Thursday, August 4, 2011

Senator Saland

The Turn It Up team got the opportunity to go speak with Senator Saland and ask him about his career and other questions regarding his career and life. When we all eagerly walked into his office we were quick to notice the numerous amount of awards and plaques in the front of his office. There was many pictures around the wall of him participating in other youth programs, talking to other people involved in politics and more. Were able to see his office and then went to a conference room prepared for us to all have a discussion with the senator. He informed us that this was a career that he had dreamt about since he was a young child. This was one of the many things that stuck with me even after the interview. A young child interested in politics is rare but the Senator is clearly happy to do his job, and good at it. We also discussed the reactions towards him that came with him passing the new marriage equality bill. We discussed how he felt about the numerous amounts of negative reactions he received. He told us that he was not affected by all the hate mail and that it is expected. He also explained to us that his initial decision was to vote against the marriage equality bill, but he had a change of mind and decided to do what he thought was fair and appropriate. Saland also discussed with us less serious topics such as his view on the new school uniform policy in the Poughkeepsie school district. After talking to him we all realized that Senator Saland is a normal person doing his job. We very much appreciate the fact that he took the time out of his day to talk to us. It was one of many eye opening experiences with the Turn It Up team.

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