War with Iraq, the economy, public service and community involvement were the topics today of a roundtable luncheon with Assemblyman Tom Alfano and student government leaders in his assembly district with Colorado Governor Bill Owens. Assemblyman Alfano and Governor Owens of the National Governor's Association arranged the event.

"I put this luncheon together because I wanted our student leaders to get to meet and talk to a national leader who has impact on the issues we read about every day," said Alfano adding, "these students represent their schools and the next generation of leaders."

The students picked to go to the roundtable were from Elmont Memorial High School; Geraldine McKenzie, Luc El-Art Severe and Terri Brown, from Sewanhaka; Elisabeth Pametta and Sheridee Rocco, from H. Frank Carey High School; Kristin Tortorici, Mike Bradshaw and Jami Unger, from West Hempstead High School Louisa Ferrara.

"These students represent the future leaders of our communities in the west-end of Nassau County," said Alfano noting "they were chosen by their peers for their leadership skills and their ability to make a difference." Luc El-Art Severe of Elmont Memorial High School said of the event: "it was a real honor to hear Governor Owens speak and to sit with Assemblyman Alfano and take part in this program."

Jami Unger of H. Frank Carey High School put the day in perspective when she said, "in this day and age, it's easy for my generation to overlook many important aspects of our past, present and future. Today, I was reawakened to the true reality of politics and our world. I hope I can bring back what I learned to my school and community."

The luncheon Alfano sponsored is part of a series of events associated with his "Mentors and Leaders Program." The program is a first in New York State developed by Assemblyman Alfano to encourage young people to give back to their community and get a quality education.

The event was an intimate affair with only 40 people representing business, television, law and young people. Owens' speech centered on the Middle Eastern crisis and the options President Bush has in dealing with Iraqi President Sadaam Hussein. "The president doesn't want to go to war; he wants peace. But we have to protect ourselves from attack because we do not want any more September 11ths in this country," said Governor Owens. Owens' remarks hit home to Sewanhaka student Sheri Rocco who said "being close to the age where I can see half my peers go off to defend our country, his words were a welcome statement. Yet he also told us how necessary prevention is."

Governor Owens speech was especially appropriate as it came on the heels of a meeting he had with President Bush this past Friday regarding Iraq and the options the United States has with the United Nations and a coalition. "The meeting with President Bush was a sobering talk of the dangers the world faces and what we have to do as a nation."

Alfano noted that the speech was important for people to hear as it puts a new light on the messages the public hears from mass media. "When you hear straight talk from a national leader on a subject like this and you get an interesting viewpoint from someone who has the president's attention, it's a unique opportunity to see into the decision making process this country is going through regarding Iraq.

Terri Brown, a student from Elmont Memorial High School said, "I'm really happy I made my first discovery today that leaders are human too. I was honored that I got to sit down and meet the governor and Assemblyman Alfano and talk with them." Geraldine McKenzie of Elmont Memorial added, "people perceive leaders as above ordinary people, but today I have come to the conclusion that they are just like one of us. They truly believe in the welfare of people."

Before Owen's speech, Alfano introduced the students to the governor where they got to question him on his background and how he got into politics. During their discussion, which turned to having a family while being in politics, Owens pulled out his wallet and showed the students pictures of his children, family and commented on the challenges you face as a leader and dad.

Kristin Tortorici, of H. Frank Carey High School noted "the meeting with the governor was a great experience. His speech was informative about what we face as a nation." Elisabeth Pametta of Sewanhaka High School stated "The speech he made was not only informative but was a speech I needed to hear to put my unease away with the current world situation."

The roundtable concluded with Owens discussing the very nature of a battle with Iraq and the possible tactics that might be used. Owens was joined by one of his staff members at the event who was the first paratrooper ranger who helped liberate Kuwait in Operation Desert Storm.