In an effort to punctuate the difference between the theory of politics and its practical application, the AP Government and Politics class and AP Comparative class at Sachem East hosted Rep. Tim Bishop and Randy Altschuler, the candidate running against him this year, as guest speakers last week. The speaking engagements were organized by Sachem East AP Government and Politics teacher Nick Antonucci.
The First Congressional District in New York was the most hotly contested congressional election when these two gentlemen ran against each other two years ago. Many feel that this year’s race will be similar to their last face-off that was decided by fewer than 600 votes and had the dubious distinction of the last race in the nation to be decided.
The students who attended the events were well prepared for the arrival of both Mr. Altschuler on Oct. 5 and Rep. Bishop on Oct. 12, with questions and concerns they had researched as part of their class assignments. Both candidates were impressed with the quality of the questions asked and the variety of topics raised.
Each candidate commented upon this fact on several occasions during their time at Sachem East. With items ranging from domestic issues, foreign policy and social issues, students and the candidates were eager to hear one another’s concerns and to share their ideas at these two events.
At the conclusion of these events, many students agreed that reading about or watching the candidates on television or the internet can only go so far in better understanding political elections in general, and individual candidates in particular. What many students readily realized was that this was a valuable lesson regarding the difference between retail and wholesale politics. Having met candidates first hand and having the rare opportunity to view how the candidates in a smaller, face-to-face setting, can make a difference regarding earning one’s trust and how that may equate to winning on election day was the highlight of these events.
Future events are scheduled this year, that include guest speakers from the Federal, State and local government.
The Sachem Central School District Legislative Committee will host an event on Oct. 23 where Bishop, Altschuler and other politicians are expected to meet and great community members who attend.