Congressman Rick Lazio, who is running against Hillary Clinton for the New York State Senate seat, took his campaign trail to Syosset High School on Tuesday, Sept. 12. He spoke to juniors and seniors from the Advanced Placement Government classes about his views on government and education.

Syosset High School Principal Dr. Jorge Schneider introduced Lazio to the students. "Today, you have the opportunity to make your textbook come alive," Schneider said to the students.

Calling the Syosset Schools a "role model for other school districts" in terms of achievement and community involvement, Lazio, a product of public schools himself, told the students that he was committed to obtaining more Federal support of local school districts. He explained that there are some districts not as fortunate where students are using the same science books that their parents used when they were in school. With all of the new advancements in science over the past decades, Lazio described this situation as unacceptable.

A part of the education system that Lazio would like to see improved is the teachers. He believes in testing teachers' skills approximately every five years to see how well they know the subject they specialize in.

"Most teachers do not even have a minor in what they teach," said Lazio. "Some are not even certified. This is because we have such a shortage of teachers."

He explained that this was not meant to punish the teachers, but to help the students, who he feels are most important and he said that tests will not financially impact the teachers.

Students listened attentively and were eager to ask Lazio questions of their own. They quizzed the Congressman on such issues as "soft" campaign money, the juvenile justice system, and the sentencing of Jonathan Pollard.

Lazio said that many issues are being skewed by false advertising throughout this campaign. He suggested that the students use the Internet to research the candidates. Congressional websites, he explained, allow people to look up an exact bill and see how everyone voted on it.