Norwalk City Councilman Rick Ramirez said, “I’m campaigning for the State Legislator’s 56th District,” during a Political Science Club meeting in the social science building last Thursday.

In addition, “That district covers Hawaiian Gardens, Cerritos, Norwalk, Santa Fe Springs, and Whittier,” Ramirez said.

The Democratic primary will lead to the June 2006 election between Ramirez and two opponents from the city of Artesia, Antonio Mendoza and Sally Flowers.

Ramirez is seeking volunteers for the November primary because he says, “My wife Gina is campaigning for a seat in the Little Lake City School District.”

Informing students about elections and other political issues is a major goal for political science club president, Marino Barnes.

“This semester is the starting point for the club,” he said.

Dennis Falcon, political science instructor, said that the political science club was, “a nice starting base for next semester.”

Isaiah Garcia, vice president of the political science club agrees.

“All of the officers that were in the club last semester have all transferred to universities,” he said.

Barnes said, “That is why we have four open positions.”

The open positions are public affairs officer, historian, sergeant of arms, and inter-club council representative.

Ramirez said that it is important for students who have interest in community politics to speak up.

“It affects you (the student) and that is why voting is important,” said Ramirez.

As of right now, Ramirez said that he is going door to door in residential neighborhoods because “families do want to address issues.”

Rina Espana, political science major, agreed.

“I am glad I came to the meeting,” and she said. “I, of course, will vote in the November election.”

Norman Garaza, business administration major, said, “Being here (at the meeting) put a good light on political issues.”

He too will vote in the November election.

Ramirez said that those who do volunteer their time during November’s election will, “have fun.”

The reason for his involvement in politics is because he saw “no change” in the council, Ramirez said.

One thought that Ramirez said before he left, “Remember, you (students) are never too young to run for public office.”