Students at Turkey Creek Middle School may be too young to vote, but U.S. Rep. Dennis Ross (FL-15) wants to make sure the future constituents are aware of the power and responsibility they will one day hold.
Ross spoke to civics students at the Plant City middle school Friday, Feb. 24. He encouraged them to take an active role in the political process, including learning about government and how they can make changes by letting their voices be heard.
“Sometimes, people just forget about why it’s important to be involved,” Ross said. “But let’s take a couple issues here. There’s a helmet law out there that says that if you’re going to ride a bicycle and you’re under the age of 16, you have to wear a helmet. Do you think that’s a good idea or a bad idea?”
Good idea, the students responded.
“How would you go about changing that,” Ross said. “If you thought it was a bad idea? You go to your elected officials. I want you to understand something that’s very important to our fundamental form of government. And that’s that you have a right, when you turn 18, you have a right to vote. You have a voice as to how you want your future to be determined, and you need to exercise that right to vote.”
Ross, who is currently serving in his fourth Congressional term after being re-elected in November, was invited to speak at the school by civics teacher Daren Essig.
“We were learning about the legislative branch in class,” Essig said. “The kids wanted to know if they could talk to a congressman. We called and talked to his secretary, and then we talked about having him come to the Great American Teach-In.”
Ross was unable to make it to teach-in, as the event was held at the height of the campaigning season, but was able to come in February.
“It snowballed into a reality,” Essig said. “For them to see a congressman, that’s really cool.”
For Ross, the opportunity to speak to students was a way to help them connect with their future as responsible voters.
“My focus is to instill in them a sense of motivation and understanding to get into the political process,” Ross said. “They can change the rules, but they have to understand the process. This country requires participation in its process. All of us have a right to vote, but with that comes an obligation to exercise those rights.”
Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com.
Student Questions
If the government’s supposed to be transparent, why are there secret files?
We have in the state of Florida what’s called ‘Government in the Sunshine.’ That means elected officials in the state of Florida can’t transact business without giving public notice so that people can be there to hear it and see what’s going on. There are secret files when it becomes an issue of national security. Transparency is absolutely necessary. When we run for office, we file campaign reports to show who contributes to our campaigns.
Is there a way to get your right to vote back if you lose it?
Yes. Many states, including Florida, have ways to restore your civil rights. The only way you would lose it, in Florida, would predominantly be through being a convicted felon. You could go through a board and have your civil rights restored that way.
As a legislator, what is the main thing you focus on?
Two things. We take care of issues where people have problems with the federal government. We’ll handle any issue with the federal government. And then, on the national level, we will file legislation.
What made you want to run for office?
Well, I was never that good as an athlete. I was never that good as a student. But I also knew the only way you ever achieved anything in life is to endure. I thought if I could understand some issues, I could run for office. Your understanding of civics will put you at the top of the ladder.
How long have you been in Congress?
I’ve been in Congress for six years. I’m serving in my seventh year right now.
Do you agree with President Donald Trump’s cabinet, including Betsy DeVos?
By and large, I do (agree with the cabinet). Betsy DeVos … I do know that she is providing probably one of the most innovative efforts ever in public education. Betsy DeVos has more innovation … than we’ve seen in the past.
Editor's Note: This story has been updated from a previous version that stated Rep. Ross was in his seventh term in office. He is in his seventh year, and fourth term. We regret the error.