Comments on: Listening to democracy’s next generation

By: Kris Amundson

Kris Amundson — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 13:53:43 +0000

I am really hoping that the electeds will serve as “lobbyists” for the people. We are inviting both D’s and R’s to participate — this is not intended to be a partisan exercise AT ALL. We want students to learn how to think about issues and to become active citizens. If I do this again (and I hope to, although it is a LOT of work), we would always be interested in bringing in a broader array of participants.

By: novamiddleman

novamiddleman — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 04:10:29 +0000

humm I just reread it again and one caveat

Isis Castro, Member, Virginia State Board of Education; Douglas Koelemay, Commonwealth Transportation Board; and Deborah Oswalt, Executive Director, Virginia Health Care Foundation.

You have a “lobbyist” for each area how about a “lobbyist” for the taxpayer too

just a friendly thought sounds like a great program wish I could have experienced it in high school

By: novamiddleman

novamiddleman — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 04:05:36 +0000

“Our focus: the budget. I believe that a budget is a statement of priorities. Each year legislators are faced with a series of competing budget needs. “Each may be worthwhile, but not all can be funded”. The first step in creating a budget is to identify needs and to begin to weigh their relative importance.

“Each may be worthwhile, but not all can be funded”

here here

Engaging young voters is always a positive

Then on Thursday and Friday, they will grapple with the same issues we are facing in Richmond. How can we prioritize? Do we need additional revenue? If so, from where should that revenue come? Should we expand programs? Cut programs?

Maybe all of our electeds should participate too :)

By: Kris Amundson

Kris Amundson — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 02:44:59 +0000

Dominic — excellent points. One of the great things about the web dialogue is that it reaches young potential voters online. A new Pew study shows THAT is where younger voters are most likely to get their political information.

By: Dominic Gabello

Dominic Gabello — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 23:30:33 +0000

Lets not forget though – Since the 2004 election, there has been major increases in Young Voter Turnout every election – and they are reliably Democratic. If only young voters voted in 2004, John Kerry would have won 375 Electoral Votes and Virginia. There was a large increase in Virginia in 2005 and we all know that in 2006, it was one of the largest turnouts in off-year elections by young people ever.

The biggest thing we can do is make sure to reach out and talk to young voters – they shouldnt be excluded from your canvassing. The biggest mistake candidates do is not ask a young person to vote.