Cubmaster Rupert Farquharson and Cub Scouts Kaycia Russell, Oscar Martinez, Kobe Moms, Kahmal Russell, and Arianna Rodriguez met with Legislator Gonzalez to fulfil a long-standing requirement that scouts visit a government office to speak with an elected official. Visiting with elected officials such as Legislator Gonzalez gives the Cub Scouts an opportunity to experience how citizens and government work together to reach agreement on issues that affect the community.
Following The Pledge of Allegiance, Legislator Gonzalez went around the table and the Scouts introduced themselves by stating their name, age, grade, and where they live. The inquisitive troop took advantage of the setting to ask Legislator Gonzalez questions about his role as a Legislator and what does he want to achieve during his time in office.
Legislator Gonzalez replied, “I represent the interests of the people in the Ninth Legislative District to the Suffolk County Legislature. The Legislature is a government body that make laws and determines how to spend our tax dollars. During my time as Legislator, I want to improve the quality of life for current and future Suffolk County residents.”
With the question-and-answer session complete, Legislator Gonzalez and his staff held a mock vote on a bill with the troop. The Cub Scouts played the role of Suffolk County Legislators. Legislator Gonzalez and his staff cast themselves as concerned constituents. The bill under consideration was the highly controversial IR 1234 - 20, A Local Law to Prohibit Mr. Frosty’s Music while Driving in the Community (Co. Exec.). During the public comment portion of the meeting, Legislator Gonzalez spoke against the bill to ban Mr. Frosty’s music. The junior Legislators voted unanimously: Yes – 0, No – 5. IR 1234 failed.
“We enjoyed the visit, great office staff and we are looking forward to another visit with Legislator Gonzalez in the near future. We are keeping our boys and girls physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight,” said Cubmaster Rupert Farquharson when asked to describe the meeting.
###