Smithtown HS Students Debate, Vote In Mock Suffolk Legislature Session

HAUPPAUGE, NY – Suffolk County Legislators Leslie Kennedy and Sal Formica hosted students from Smithtown’s two high schools – East High School in St. James and West High School in Smithtown — for a hands-on introduction to the workings of the legislative process on Friday, April 24, at the William H. Rogers Legislature Building in Hauppauge.

“It was wonderful to see these students engage in a mock legislative session today at the legislature,” said Legislator Kennedy. “I’m happy to speak to them about our roles and responsibilities and help them gain first-hand knowledge of how local government operates. The issues they debated are relevant to their everyday lives.”

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Students from civics, government and social studies classes participated in a mock legislative session, taking seats at the “horseshoe” and acting in the roles of the Presiding Officer, Clerk of the Legislature, legislators, and interested citizens to question, debate, and ultimately take roll call votes on model legislation.

“It always a great pleasure to see our students in action, and to hear their perspectives on the very issues we debate as legislators ourselves. With public safety as a critical priority for me, it a pleasure to participate in the session with the students and gain their perspectives,” said Legislator Formica.

The participants debated and conducted votes on specific legislation that was considered by the Suffolk County Legislature, including a local law to further strengthen penalties against unlawful speed contests, sideshows, and races (which the students voted to table), and a local law to extend and revise the Suffolk County Drinking Water Protection Program and to establish a new Water Quality Protection Fund supported by an additional one eighth percent sales and use tax (which the students voted to approve).

“We’re pleased to be able to provide this opportunity to these students,” said Presiding Officer Anthony A. Piccirillo. “Having the chance to learn how local government works is an invaluable opportunity to enhance civics among our young people, who may one day embark on their own careers in public service. 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.”

Students were given a chance to speak in the role of legislator and question speakers advocating for or against the resolutions. As in a real legislative meeting, students gained the opportunity to offer their views, hear other views, and obtain new perspectives.

“I had a wonderful experience today. Prior to this experience, I thought I wanted to go into something law related, something political, but I wasn't sure exactly what to do or what schooling to take," said Scarlett Bucheli, a senior at Smithtown West. After this experience, I feel very motivated to go into something legislative, to represent my town, wherever I might live. I learned a lot today about the representatives and voting, about bills and about how they vote on the bills. I had a great experience."