State Representative Photo 1

Today, Friday November 2, 2001, State Representative Jeff Coleman visited Leechburg middle and high school students. Mr. Coleman is originally from Apollo, PA though he has traveled extensively and lived in several parts of the world. Some time spent in the Philippines is what ultimately influenced his decision for getting involved in politics and public service.

State Representative Photo 2

The assembly began with an introduction of Mr. Coleman and brief biography given by seniors Valerie Spix and Michelle Kovalcik. After Mr. Coleman spoke briefly about himself and his purpose for coming, he opened the floor to receive questions and comments from the students. He answered questions directly and also gave everyone an opportunity to respond to his answers.

State Representative Photo 3

At first the students seemed a little timid, but one brave soul got things rolling and there was no shortage of questions for nearly an hour. These youth wanted to know his opinion on everything from skateboarding to garbage in PA; and the conversion of environmental land into industrial plants to the laws about new drivers. When asked his views on the September 11 attacks and the subsequent action of our government, he answered concisely without oversimplifying. He said that our President and his cabinet are doing a good job, taking careful measured steps, that this is a joined effort between the citizens and government and that we're going to get through this fine because we we're not going to live in fear.

State Representative Photo 4

His visit to Leechburg High School was the first town meeting in Leechburg where a representative met with a majority of people who are not of legal age to vote. This is important to Mr. Coleman because upon being elected to this office, he made a commitment to stay in contact with the people he represents, including younger generations. Mr. Coleman is the youngest representative to be elected and remains so at 35 years old. He doesn't take this fact lightly. He assumes upon himself a great accountability to the young adults and teens in his district. He is very passionate about getting the younger generation involved in the community and making youth part of the decision making process. He has started a Constituent Action Team, which is a program to get young people involved in public policy and public service. Currently he is taking steps to create skating parks in Apollo and Leechburg and youth cafes in the community libraries.

Following the assembly, Mr. Coleman invited anyone with an interest to stop and sign up for his Constituent Action Team, and there was a quite a sizable turnout. After that he toured the buildings stopping in many classrooms to talk to teachers and students. He stopped in the elementary library long enough to sit with some third graders while they told him about their research project.

"When citizens aren't involved, bad things happen and people don't like the government." - Jeff Coleman (PA State Representative)