Garrett visits Vernon AP class

VERNON — The Advanced Placement U.S. Government and Politics class at Vernon Township High School had the chance to discuss the challenges of working in a partisan climate in Congress with U.S. Rep. Scott Garrett recently.

He also took the opportunity to provide advice to aspiring politicians, such as volunteering to campaign for a local politician and working hard to do everything for that particular candidate. Garrett explained that he ran for Congress because he personally felt that government was overstepping its bounds and wanted to keep it in check. He talked about his political beliefs as a self-described “constitutionalist” and emphasized, “My passion is the Constitution.”

He also discussed current events, from President Obama’s recent executive order on immigration to the current political battle over funding the Department of Homeland Security’s budget.

Garrett spent most of the time answering students’ questions concerning whom he wanted to run for president in the Republican Party. He turned the question around and asked the students, which led to a lively discussion. He also shed some light on his role on the Committee on the Budget and Financial Services.

Emily Monschauer, a junior, said, “He was extremely knowledgeable about what he does in Congress and in his committee.”

Sam Woods, a senior, added, “It was great hearing how a local citizen made his way to Congress. He shows that anything is possible.”

Kelsey Falkowski, the AP teacher, reflected on the event. “Nothing makes a political theory class come alive more than having a political discussion with a congressperson.”