Professor's book features Basque boardinghouses

by Mary Lisa Russell

High-ranking political leaders from Mexico and the U.S. met Tuesday, April 11, at the Satellite Student Union to discuss bilateral relations between countries and to give the community an opportunity to exchange ideas in a town hall meeting.

Co-hosted by the university's Kenneth L. Maddy Institute of Public Affairs and the U.S. Department of State, the meeting addressed issues such as migration, economics, NAFTA, drug trafficking and the political impact of the growing Hispanic population in the Valley.

"This meeting is an important forum for focusing on the relationship between Mexico and the United States and for reporting local opinion back to governmental agencies," said Dr. Ellen Gruenbaum, dean of the College of Social Sciences.

Professor of economics and panel presenter Dr. James Cypher said the meeting is a significant event dealing with major issues that have an impact at the state, national and international level.

Although several economic issues will be analyzed, Cypher said he is concerned about the huge trade deficit that the U.S. has with Mexico.

"The trade deficit is a big problem with the Clinton administration because it wants to portray NAFTA as a success," Cypher said. "When you have more trade coming in than is going out with your second largest trading partner, serious consequences usually follow."

In his panel discussion, Cypher also addressed the issue of plant closings in the U.S. and the shift of production and jobs to Mexico.

Panel presenter Robert Perez, professor of criminology, said he discussed the effect of U.S. and Mexico relations on the population of the San Joaquin Valley. "Our Hispanic population is significantly increasing and that has an impact on both countries," said Perez.

Perez noted that a great number of people in the Valley are Mexican nationals who are permanent residents and still identify themselves with Mexico. "They continue to participate in Mexico's culture more than they do here," he said.

Dr. Harold Haak, president emeritus and director of the Kenneth L. Maddy Institute, said, "We're delighted to be on the circuit for the town meetings. Not only is it a great opportunity for us to learn more about current foreign policy but also an excellent forum for suggestions to implement foreign policy."

While Department of State officials are in Fresno they will be meeting with key community leaders, the media, local government officials and members of the business community.