CLP 2010: Day 6, Thursday, June 3

College Leaders Program Class of 2010
Day 6—Thursday, June 3
Reported by: Emily Bowles, University of Virginia

Our morning began at 8 a.m., many of us still tired from a late night of reading that included topics on the legislative, executive and judicial branches of the Virginia government. Class started promptly at 9 a.m., and we began to review the Constitution of Virginia. Debate sparked among my peers over whether or not the Constitution favored the elite, and whether steps should be taken towards limiting this power. We then moved onto the executive branch and discussed whether or not the Governor of Virginia holds too much power. Many believed that while the Governor does have an unusual amount of power, this is kept in balance by the fact that he cannot serve two consecutive terms.

After the discussions ended, we stopped and enjoyed a delicious Chik-fil-A lunch and worked in our policy groups. My group, public policy, continued to throw around broad ideas and issues that we believe affect our local communities the most.

As class continued, we had three speakers come to visit. The first two, Juan Wade and Leah Puryear, discussed the educational system in Charlottesville City. They have had many great successes within the community, including starting a pre-kindergarten program for 3- and 4-year-olds, bringing certified psychologists and guidance counselors into schools to help students, and providing land phones for all classrooms. They both agreed that while Charlottesville is a diverse community, all of its citizens are united in wanting to provide a great education for their children.

Our third speaker, Dave Mills, told us of his political career within the Democratic Party which started at the age of 23 when he ran for House of Delegates. Mr. Mills discussed what life as a campaign finance advisor was like and provided guidance on ways college students can get their foot in the political door such as working on local campaigns and getting involved in interest groups. Now that we are back at the dorm, we are all working in our policy groups to come up with ideas to present to the rest of our peers tomorrow.