Students get inside view of legislature By Beth Ward, Times Staff Writer Thursday, February 19, 2009 ANNAPOLIS — Sitting in seats that were occupied by senators just an hour before, about 70 Carroll County students had a rare opportunity Wednesday to see inside the Senate Chamber while they learned about the state legislature. The students ranged from sixth-graders to seniors in high school and represented schools from around the county. “They are all interested in government and this is where it all happens,” said Estelle Sanzenbacher, coordinator of youth development for Carroll County Public Schools. “They study the bills in school and this brings it all together.” Sanzenbacher said the group is the largest that has come for the annual trip. Normally about 35 students come for the Maryland Association of Student Council’s lobbying day in Annapolis. Sanzenbacher credits having the MASC’s annual legislative session at Westminster High School for the spike in interest. During the session Feb. 7, students were able to debate bills that they were interested in while they learned about the legislative process. “It’s definitely interesting to learn about the bills and be able to take this experience back and talk to students at our school,” said Nic Dahl, a junior at South Carroll High School. Students split up to observe sessions either in the House of Delegates or the Senate before going on a tour of the State House. In past years, Carroll’s students have taken part in the MASC’s morning activities, which didn’t leave much time to see the State House. This year, the Carroll County Student Government Association decided to break away and do its own program. After taking a tour of the State House, the students had an opportunity to meet with some of the state delegation in the Senate Chamber. “It’s neat to see kids be interested in how it all works,” Del. Susan Krebs, R-District 9, said after speaking to the students. Krebs; Del. Donald Elliott, R-District 4; Del. Tanya Shewell, R-District 5, and Sen. David Brinkley, R-District 4 spoke briefly about their role in the state legislature, touching on committees, how votes are taken and even explaining some of the debate that the students would have observed during session. “If you are interested at all in politics try to work as a page,” Brinkley said to the students. Cole Moore, a senior at North Carroll High School, was a page during the third week of session. “It was very informational,” he said. “It opened my eyes to how government works at the state level.” Moore said he was happy to be back in Annapolis since he was able to see more debate on the floor because bills are starting to go through the process. After graduation, Moore said, he plans to study political science in college. Lauren Hickey, a senior at Westminster High School and the student representative on the Carroll County Board of Education, will be a page in Annapolis next week. Hickey served as a page for U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Md., last summer and wanted to gain similar experience at the state level. “You really get to see the Senate in action,” she said of her experience with the federal government. Hickey said working as a page sparked her interest in government and she may study it when she goes to college. “I just like that as a regular person you can change anything,” she said. Carroll’s legislators encouraged the students to get involved in the process and to let their representatives know what they think. “I hope this makes you interested in getting involved,” Krebs said at the close of the question and answer session. “We represent you and you have to let us know what you think.” Reach staff writer Beth Ward at 410-751-5908 or beth.ward@carrollcountytimes.com.