On November 3rd, this reporter had the opportunity to cover Senator Bob Mensch’s “Senator for a Day” program. Also in attendance was Justin Simmons, the Representative for the 131st District. Due to illness, this report is a bit tardy.
The program is held once a year, is free, and is open to junior and senior high school students. It’s been held at DeSalesUniversity since Sen. Rob Wonderling (R – retired) began hosting the program. It strives to teach students the biography of a bill, as well as to give students a taste of how laws are made. And, of course as the title says, gives them a glimpse into a day in the life of a PA State Senator.
DeSalesUniversity donated the space for the program for free. Additionally, the instructors volunteered their time; they are listed below.
Students came from area high schools such as Nazareth, Penn Ridge, Souderton, Southern Lehigh, but the bulk of them came from North Penn. There was even a homeschooled student, Nick DeSai, who came from Easton to attend the program. All in all, a little over 100 students attended, and the ratio was split almost equally between boys and girls.
The first order of business was a welcome speech by Sen. Mensch as well as Rep. Simmons. They laid out the legislative process, and what the students would be doing that day.
However, Sen. Mensch spoke at great length about our duty to vote and to participate in the system. He pointed out that in other countries, people put themselves in great physical risk to participate. Yet in our country, less than 20% vote with any regularity. He emphasized that if students didn’t like what was going on politically, their voice was their vote; not just in the Presidential elections, but all elections in their counties.
Rep. Simmons took the podium and shared his journey in politics and the many jobs he held. He told them about his experience as an intern for then Representative Pat Toomey and as a legislative aide for both Sen. Wonderling and Sen. Mensch. He also shared what it took to beat incumbent Karen Byers. He emphasized to the students that they could do the same. And, like Senator Mensch, he emphasized that voting is the only way to affect change.
After the welcome speech, students were divided up into five committees, and were asked to discuss various Bills that had been introduced in the past. They were also to take positions on, and possibly draft, laws for future legislation. The day ended with all the students meeting in General Session.
It should be noted that not all Senators host such an event. In order to find out if the Senator in your area does, contact them directly. You can find your Senator by going here.
As Nick Desai told this reporter, “This is an interesting look into our system”. He was happy to have the opportunity to participate.
If you’re interested in the program, Sen. Mensch is hoping to hold it again next year. Contact him via the internet here, or go to his webpage to choose an office telephone number. Additionally, both Sen. Mensch and Rep. Simmons have Facebook pages. You visit Sen. Mensch's by clicking here, and Rep. Simmons' here.
List of Volunteers:
Communications and Technology Committee:
Fred Sembach – Office of Senator Mike Folmer, 48th District
Brian Barno – Broadband Cable Association of PA
Robert “Dutch” Wurzback – Verizon, PA
Education Committee:
Nate Silcox – Office of Senator Jane Orie, 40th District
Josh Wilson – Long, Nyquist & Associates
Brian Jeter – Comcast
Judiciary Committee:
Tim Hennessey – Office of Senator Bob Mensch, 24th District
Michelle Young – Greater LehighValleyChamber of Commerce
Joseph M. Uliana – J.M. Uliana & Associates
Public Health and Welfare Committee:
Scott Sikorski – Office of Senator Jake Corman, 34th District
Scott Bishop – Hospital & Health System Association
Cynthia Lambert – Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network
Transportation Committee:
Stacey Connors – Office of Senator Pat Browne, 16th District
Dave Kerr – AT&T PA
Frank Gates – Greenlee Partners, LLC
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