Actually by the affiliation of the panel this appears to be a lesson to the students from the perspective of one Party.
O-A senior class hosts public forum on political platforms of Obama and Romney
Submitted by Billie Owens on October 26, 2012 - 1:58pm
The Oakfield-Alabama High School Senior Class invites the public to a community forum where the political platforms of President Obama and Governor Romney will be examined and explained.
Local, state and regional representatives will be on hand to explain the impact of these platforms on Western New York.
The forum begins at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 30, in the school auditorium, located at 7001 Lewiston Road, in Oakfield.
Representatives slated to attend are:
Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer, Republican 61st District
Assemblyman Stephen Hawley, Republican 139th District
Mary Pat Hancock, chairwoman, Genesee County Legislature
Raymond Cianfrini, Genesee County legislator
Richard D. Pastecki, Village of Oakfield mayor
Michael T. Cianfrini, Town of Oakfield supervisor
Daniel Mangino, Town of Alabama supervisor
For questions regarding the event, call 948-5211, ext. 4537.
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October 26, 2012 - 7:43pm
#3
October 26, 2012 - 10:17pm
#4
I wonder which of these guests will explain the positions of President Obama at this event?
October 26, 2012 - 11:56pm
#5
Good question, Jim. I can only guess that the group will draw straws or play rock, paper, scissors to choose who will get the unlucky role of presenting the president's positions. Or all of them can spend the forum exalting Governor Romney and the virtues of one party rule. At the end of the forum they can pass out Romney Ryan yard signs.
October 27, 2012 - 9:32am
#6
Well as a very long time resident of Oakfield, I pray to God they don't talk about Obama's Socialist Policies.
October 27, 2012 - 9:52am
#7
Not trying to sound like a wise ass, Lorie, but what Dems are in office in Oakfield and Alabama? The only office holder I can think of would be Kathy Hochul, and she's a little busy right now 
October 27, 2012 - 11:57am
#8
A dollar says the forum is being presented by the AP US History Class as a course project, students have been thoroughly researching the platforms of both major candidates, and that they will make oral arguments as such.
October 27, 2012 - 12:21pm
#9
Well Laurie, you are the Democrat County Chair, are you not? Perhaps you should call in and either volunteer your services or round up some Democrat office holders from the area to counter the arguement.
My bet is most of the talking is going to come from AP history or AP Government students anyway.
And frankly, I don't see where anything said at this event is going to change a single mind anyway, I do not even believe that, that is the intent.
October 27, 2012 - 4:50pm
#10
Mark, I did call yesterday -- as soon as I read it in the paper -- and left a message as the teacher may have left for the day.
The issue I have is this is a public school. If you are having a political event all sides need to be invited. By all sides, that includes minor parties as well. And I understand the makeup of OA. I know who represents OA. There are Democrats in Genesee County. There are Democrats in Oakfield and Alabama. They may not hold elected office in those towns, but they are there.
My concerns are not changing minds in Oakfield or even in Genesee County. NYState will go handily for the president and Genesee County will go handily for Governor Romney. The problem I have is this is a presidential forum for students and only one candidates side is represented. That's not fair for the students and the public who may hold other political ideals.
October 27, 2012 - 4:53pm
#11
Being a member of a minor party, I would love to see us included.
October 27, 2012 - 7:39pm
#12
John, I agree with you. We have a very active Conservative Party in Genesee County. There is also a Libertarian candidate running for assembly. All sides need to have representation in an event like this.
I will also add that I don't for one minute believe that the intent by the students and staff was to leave out other Parties from participation. I think it was an oversight. But, now that it is a published public event it is imperative that opinions from other parties, to make this an inclusive event, are heard.
Fair and balanced.
October 28, 2012 - 1:58am
#13
Perhaps empty chairs will be present for the non-represented.
October 28, 2012 - 9:55am
#14
I am glad to hear that Laurie, frankly I don't understand why there was not at least an effort to include all parties in perspective. And you may be absolutely correct that it was simply an oversight.
I always want to see all parties involved on issues, but then I am a debate junkie. My hat is off to you for making the call.
October 28, 2012 - 5:44pm
#15
This is exactly why things will continue as they always do. If you want to EDUCATE kids on a process then ALL parties should be invited.
October 29, 2012 - 3:21pm
#16
So much for the claim of public school liberal indoctrination. http://endoftheamericandream.com/archives/28-signs-that-u-s-public-schoo...
October 30, 2012 - 7:53am
#17
Meh seems like equal outcomes and not equal opportunity to me. Your parties had their chance to influence the schools with the board elections.
October 30, 2012 - 2:04pm
#18
What is "Meh?" I assume it is critical to understanding your post since the rest makes no sense what-so-ever.
That's great they're going to teach the newest voters that there's only 2 parties.