Students get a visit from Rep. Holt

Education and civil awareness in focus

By: Candice Leigh Helfand
   JAMESBURG —Earlier this week, children at the Grace M. Breckwedel School learned about one of the people who represents them and their community in Congress.
   U.S. Rep. Rush Holt, whose district includes Jamesburg and Monroe, spoke Tuesday about his job and how he became involved with politics. He also discussed why it’s important to be engaged and interested in politics, as well as how people like him can affect the lives of everyone.
   "You figure, in each district, you have people who are not old enough to vote, people who did not register to vote, people who registered but did not vote, and people who voted against me," Rep. Holt told the students. "But when I won, I was elected to represent all of those people, not just the people who voted for me. I represent all of you."
   Afterward, the students asked him about his specific job duties, whether or not he received any perks, and even some questions about how the political process works.
   Rep. Holt told the students that, while his job doesn’t come with cars or drivers or a large salary, he has gotten to meet the president, and ride in Air Force One.
   Rep. Holt was invited to the school as a way for the students to learn more about the political process, how government works, and the importance of being an active and engaged citizen.
   "I think it’s really important for them to understand that a congressional representative, represents them too," Rep. Holt said afterward. "Their ideas count."
   The assembly was the idea of Borough Councilwoman Barbara Carpenter, who also is chairwoman of Jamesburg’s Education Committee.
   "I knew it would be important for him to speak to all the children, so they could have the opportunity to hear him," Ms. Carpenter said. "I wanted to stress how important an education is to them."
   Ms. Carpenter said that pursuing college degrees, or enrolling in trade schools, is important because it helps to make you a more successful person.
   "I think it all revolves around education, and trying to make yourself a better person," Ms. Carpenter said.
   School officials were pleased with how the visit went.
   "I think it’s absolutely wonderful for the kids," said Superintendent Shirley Bzdewka.
   "They can connect the name with the face, and now they’ll take more of an active interest in reading the newspapers, and finding out what’s going on," Ms. Bzdewka said. "And when they see an article that talks about how he voted, they’ll understand and be able to connect the man with the story."
   For Rep. Holt, it all comes down to the value of learning.
   "You can’t underestimate the importance of education, and that includes education not only in the basics, such as math and science, but also education in civic responsibility," Rep. Holt said. "Most of these basic things they learn about, apply to their daily lives and their ability to govern themselves."