ELECTION 2000: Mixed opinions expressed about roundtable
By Nate Bloomquist
Apache Editor
Nearly 70 people were in attendance for the IVCC Apache-sponsored “A Roundtable discussion on the National Election.” The panelists on the discussion included staff members Mike Phillips, Sue Caley Opsal, Dr. Harriet Custer, Joe Mikyska, and retired teacher Sam Rogal.
The panelists sounded off on a number of different issues. When the debate was over, it was the audience’s turn to express their opinions. A number of different faculty members were in attendance for the event. They each had their own take on what happened during the discussion.
“I was very impressed with the depth of the issues that all the panelists discussed,” said Bob Reese, a business instructor. “It really brought some of the political issues down to earth without all the fluff the candidates use.”
Alice Steljes, an accounting instructor, thought it was good that the panelists were able to agree on one issue — leadership.“Since our choices are lesser men, we must chose who best articulates our hopes for the country,” said Steljes. “The panel did a great job in pointing out the differences in the candidates.”
One student said the timing of the debate was impeccable. “I paid more attention to the second (presidential) debate (which was held the night after the discussion) as a result of being at the roundtable,” said Connie Jolley. “I gave a lot more thought to some of the issues than I had before.”
Jolley said the event made her more aware of the issues surrounding the election.“In elections before I focused more on a personal level — what’s going to be better for me,” said Jolley. “At least more so than issues like the environment or the military.”
Another student liked the sincerity of the panelists.
“Hearing educators comment on areas of their expertise was helpful when listening to the debate,” said Norma Rue. “It was worth the hour spent.”
One student had a completely different take on the issues that were presented in the discussion.
“It sounded a lot like the people that are running for the presidency,” said Barbara Holdeman. “They weren’t really hitting the real issues.”