ALAMOSA — University of Colorado Board of Regents District 3 Candidate Alvin Rivera met with residents in Alamosa on Tuesday.

The Democratic candidate who will face incumbent Glen Gallegos in November listened to concerns and shared reasons why he is running for regent.

Receiving his Ph.D. from the University of Colorado, Rivera worked in Washington D.C. for 23 years before moving back to Colorado.

Rivera wants to focus on higher education, lowering costs and reaching out to rural areas. Rivera said the education system is too pricey and not servicing those in the system.

Those who attended the meeting with Rivera expressed concerns over feeling like there is no extension from the university to the Valley. Rivera agreed with those who were concerned and said the university has started to make some progress with this.

Seven years ago, Rivera help set up the new CU student celebration welcoming those from the Valley to different campuses around the state.

Rivera said if elected he would work harder to branch out to the Valley and put an emphasis on providing services to students.

Kristin Hicks is an intern at The Valley Courier

Caption: Candidate Alvin Rivera, left, visits with local residents during a Tuesday campaign stop./Courier photo by Kristin Hicks