By Eileen Oldfield, Staff Writer
For the Manville High School students, a Monday visit from U.S. Rep. Leonard Lance, R-7th Dist., allowed a first-hand look at the government and allowed the students to see politics in action, they said.
”I thought it was interesting,” Junior Doug Bradley said. “We don’t really get talked to about politics, so it gave us a good opportunity to learn about politics.”
”I think it allowed us to connect with politics,” Scott Alpizar, also a junior, said. “Having him come talk to us let us know what happens behind-the-scenes.”
Rep. Lance spoke to several history classes at the school during his first visit to the school. His office arranged the visit, he said as he opened his talk.
According to Rep. Lance, issues facing the government include economic stimulus packages and the government’s budget, as well as healthcare concerns, environmental concerns, and international relations.
”Much of the debate in Congress this spring focused on economic issues, and how to get out of those economic issues,” Rep. Lance said.
Issues frequently surface without warning though, Rep. Lance said as he noted this week’s swine flu outbreak and that he expected Congress to speak about the outbreak over the next few days. Just hours after his talk, Rep. Lance’s office issued a statement regarding swine flu, and limiting travel to and from Mexico.
The students asked Rep. Lance questions after the talk, ranging from his start in politics to local concerns. In addition to questions about the economy, students focused on flooding in Manville, and funding for the NJ Stars community college program.
”I thought that it was cool how he mentioned that they’re actually discussing the flood,” Shawn Kaminski, a junior said. “That’s a big thing about Manville.”
”It’s nice that someone in power is actually talking about it,” Laura Rodzniak, also a junior, said.

