NORWICH – More than 100 students across all grade levels were on hand yesterday for a visit from Assemblyman Clifford Crouch and Congressman Richard Hanna as part of the Norwich High School’s first-ever Democracy Week.
Freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors alike filled the school’s Media Room for an approximately hour-long seminar and question-and-answer session with the pair of New York state representatives, who expressed their delight with both the turnout and the participation.
Said Hanna, “You [students] have a more important job than I do, individually ... it’s the most important job in your life, getting educated.”
Students asked a wide range of questions, from the farming industry and traveling the state to partisanship in both Albany and Washington, D.C., possible presidential candidate Newt Gingrich to President Obama and the representatives’ personal backgrounds. Both said they’d never originally planned to throw their respective hats into the political ring, but were compelled by inconsistencies they were aware of and their hope to make a difference.
According to Crouch, getting involved made him “more open” when listening to people.
“There’s always more than one side to every issue and I always want to make sure I’m on the right side for my district,” he added.
Crouch went on to stress the importance of voting and instructed students to “research the issues” and “take that opportunity.” He also recommended students register for a party, so they’d have a chance to vote in the primaries.
“Find out what the candidates are all about,” he added. “Towns, villages and schools ... make sure you have the right person for the job, on every level. Don’t ever say ‘my vote doesn’t count.’”
Hanna, following a brief introduction and C-Span video of the congressman in action while in session, offered seniors an opportunity to intern with him. Students of all ages, he added, are welcome to visit the country’s capital for a tour of the White House, Library of Congress or the many museums the district has to offer.
According to the congressman, his independent record, willingness to “reach across the aisle more often than many” and personal belief in the importance of transparency are something Washington needs more of.
