wishes not be limited by the political party in which they are affiliated.

“A new 21st century society has a knowledge-based element,” said Walkup.

The Mayor has researched and created his own set of 12 main elements necessary for a successful city, of which education is near the top along with public safety and health care.

He made it clear that he supports education, but to see change the leaders of the university need to team-up and work “shoulder to shoulder” with him. The leaders of the university must rise to the challenge and get the students to speak up, and in large numbers.

The goal would be a referendum to the Ariz. constitution where education like pre-school, K-12, and higher education are not so easily impaired as they are currently.

Again, to make a difference the community and those in political office need to hear the voices of the students. All of the students and leaders of the Ariz. universities need to speak up, and do it on a grand scale.

The Mayor and I will fight for the sake of education, him in the office pushing the legislature for change, and I on the campus showing support for students to gather and speak their opinions. Another one down, more to go.