Most Staples High School students are not yet eligible to vote.
But Connecticut’s 4th District congressional candidates made their cases yesterday to 120 students, from a half dozen social studies classes.
Scheduling issues prevented an actual debate between Democratic Congressman Jim Himes and his challenger, Republican Jayme Stevenson. They appeared at different times.
But both offered opening statements, and responded to written questions from the teenagers.
Himes began by noting his experience, and his accomplishments during his 7 terms in Washington. He highlighted large spending packages passed by Democrats, like the Inflation Reduction Act and the Infrastructure Investment Act.
Congressman Jim Himes speaks at Staples High School.
Stevenson detailed her experience as Darien’s former first selectwoman, and how she hopes to change the political environment in the nation’s capital.
Questions covered a wide-range of topics, including inflation and the economy, crime, school safety and education, climate change, and energy policy.
Himes defended the Democrats’ record under President Biden, highlighting in part the American Rescue Plan while conceding that it did influence inflation.
Stevenson discussed how an all-of-the-above energy policy is necessary to combat gas prices. She said that her oil bill is $500 more this year than last.
Congressional challenger Jayme Stevenson addresses students. Event organizer Spencer Yim is behind her.
Himes was passionate about school safety and guns, promising to deliver more legislation if reelected. He said that the bipartisan gun control bill was a worthwhile step that lacked ambition.
Stevenson explained her proposal to fund school resource officers. She said she supports universal background checks, and has a pistol permit.
On the issue of education, Stevenson advocated for greater parental rights and school choice for low-income students.
Himes seemed open to late-term abortion restrictions, and said he would support returning the standard to Roe v. Wade.
Stevenson explained her pro-choice stand with “common-sense” restrictions, saying she would not support the 15-week abortion ban proposed by Senator Lindsey Graham.
On climate change, both candidates expressed the urgent need for action. Himes called it a “national security threat,” while Stevenson discussed conservation and innovative sustainability efforts.
Part of the large crowd at the Staples High School library yesterday.
Both candidates received the same final question: Despite the political tension and climate, what is one thing you respect about your opponent?
Himes pointed to his “strong working relationship” with Stevenson. He commended her for her leadership in Darien, and her anti-Trump opposition to election denialism.
Stevenson emphasized Himes’ family roots as a father.
The event was organized largely by Staples High School senior Spencer Yim, with help from both campaigns, social studies teacher Suzanne Kammerman and school administrators.
Bringing the candidates to Staples was a goal of the Your Vote Matters Club, which Yim founded. Kammerman is the faculty advisor.
“Today was an amazing opportunity to hear directly from the candidates themselves,” Yim says.
“Even though many students won’t be able to vote in this election, I hope this experience empowered them to explore, engage civically in the community, and be educated about the various issues and candidates so that they can be informed voters in the future.”
