 | | Michelle grilling the Councillors. |
If I was to express the idea of politicians and speed dating, you would either probably look at me with a slight sneer or an expression of confusion, either way the combination of the two would most definitely seem unusual. To my surprise the "unusual" happened when I went to the 'Political Speed Dating' event held at the St Albans District Council Chambers. I first heard about the event from BBC Three Counties, who needed someone young enough (the Online team missed the age requirements by many years, ED) to ask St. Albans local politicians any questions they wanted. I was pleasantly surprised at the invitation and without any second thought, jumped at the chance and as my ambition to one day work in the media and I felt that the experience would help me to develop valuable skills for my future career. Also, the idea of grilling politicians and councillors with controversial questions and watching them sweat also played a small part in my interest in the event!
 | | Political speed dating proved popular. |
The event had the benefit of expressing the opinions of young people within society to the people who have the power for change. When I first arrived, I was rather nervous but was soon introduced to the friendly members of St. Albans Youth Council (SAYC). I got several things out of the evening, but one of the most inspirational things of the evening was the community at the SAYC, an organisation aimed at young people voicing their opinions to solve issues that specifically effect young people in St. Albans. As the evening began, my nerves eased as I could clearly see this was going to be a light hearted event, evident with the seventies themed video and "Marjory" our host explaining the evening to both politicians and interviewers. | "The complete shock that crossed my face when he swore must have made him think I had never heard somewhere swear before! " | | Michelle Abraham on Cllr John Newman and his youth appeal. |
As both interviewers and councillors took their assigned seats, we were explained that we only had three minutes to ask any questions we wanted before moving on to the left to the next politician. As it was only three minutes with each councillor, I knew I had used the best questions I thought of which were "Being one of the countries that has one of the highest statistics for teenage pregnancies, how do you think sex education in schools could be improved?" And "What do you think, in terms of funding could be realistic in providing more youth activities in Hertfordshire?" Many of the councillors really related to my issues and concerns and were totally honest with me that money is a problem when it comes to providing more youth activities. However some of them interestingly informed me of their new ideas, which included new youth halls and cyber/coffee cafes in the area.
 | | Just three minutes of hard talk! |
A specific question that raised an interesting reaction was "How do you feel about George Galloway being in the Big Brother house?" to which one politician clearly stated that they 'did not watch such a show!' My personal favourite councillor was John Newman because he, as did many of the councillors really knocked my stereotypical view that politicians are "old" and "boring. He was really laid back and fully aware of the issues concerning teenagers, such as the lack of places to hang out and the increasing worry of growing up in a violent and dangerous environment. The complete shock that crossed my face when he swore must have made him think I had never heard somewhere swear before! It didn't feel like I was talking to a councillor which is why he won my vote.
 | | The winner, Tony Swendell! |
Although he didn't win, losing out to Tony Swendell (who in my opinion was a worthy winner) John Newman represented an innovative and positive light in the political system. The evening taught me several things like the SAYC and how to interview people. However most inspiringly; politicians are working for the needs of our society as a majority of them stated that helping people was the reason they came into politics. So next time someone you know sarcastically expresses the view of the "old aged, toffee-nosed politician" remember speed dating! | 
