LBW Community College welcomed three elected officials to the Annual Constitution Day program at the Martha & Solon Dixon Center for the Performing Arts on Monday, September. 18.
State Sen. Josh Carnley, Dist. State Rep. Matthew Hammett, and Dist. 54 State Rep. Neil Rafferty spoke about the U.S. Constitution and answered questions asked by students.
“This will be a significant day in the annual calendar of the college where we are able to pause for a moment of reflection and reflect on the historic accomplishment in the United States Constitution,” stated LBWCC Dean of Student Affairs Jason Jessie in opening the ceremony.
LBWCC Social Science Instructor Joseph Fernandez introduced the three guests and they each one spoke about what the Constitution signifies to them.
“The Constitution provides the common individual with protection from being mistreated and ostracized. It established what is perhaps the most powerful system of government that has been seen by humans. It has endured changes and struggles, yet it remains the standard for citizens of the world who are free. In the end, both the Constitution as well as the Bill of Rights stated our fundamentals, and set our personal rights to express and worship and to live our lives as we would like to. We’re a better nation by having a well-established source of law as well as a common understanding that we can use every day,” Hammett said.
“I wasn’t raised in an elite family, and every person should be aware that it is not necessary to serve within your community. One of the major advantage of our Constitution as well as America is the capacity to give back to their community and be part of the change. I encourage everyone to participate, whether it’s through a elected post or a part of your community through volunteerism. For me I believe that this Constitution can be viewed as an example for the nature of the document and where it originated. It is important to examine the lives and hearts of those who were involved in the process of drafting this document. They were the first to step up and become a participant in something.” Carnley said.
span class=”s1 “>”[The Constitution] is a centrally-controlled government that can effectively oversee and manage trade treaties across the nation and safeguard the rights of citizens and individual liberties. While our union isn’t flawless and all human endeavours are, and always are still a work-in-progress. The Preamble makes it clear saying that it was designed to create a more perfect union. In addition, I believe the Constitution is a spokesman for principles of America which include justice equality, liberty, equality and freedom. These ideals tie us together as citizens of one nation. When we commemorate Constitution Day and where it originates, it is a right for us as elected representatives, but everyone who are present to reflect on the work to be completed,” Rafferty said.
Every elected official was questioned about the significance of state constitutions and that of the U.S. Constitution.
“The people who live in the states are aware of the current situation directly and are aware of what they need in their state,” Rafferty said.
“The Founding Fathers affirmed the right of states to exercise control over their own affairs to prevent the federal governments from having complete authority over the states.” Hammett said.
“The most fearful thing in the state and locally comes from the government believes that it is at the best. In the face of different sources, opinions and opinions I am of the opinion that the state’s government is something we should always strive to keep in place,” Carnley said.
The second question dealt with the way in which our U.S. Constitution can impact the law enforcement in our local area.
“As an elected county commissioner I was always against state laws and pushing them to the “unfunded mandates. I thought it was unfair to let local officials decide the best option for their needs. As elected officials and administrations change, their ideas evolve,” Carnley said.
“I’m an avid advocate for municipalities and counties to have the ability to make some of the decisions about the way they operate. They’re better informed about what’s happening and what is required to be completed,” Rafferty said.
The officials were asked whether they took the entire state into consideration or focus on their specific areas when deciding.
“I believe you must do both. However something that might be great for a situation in Birmingham might not be the most appropriate solution for us since it’s two separate areas. Overall we strive to be the best for all of the nation,” Hammett said.
“Birmingham attempted to raise the minimum wage since costs of living are more expensive. This may not be a good idea elsewhere in the country,” Rafferty said.
“One advantage of being a representative for an area is having the chance to engage in discussions or amend policies that someone from another region believes is ideal. We are able to push for ideas that are relevant to our constituents. Our role as representatives is to tell you that I am aware of what’s best for you but for my own area this could be harmful,” Carnley said.
Every official was asked to define both the federal government as well as the state government using three words.
“I think you are it’s bloated, too broad and inefficient. At the state the level, we go back on many things. I believe that government should be restricted to specific issues that the Constitution was designed to address. In the present, more and more people are turning to the government for solutions to problems which, in my view the government was never designed to address. I’d suggest leaning towards on the government of your state. It’s an extremely difficult thing to forecast population growth and many other things that are changing you can consider,” Carnley said.
“I believe that it is in a state of flux, it’s formative and it needs to return to what it was meant to do and that’s providing people with a voice. Going back to the things that senator. Carnley was talking about and how it’s inefficient, because there is a lack of understanding among people of the way democracy is supposed to function. If we don’t address particular issues that put a huge down in our capacity to tackle the issues that confront the public,” Rafferty said.
“I believe the most powerful word that can be used is frustration. We have to collaborate for the nation. It’s my very first year in the state government and I’d use”slow” as a word. It’s slow and it’s a source of frustration for me.” Hammett said.
The last topic was the effect that the redrawing of the congressional map will have on the state.
“Too often people are distracted by the headlines they read as well as what they would like others to speak or hear. It’s crucial to listen and collaborate when it comes to matters. I believe that whatever happens from this will set a precedent in the near future. I would like to see us can do better at cooperating and representing our citizens. I want everyone to feel that they are being represented,” Carnley said.
“That is the longest and most stressful week I’ve experienced in Montgomery during the time we had to redraw the districts. We must be flexible with the resources we have, and then move on,” Hammett said.
“It’s crucial that we provide an equal amount of protection to every citizen. We need to ensure everybody has equal representation as well as the capacity to make a decision or choice in their community,” Rafferty said.
The officials were asked about what they would say to younger voters about how to vote in federal and local elections.
“Your vote matters. If you do not vote then someone else will be able decide the person who represents you. I’d encourage everyone to participate and be a candidate for the county commission or city council,” Hammett said.
“It’s extremely important, with the majority of people focused on the national election as well as a significant drop-off in the state and city elections. It’s vital for the youngto be able to speak up and to see how it’s being done,” Rafferty said.
Fernandez concluded the event by providing every selected official with the mockup the U.S. Constitution, containing the first sentence of the Constitution and their signatures. LBW faculty and students in the audience.
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