2008 Woodie Awards
Pate meets Kirkwood Republicans for discussion
Christina Voss
Issue date: 11/10/05 Section: News
- Page 1 of 1
A new forum has been created with the help of the Kirkwood Republicans organization. Benjamin Johnson, co-chair for the Kirkwood Republicans, set up the forum entitled the Republican Round Table Discussion.
The Republican Round Table Discussion met for the first time Nov. 1 at the Java Creek Coffee House in Cedar Rapids. The key speakers for the evening included Cedar Rapids Mayor Paul Pate and Iowa Republican Party co-chair Leon Mosley.
"It was completely unstructured, that never happens. It was totally informal, the students and politicians all talked to each other on the same level. It was a fantastic experience," Johnson said.
Working with Johnson to set up the forum was Christopher Landon, co-chair of the Kirkwood Republicans. Landon said topics for the forum included what the state motto should be, lack of pride in Iowa and people moving out of the state.
Johnson stated, "The purpose of the forum was to break the gap between those in power who make the laws and the students within Iowa."
Twenty-five college Republicans were in attendance, coming from all over eastern Iowa.
Students from Kirkwood, Coe, the University of Iowa, Mount Mercy College, Cornell College and Muscatine Community College attended the forum. What Johnson and Landon said they found most amazing was there were also high school students from Washington and Prairie in attendance.
"The whole forum was a huge success," said Johnson. "It really turned out to be a youth thing, not something for adults and that's what we wanted."
Johnson also said that after such great success with the first forum, he is hoping to turn these forums into biweekly events.
"The Java Creek Coffee House is happy to host these forums and is the perfect setting for such an event," said Johnson.
Future speakers may include U.S. Rep. Jim Leach, R-Iowa, and State Rep. David Jacoby, D-House District 30.
For more information on the forums, contact the Kirkwood Republicans by calling the Student Life Office at (319) 398-5578 or stop by 109 Iowa Hall.
The Republican Round Table Discussion met for the first time Nov. 1 at the Java Creek Coffee House in Cedar Rapids. The key speakers for the evening included Cedar Rapids Mayor Paul Pate and Iowa Republican Party co-chair Leon Mosley.
"It was completely unstructured, that never happens. It was totally informal, the students and politicians all talked to each other on the same level. It was a fantastic experience," Johnson said.
Working with Johnson to set up the forum was Christopher Landon, co-chair of the Kirkwood Republicans. Landon said topics for the forum included what the state motto should be, lack of pride in Iowa and people moving out of the state.
Johnson stated, "The purpose of the forum was to break the gap between those in power who make the laws and the students within Iowa."
Twenty-five college Republicans were in attendance, coming from all over eastern Iowa.
Students from Kirkwood, Coe, the University of Iowa, Mount Mercy College, Cornell College and Muscatine Community College attended the forum. What Johnson and Landon said they found most amazing was there were also high school students from Washington and Prairie in attendance.
"The whole forum was a huge success," said Johnson. "It really turned out to be a youth thing, not something for adults and that's what we wanted."
Johnson also said that after such great success with the first forum, he is hoping to turn these forums into biweekly events.
"The Java Creek Coffee House is happy to host these forums and is the perfect setting for such an event," said Johnson.
Future speakers may include U.S. Rep. Jim Leach, R-Iowa, and State Rep. David Jacoby, D-House District 30.
For more information on the forums, contact the Kirkwood Republicans by calling the Student Life Office at (319) 398-5578 or stop by 109 Iowa Hall.