Friday, April 27, 2001

This meeting was held after school in room 253 with approximately 13 people in attendance. The meeting started with introductions and the announcement of the OPYD website. Mr. Janas then spoke about a new proposal for the structure of the organization. During the week preceding the meeting, there was much controversy surrounding the club - signs were torn down and vandalized, and several teachers had voiced their reservations about the club. Mr. Janas and Ms. Decastro came up with a plan that would alleviate concerns about the club and would also encourage unity than divison. There would be a "political debate club" in which all students could participate regardless of political affiliation. An issue would be raised, and the liberal and conservative viewpoints would split up, research their side, and would reconvene and debate. The advantages of this are self-evident; there is less controversy and it is extremely educational. The matter was laid on the table to be discussed at the close of the meeting.

The next item on the agenda was Susan Kryszak of the Orchard Park Democratic Committee and candidate for the Orchard Park Town Board. She spoke of her experience in town politics and why she chose to run for office. A theme that ran through her message was how the youth of any community can make a difference - we are the doers and the motivators. Mrs. Kryszak recognized that many involved in town governement were caught up in the politics of it rather than working for the constituents. With a Democratic supervisor, Toni Cudney, and four Republican board members, the productivity of the work sessions of meetings is hindered by the partisan debates that emerge. However, having the two sides on an issue is important when discussing an issue because in order to successfully argue your viewpint, you must know where your opponent stands. She tied this in to the plan that Mr. Janas had previously voiced in the meeting. Mrs. Kryszak's primary message was about how we can help the Democratic Committee to win more seats on the Town Board and how we can help to advance causes.

We then had a roundtable discussion about issues and the role of the club. Jobs, tax cuts, the environment, military spending, and local issues were all discussed, with everyone having something to say. Mrs. Kryszak mediated the discussion and added much. Concerning the role of the club, a proposal was put forth that was considered the best solution. The political debate club would be formed in order to ease tensions in the school, and the Orchard Park Young Democrats would work with the Orchard Park Democratic Committee. It was voiced that perhaps the political debate club would force a split, and the Young Democrats and the Young Democrats would go their own ways; in the short term, however, the political debate club was best. The Orchard Park Young Democrats will no longer meet in the high school for the time being. An alternative meeting place is being discussed and will be announced on this website.

If you have any questions or comments, please send an e-mail to [email protected] or sign the guestbook.