Cathleen Allison/Nevada Appeal Nevada Sen. Dina Titus, D-Las Vegas, speaks to a group of Pioneer High School students Friday afternoon. Titus, who is running for governor, discussed issues and answered questions raised by the students.
Friday afternoon, Pioneer High School students got a lesson in politics from a visiting professor who happens to know a thing or two about campaigning.
She is, after all, in the middle of one.
Dina Titus, democratic nominee for governor and senate minority leader, took questions from 35 government and debate students at the alternative education school in Carson City. Titus is also a professor of political science at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
Her goal in coming to the alternative high school, she told them, was to listen to the voices of younger Nevadans.
"You are the future. If I can hear from you and tell you what I stand for then we can learn from each other," Titus said.
Teacher Julie Gabica said the visit is the first in a series of speakers to come as part of the school's curriculum.
"We are learning about the issues and the things that concern Nevadans," Gabica said. "We've been researching the candidates and where they stand on the issues."
Titus talked about her background and stressed the importance of education and getting involved.
"It's so important for young people to get involved in politics," Titus said. "Your future is ahead of you and all of your time left on this planet will be affected by politicians. The sooner you vote, the sooner you have a say."
Titus took questions on a variety of topics including environmental protection, growth, combating drugs, penalties for sex offenders, Yucca Mountain and energy. She stressed the importance of education and planning to help keep the state prosperous.
"We have to make hard decisions about where to spend our money and what we need, like schools, roads and infrastructure for growth," Titus said. "We need to go out and help create not just jobs, but good jobs. We need good businesses to come and stay in Nevada."
Student Raquel Gonzales said, "I wasn't thinking about voting before, but now I want to."
Several students said they were impressed with Titus' energy and passion about the issues she was addressing and for coming to talk to them.
"She cared enough to come and talk to the high school that people think is all bad kids. I like that she cares about making education better," student Jasmine Robertson said. "The questions we were going to ask her she already answered before we asked them."
Titus is running against Republican congressman Jim Gibbons, who has also been invited to speak at Pioneer High School.
Candidates' forum
Carson City Democratic Women's Club and Douglas County Democratic Women are hosting a candidates' forum/barbecue from 3-7 p.m. today, at the Roelke home, 1001 Arrowhead Dr. in Carson City
Cost is $5 and includes hot dog or hamburger, chips, salad and drink. Beer and wine will be available.
Democrat and Republican candidates have been invited.
Call 883-1082 or 450-9681.
• Contact reporter Jarid Shipley at jshipley@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1217.