Online Chat
Georgia Middle School
May 18, 2000

[Senator] Hi I just left the floor and I can see all of you. Here's a wave

[GEMS] Why did you decide to be a Senator

[Senator] Looks as tho half of georgia is in the room!

[GEMS] This is Mrs. Delaney's 5/6 grade class. You met Mrs. Delaney here at school when you came here for dinner.

[Senator] I wanted to be a Senator because it is where I can do the most for Vermont. I am a native Vermonter and I know that the one place Vermont is equal to the rest of the country is in the Senate

[GEMS] How did your lifestyle change when you became a Senator?

[Senator] I remember Mrs Delaney and the class - good to see you all

[GEMS] We think it is cool that we can see you in Washington and you can see us in Georgia!

[Senator] My lifestyle changed a great deal because I have to live in Vermont and Washington. My family still feels our home in Vermont is our real home which it is. I don't accept bodyguards or any of the trappings that some do in Washington - nor would most Vermonters

[GEMS] What do you think is the largest issue facing Vermont today?

[Senator] Vermont still has to plan for jobs for the future - having plenty of jobs when all of you grow up. We have to do it and still protect our special way of life. I work to bring high tech jobs to Vermont and also to protect the Dairy COmpact because it retains a way of life.

[GEMS] We jsut spent a week at an environmental camp in NH. What do you think about our deformed frogs?

[Senator] The frog issue is one that worries me. I don't know if it is from pesticides, mercury or a natural phenomena - it definately needs more study. Did you enjoy the camp?

[GEMS] Did you ever wish that you could move your office to a more peaceful environment?

[GEMS] The camp was great - it was very educational and we learned a lot about ticks and black flies and frog eggs. And how strong Mother Nature can be - we had a lot of weather experiences!

[Senator] I have a lovely office in Burlington and I often wish I could work out of that all the time - but Washington is exciting and it is the center of our government. Being here certainly makes it easier when i have to meet with the President.

[GEMS] We know you are against land mines. How did it feel to meet Princess Diana? Have you ever been to dangerous places where mines still exist?

[Senator] The camp sounds fascinating - I wish i could have had an experience like that at your age.

[Senator] Princess Diana was a good friend and she had a real committment to banning landmines. Both my wife and I enjoyed being with her.I have gone to very dangerous places - like Kosovo - where there are landmines. we have to do a lot more to rid the world of all landmines.

[GEMS] At the camp we also went to the ocean. It was the first time that some of the class had ever been to the ocean. It was cold and we had to wear lots of layers. We saw pollution in the water. We went to a tide pool in Maine and got to see all the little mussels, snails and starfish. If you hummed to the snail it came out of its shell.

[GEMS] Why do you think people do not vote when they have the opportunity?

[Senator] I really wish I could have been with you - what a great time you must have had.

[Senator] I wish more people would vote - I think a lot of people are turned off because campaigns are too long, too expensive and often too negative. I we don't vote, however, we give up the greatest right of a democracy - in some countries people die for that right

[GEMS] At Georgia Middle School we lock the doors once school begins. Do you think it is necessary to lock school doors because of crime? Why or why not?

[Senator] The teachers and the principal have to use their best judgement. In Vermont we have one of the lowest crime rates in the nation but there is more violence around our country today and that is a tragedy.

[GEMS] Is it fun being a senator? What is your favorite part about being a senator?

[Senator] It is often fun being a senator - but not when we are still working way past midnight!

[GEMS] What has he done as a senator to fight oil spills?

[Senator] One of the best parts of being a senator is doing online chats like this.

[GEMS] What environmental changes have you personally made to help our Earth? Many of us stop running water while brushing our teeth or mow our lawns only once a week.

[Senator] Oil spills - I have voted to greatly tighten up standards to stop spills.

[GEMS] Some other things we've done: riding bikes, cutting up the plastic six-pack soda holders.

[GEMS] We clean up for Green-Up day.

[GEMS] How often do you get back to Vermont?

[Senator] Sorry - I had to take a call from the Senate leader just than.

[Senator] Green-Up day is a great way to help the environment and i have often been a volunteer on Green-Up day.

[Senator] I was in Vermont earlier this week and a couple times last week. I get home several times a month and am there most of the time when the Senate is not in session.

[GEMS] When you were a kid, did you want to be involved in politics?

[Senator] I grew up in montpelier across the street from the State Capitol and i think that started my interest in politics

[GEMS] When is the Senate in session?

[Senator] The Senate is in session part of most months. We take periodic breaks so we can be at meetings in our states but it is generally a year round proposition now. It did not use to be that way.

[Senator] I have time for one more question and let's have a big wave!

[GEMS] Thank you for sharing your lunch break with us - it has been great!! We are sending you a big wave!

[Senator] I could see the wave - you make me wish i could be there with you!

[GEMS] Bye - have a great day

[Senator] I you look at my web site later you will see the transcript of this.

[Senator] Have a great one!