Hertz visits PHS students

POLSON — Greg Hertz, District 12 representative to the Montana State House of Representatives, visited students at Polson High School on Tuesday, March 18.

This is the second consecutive year Hertz has presented to Paul Briney’s advanced placement government class — he started making visits after his election to try to involve more high school students in the world of local politics.

“I wanted to reach out to his students to get them involved and encourage them if they have an interest in local politics,” Hertz said.

During his discussion, he made it clear that there is room for young people in Montana politics.

“I was interested in politics at a young age, but I was unable to get started until I was older,” he said. “In Montana it can be hard to raise a family and serve in our House of Representatives. However, there are many young people running or serving right now, and they bring a great perspective to our sessions. It’s good for young people to get in contact with politics locally, and there are plenty of job openings during legislative sessions even if you’re not interested in running.”

Hertz opened the floor to any questions about local, state, or national issues from the 12 high school seniors who took the class this year. Overall, they discussed a wide range of topics throughout the class period, and Hertz, a Republican, gave his opinion both on local issues, like horse canneries, and on national issues, like opening the Keystone Pipeline.

The representative also brought along a few topics he was interested in discussing with high school students; minimum wage standards and college student loans are issues that may imminently affect high-school-age people.

“I like getting their feedback,” Hertz commented. “It’s important for me to reach out and get their perspective on all of these issues.”

Briney makes it a point in his class to have local speakers discuss issues with his students. In the past he has had visits from other representatives like Carmine Mowbray and John Brugeman as well as several from District Court Judge Kim Christopher.

“We never make it political in my class, and all of my visitors do a good job of that,” Briney commented. “He comes in and he talks about the issues.”

He went on to say that he thinks his state and locally-based speakers are important to give his students a well-rounded education.

“They gain a better knowledge of state government,” Briney said. “The AP Test is focused on the federal government, because all states get the same exam, but it’s important for these kids to know what’s going on here as well, and they get a taste of that from my speakers.”