U.S. Rep. Phillips to Champlin Park Students: ‘We have a lot of tough challenges’
Champlin Park High School students got to pepper U.S. Rep. Dean Philllips with questions on Friday. The congressman visited the school telling students that the nation faces “a lot of tough challenges.”
Phillips answered a wide range of questions telling students that no question was off limits. Questions ranged from the contract impasse impacting Twin Cities hospital nurses to how to control gun violence.
“People who are treated well don’t do that,” said Phillips, on the gun violence question. “So if we want to prevent gun violence and we want to reduce violence in our streets and communities, I think it starts with all of us, treating each other with respect and decency. And when you see somebody lonely or being left out, or bullied, and you want to make a difference in the world? Support them.”
CCX News talked to several students about what they thought about the visit and the current state of politics.
“I feel like a lot of what the media portrays is ‘oh there’s division, and it’s Republicans against Democrats, and there’s this sort of political war going on in our country, so I thought it was really hopeful,” one student answered.
“I want to have someone that thinks of us, and not just themselves,” said Shyla Thao, a ninth-grader at Champlin Park.
“People have opinions and people want to have things done. And until things are done, people are going to keep asking for that,” said senior Shaine Kilyun.
The students CCX News spoke with said it was interesting hearing opinions on issues that are different than their own. They also expressed the importance of voting when they turn 18.
Also See: U.S. Rep. Dean Phillips Holds Roundtable on Child Care Costs
Champlin Park High School
