A “learning by doing political exercise” is one way to describe the American Legion Boy’s State of Kansas Leadership Academy, which is being held in Manhattan this week. Program Coordinator Gavin Smith says it’s a two part week–with campaigning, debates, and elections the first part of the week–leaving the latter part of the week to put plans into action. Smith adds he’s worked with Boys’ State for years and that every year is different, with different issues.
A Manhattan soon-to-be-senior Joshua Schwartz was elected Tuesday to Commissioner of Insurance for the group following a debate at McCain Auditorium, featuring candidates for State Treasurer, Attorney General, Secretary of State, and Governor.
Affordable Health Care was one question Schwartz was asked to address says socialized health care is a wonderful thing but “what we don’t need is the federal government ramming it down our throats.” Schwartz tells KMAN Insurance Commissioner wasn’t his first try for office as he also tried for the Senate, and House of Representatives. He does admit to some tension before taking the stage at McCain auditorium for the big debate but after joking around backstage he wasn’t as nervous…
Local American Legion representative Don Thomson of Manhattan who has been serving as an advisor at the annual event, says the Federalist side all came off one floor, which happened to be the one he’s an advisor on. Thomson adds that’s “really amazing.”
A Leawood Boy Stater, Bryce Johnson, was elected governor Tuesday evening. More than 450 young men from across Kansas who will enter their senior year this fall are participating in the 2015 session of boys State of Kansas Leadership Academy.
Boys’ State continues throiughout the week, with closing ceremonies Saturday.
