[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 125 (Thursday, September 23, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1944]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   VOICES AGAINST VIOLENCE CONFERENCE

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TOM UDALL

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 23, 1999

  Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak of an 
issue of critical importance: the young people of our nation. In a 
recent essay competition I held in the 3rd district of New Mexico, 
students shared the following comments:
  ``It is extremely sad wondering if we are safe when we go to school 
everyday. Teenage violence is soon going to be a bigger concern than 
college preparation for teens if something is not done about the issue 
soon.''--Liz Gonzales, senior, Santa Fe High School.
  ``Most kids need the adults in power to continue to tell us that we 
can do it and we can be more, because through knowledge there is power 
to make your dreams come true.''--Erin D. Muffoletto, 9th grade, Mesa 
Vista High.
  Mr. Speaker, I am here today to tell the young people of my district 
and of the nation that we hear them. They are asking for help and we 
are listening.
  On October 19th and 20th Sierra Anne Blue from Kirtland and Erin 
Muffoletto from South Ojo Caliente will come to Washington, D.C. to 
participate in the national Voices Against Violence Conference. These 
dedicated young people will meet with their peers, federal law 
enforcement and education officials, and many others to help develop 
solutions to problems related to youth violence.
  In addition, I have selected Matthew Garcia from Springer, Amanda 
Lynn Chavez from Bernalillo, Domnic Biava from Gallup, Liz Gonzales 
from Santa Fe, Christopher Morris from Navajo, Randy Maestas from Mora, 
Twana Seschille from Crownpoint, and Deema Rashad from Gallup, to 
represent their schools on my Student Education Forum in New Mexico. 
These students will work throughout the school year to explore 
solutions to problems that plague our schools.
  Youth violence is an issue we are all responsible for solving. The 
Voices Against Violence Conference and the Student Education Forum are 
two ways to start this process.
  To all of the students of New Mexico and the nation, know that I am 
listening, know that we are listening, know that your voices are being 
heard.

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