Democratic candidate for Congress, will be on campus on Nov. 20 to give talks about the local economic climate.
By Kiara Catanzaro
News Assignment Editor
On Wednesday, Nov. 20, St. Bonaventure’s College Democrats will host Democratic House candidate Martha Robertson for two lectures with students and the Olean and Allegany community. If she wins the Democratic nomination, she will challenge Republican Rep. Tom Reed in 2014.
The first lecture will be located in the Merton Center from 4 to 5:15 p.m., and will include a public lecture, “What Can Local Governments Do to Spur Economic Development?” The second lecture, to be presented in the Walsh Amphitheater at 7 p.m., will be open to the local community to address Robertson’s plans for the area.
Ryan DeOrdio, president of College Democrats, explained why students should attend the lecture.
“It’s important that Martha connects with the students because the St. Bonaventure community is part of the constituency she supports if elected to Congress,” DeOrdio said. “A lot of national issues affect college students. Considering that, Martha’s visit is important so the St. Bonaventure community so students can connect with her and exchange ideas. Affordable higher education is an obvious issue that’s dear to the St. Bonaventure community and Martha Robertson.”
DeOrdio, a senior journalism and mass communication major, also discussed why students should be involved in their local government politically.
“All college students should be more involved with politics because it affects college students drastically,” DeOrdio said. “Students need to express their opinions through voting, and the first step is being informed. Martha’s visit will help students share those opinions and encourage students to learn more about their local government.”
As a supportive Democrat, DeOrdio shared his opinions of Martha Robertson and her desire to run as candidate for Congress.
“One factor that made me interested in supporting Martha Robertson is Nate Shinagawa (the 2012 Democratic House candidate) being so heavily involved in her campaign,” DeOrdio said. “I liked Nate as a candidate and it’s a strong, positive sign that he’s taken a big role in Robertson’s campaign.”
DeOrdio explained Robertson’s intentions for attending the university for her lecture. It’s not about her campaign; it’s about her knowledge on a public issue.
“It’s important to note that Martha Robertson’s visit to St. Bonaventure isn’t a, ‘vote for me, don’t vote for Tom Reed’ event,’ DeOrdio said. “Martha’s purpose is to give a lecture on a topic that she’s an expert on.”
Even if students aren’t interested in politics, there are benefits for them to gain knowledge to be a more-informed citizen, according to DeOrdio.
“There’s no reason not to attend because everyone should take opportunities to inform themselves politically, and meeting a congressional candidate is pretty cool,” DeOrdio said.
