 |
|
|
|||
|
|
BACK |
Senator Brian Munzlinger (R) and Representative Craig Redmon (R) attended the forum, organized by C-SC Assistant Professor of Political Science Chad DeWaard. Redmon, who is in his first term, compared being a newly elected member of legislature to being a freshman in college. He also spoke about the adjusting to the pace of state government. “It moves slowly, but it moves slowly for a reason, so you don’t make a knee-jerk decision,” said Redmon. “The speed at which government works is disappointing,” he continued, “but at the same time, I’m starting to get my head around the fact that it moves slow for a reason. I’m used to being in business for myself, so I make a decision and that’s it, it’s done. In government, we talk about for two months; then, maybe you vote on it.” The issue partisanship in both houses was also discussed. “In the Senate it’s divided by issues,” explained Munzlinger. “Whether you’re right-to-life or pro-choice. Whether you’re pro-union or right-to-work,” he continued. “It was fascinating to hear about the internal workings of Missouri state government,” said Josh Heitman, freshman history education major from Keokuk, Iowa. “After listening to Representative Redmon and Senator Munzlinger, I believe all C-SC students are now more aware of the issues and challenges facing the state, and the nation,” Heitman continued. “I invite government officials to speak in an effort to complement theory with practice,” explains DeWaard. “The classroom visits are quite meaningful in a number of ways. First, the visits reinforce "lessons" from the classroom. Students respond to these visits, whether at the talk itself, in class discussions, or on an exam. Second, the students are exposed to the realities of government service, including the virtues and the vices. Third, especially at the local and state levels, government officials are not only eager to share their experiences and insights, but are accessible. Students are often surprised and impressed by the many important decisions made by local officials and that they (the students) have considerable access to these policymakers. Fourth, the classroom visits build relationships that promote student engagement in the community and can translate into internship and employment opportunities. Finally, I really dig the sight of students sitting around a table and freely discussing issues with elected or appointed office holders. For example, Senator Munzlinger and Representative Redmon happily spent an hour of their Friday afternoon (after the community forum) to talk specifically with students about a range of issues that were both personal and public. That's pretty cool. These opportunities, I think, significantly add to the C-SC experience,” DeWaard continued. Term limits within the Missouri legislature, hydro-electric power generation, the death penalty and the complexity of the political process were also discussed during the hour-long forum. OTHER FEATURED ARTICLES
|
Update this page