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Conway gives students lesson in public affairs
Assembly member visits Monache
Civics and economics students at Monache High School got an opportunity Monday afternoon to talk politics with California Assembly Republican Leader Connie Conway.
Conway, who told students she has been extremely preoccupied with elections, touched on a wide range of topics, from the state budget crisis, to job killers, to technology.
“Whenever I’m talking to schools, I’m talking to the future of California, to my future,” she told students.
Conway spoke about current issues being discussed in Sacramento, including a “huge fight” about whether textbooks should be provided to students on a tablet or in the form of books.
But she also reassured students that it’s not always a fight between opposing parties, and there are many other issues that receive bipartisan approval.
The event also provided for a question and answer session.
Senior Bree Godoy asked Conway if she was for or against gay marriage.
“It’s a tough discussion I have with myself internally,” Conway said. “I believe tax payers want three things: a safe community, good schools and infrastructure. I believe government should keep its nose out of my personal business.”
Civics student Jesus Salas asked Conway who she would like to see as president — Mitt Romney or Barack Obama.
“Four years ago I think people had a lot of hope for what Mr. Obama said he would do,” she said. “He promised the economy would get better and I haven’t seen it happen.”
Conway’s visit was arranged by Mimi Schuler, work-based coordinator for the Porterville Unified School District.
“Everything is politically charged right now because of the upcoming elections,” Schuler said, adding that she has seen a very strong response from students wanting to get involved in the process.
Julie Hill, civics and economics department chair, said that in her 18 years at MHS this is the first time they’ve had an elected representative speak to students. Hill said that Conway’s visit went hand-in-hand with the curriculum the students are learning in the classroom.
Economics student Joey Serrano said he thought Conway’s visit broke with the stereotype of “politicians in it for themselves.”
“It’s cool to see the people who represent our future,” he said.
Contact Denise Madrid at 784-5000, ext. 1047. Follow her on Twitter @DeniseMadrid_.
