What do a university professor, candidate for governor and two investigative journalists have in common? The answer is simple – they will all make appearances at the College at Florham this spring.
Politics on the PublicMind continues this semester with an array of speakers, two of whom have already graced FDU’s campus: Michael Rockland and Steve Lonegan.
Each Friday, the PublicMind and the FDU library host an open seminar. Rockland, author of “Looking for America on the New Jersey Turnpike,” was the first to speak.
“He [Rockland] was engaging,” said sophomore Michael Litwornia. “He knew what he was talking about.”
The Rutgers University professor visited the school on Feb. 6, kicking off the first of several political talks to come.
Rockland was followed by Steve Lonegan, a candidate for New Jersey governor, on Feb. 13. Lonegan highlighted the values on which America was founded and why he’d make the perfect governor by implanting them.
“America was built on the right to arise to the best possible potential, without the shackles of government,” said Lonegan. “Capitalism is at the core of today’s economy.” He offered this as part of his explanation on why New Jersey is failing as a state.
Lonegan made several references to his early political days as mayor of Bogota, N.J., and the daring moves he made to help his town, some of which included taking on the Bogota police force and capping their salaries.
As finances were at the core of his discussion, he informed the audience of the $40 billion debt New Jersey has acquired over the last decade.
“It is possible that New Jersey will default on the debt within a few years,” said Lonegan. His solution to the problem is a three-point plan. One of the points mentioned was to cut the size of the state government by no less than 20 percent.
As Lonegan’s talk ended, the audience was able to chime in with questions, which eventually led to the end of the event. Both students and faculty were able to participate.
Junior John Cicchino enjoys the Public Mind events. He finds them helpful and likes to hear what politicians have to say.
“I get a first-hand experience,” said Cicchino. As an International Relations major, Cicchino does hope to go into some form of politics in the future. These events are merely a stepping stone.
While some students find these events worthwhile, others do not. There was a larger faculty and staff presence than that of students. At present the events run well and the series may attract more students in the future with the variety of speakers lined up.
The next seminar, scheduled for Feb. 20, will feature investigative journalists Bob Ingle and Sandy McClure, co-authors of “The Soprano State,” a book about corruption in New Jersey.
“It’s interesting to see all aspect of politics” said junior Justin O’Connor, who plans to attend every seminar. “They are very insightful and I’m more informed.”
For a complete schedule of events, contact the FDU library or the PublicMind Web site.
KRISTIN FULTON
ASSISTANT EDITOR
