Suffolk County Legislators Chad Lennon and Dominick Thorne hosted Longwood High School students for a hands-on introduction to the legislative process. The session was held at the William H. Rogers Building in Hauppauge on Tuesday, September 30th.
Students participated in a mock legislative session, taking seats at the horseshoe and acting as Presiding Officer, legislators, and citizens to question, debate, and vote on model public safety legislation.
“It was an honor to welcome students from my district to the Suffolk County Legislature,” said Thorne. “It is inspiring to see students become involved when given an opportunity to participate firsthand in the legislative process.”
Adds Lennon: “It was great to see these students engage in a caucus, and to debate issues which we in the Legislature confronted as well. I’m always happy to focus on the good we in government can do for our fellow citizens and to encourage the next generations to speak up on matters of concern to them.”
Students debated relevant hot-button issues such as cannabis packaging, street takeovers, and public safety. They were separated into two sides—supporting or opposing.
“These future leaders had a chance to see what it’s like to consider, debate, and vote on an issue as we do in the Legislature each session,” said Presiding Officer Kevin McCaffrey.
Seniors Brielle Stone, Angel Vacey, Grace Mitchell, Dominic Laduto, and Jenna Abdella all praised the event as eye-opening, fun, and inspiring—especially for those considering careers in government or political science.
In a day and age where one can tailor their internet algorithm to only “feed” them what they want to consume, it is paramount that younger generations still be amply exposed to opposing viewpoints, constructive criticism, and general negativity.
This program did just that, instilling in these Longwood students that hearing out objectionable rhetoric can only help one’s defense of their position.