2008 Woodie Awards
Missouri politicians encourage student involvement, leadership
By: Emily Cooper
Issue date: 9/27/07 Section: News
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Holden introduced the meeting as part of his Public Policy Forum in order to create a comfortable and relaxed setting for students to ask politicians questions. On Sept. 19, students had the chance to speak with former Missouri legislators Brian May, Betty Sims and May Scheve Reardon.
"I want the audience to be very comfortable asking what's on its mind. I want them to be fully engaged," Holden said.
The message was simple - you can get involved in politics and make a difference. Sims' spoke about her health care concerns, May brought up his initiation of the Sex Offender List and Reardon told of her commitment to building a new community center.
"I liked that it was so laid back. The questions people asked brought up some good issues, and we actually got answers that made sense," said junior Melissa Geiler.
One audience member questioned first amendment rights in regards to University of Florida student Andrew Meyer's run in with campus security. The question inspired differing opinions among the legislators and much hushed muttering from the audience. However, no fighting, yelling or aggressive security guards came from it.
Other topics addressed to Sims, May and Reardon included President Bush's new Attorney General, children's health care and the new House and Senate term limits.
"It was interesting hearing the Democrats and Republicans state their beliefs on issues without bashing each other," Geiler said.
May, a Democrat and representative for the 108th district of St. Louis City, told the audience that he would make decisions that he thought benefited his district. He brought up a story of an old man helping his even older father out of the car in order to vote. Those were the people May stood for.
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