Congressman visits Bellevue classroom

Sporting a neon pink tutu and a huge smile, second grader Rebecca Friedman shook Congressman Jay Inslee's hand as she accepted the title of President in a role-playing exercise at the Jewish Day School in Bellevue.

Inslee paid a visit to Cheryl Mintz' second grade social studies class Wednesday to speak to the students about his work in Washington, D.C.

Inslee is serving in his seventh Congressional term in Washington's 1st District and is an member of the Energy and Commerce and Natural Resources Committees. He lives on Bainbridge Island.

During his visit, Inslee discussed how a bill is passed and the importance of voting. He then led the students in electing their classmates to act as the four institutions of the U.S government. The students came alive with excitement as they explained what topics and issues they would address if chosen for the role of President, Senate, House of Representatives and Supreme Court Justice.

According to Rebecca Friedman, if she were elected President, she would do more things fair. Fellow classmate Andre Wax went the comedic route and said he would abolish homework. He received a round of applause from his pint-size voters. Despite his animated declaration, the class raised their hands and voted Rebecca for President. Inslee walked the class through another mock exercise, this time demonstrating how a bill is passed.

Sitting on a plastic chair that acted as the Oval Office, Rebecca signed a bill to encourage people to be "green".

"It was fun to meet the congressman," she said, after his morning visit. "I think I would like to be president someday."

Lindsay Larin can be reached at 425-453-4602.

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