[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 16] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page 22503] [From the U.S. 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. ____________________