Student Summit & Newport County Political Candidates

The " Daily News" did two good reports on this (although my
son said that it contained many errors). I think that the summit was even livelier than than reports indicate. Those kids did a great job. The questions were persistent & they called candidates on evasive or wrong answers.

Most canidadates were quite articulate & knowledgeable. Some stumbled. One was poorly behaved. While this always makes things more interesting, it often confuses students (and adults). Kids this age are always amazed when they see responsible, respected adults acting differently than they expect. When they find out that adults often react in the same way that they do, it's an eye-opener!

I met many candidates that I hadn't before. Many I knew. All should be commended for coming. Patrick Lynch was there for a short time only & apologized.

I answered 2 questions - one on the need for affordable housing and one calling for an end to genocide (hard to be against that). There also was a question on schools.

They asked who supported the affordable housing bond & who supported gay marriage. These two questions inspired the liveliest commenting. Those kids would not be easily dismissed or written off. The questions were well thought out & researched. "Daily News" editor, Sheila Mullowney, did an excellent moderating job. When a moderator makes it look easy, you can be sure it's not.

The kids also intro'd their new website: Newport County Youth Connect. Well done. I hope that they are able to keep it updated.

The pics are from my husband's very talented cousin, Bernadette Bernon who has been at sea for the past 5 yrs. & is now home. She is a gifted editor/writer & photog who was worked for major publications . I thank her. Don Mays is the guy responsible for this outstanding summit which was quite well attended. My son, Tim, was also a participant. His housing group even had a fact handout.