U.S. Rep. Ed Pastor, D-Ariz., has his home in the University Center at ASU's Downtown campus. But Pastor's location isn't his only connection to the University - the congressman is an advocate of the new downtown campus.
"The new Downtown campus is an asset to downtown," Pastor said. "It's brought more activities to downtown, and the student population is getting more involved in downtown events such as the farmer's market and ethnic festivals."
The congressman, who has served in the U.S. Congress since 1991, originally chose this site at 411 N. Central Ave. to house his office in 1998. He and his staff wanted to be more accessible to his constituents, said Maura Saavedra, Pastor's press secretary.
When ASU officials decided to use the building for the Downtown campus, the congressman and his staff wanted to stay, Saavedra said.
"We were waiting for the building to fill up with restaurants or cafes and it never happened," Saavedra said. "We are thrilled with the energy and life the students bring to the building.
"We don't feel isolated [in the building] any more."
The office is located near the University Center's north entrance but is not visible when entering the east, west or south locations or when standing in the middle of the building.
Many students did not realize a U.S. congressman's office was in the University Center.
"I didn't know that," said nursing sophomore Claudia Delgado. "The campus came to him, basically."
Public administration graduate student Holly Cawthon said she did not know Pastor's office was in the building, but welcomed it as a great learning opportunity for students.
"[The College of] Public Programs moved downtown to be closer to real life opportunities and experiences," Cawthon said. "You can't get any closer than down the hallway."
Although Pastor's home and family are in Arizona, he is usually working in Washington D.C. Monday through Friday, Saavedra said.
But Pastor said he does encourage students to stop by his office even though he may be in Washington D.C.
The congressman's office staff represents him, and students are free to stop by to give their viewpoints or ask a question on a federal issue, such as federal student loans, Saavedra added.
The office also offers a few internships each semester for college credit where students can represent the congressman at public events or help local constituents with issues, she said.
Pastor - who won his November 2006 election with about 70 percent of the vote - and his staff renewed their 2,355 square feet of office space from the University for $4,111 per month, Saavedra said.
Patrick Panetta, ASU assistant director of real estate development said the congressman and his staff are a welcomed addition to the University Center.
"We are appreciative of the support [Pastor] has given the University," Panetta said.
Although many students did not know about the congressman's presence, undeclared freshman Chris Avila said he noticed Pastor's office on his first day of classes in August.
In his second semester, he gives campus tours for new potential students.
"During my tour, I do point out his office is here," Avila said.
Reach the reporter at: jeffrey.mitchell@asu.edu.
