City of Saratoga Youth Commission to host ‘Pizza and Politics’ forum

The City of Saratoga Youth Commission and the City of Cupertino Teen Commission will host its second “Pizza and Politics,” a political forum for teens, on Oct. 22.

The event, which was started two years ago as a collaborative project between the two groups, will be held at the Cupertino Community Hall at 7 p.m.

“The two commissions are excited to put on another political forum for the youth in the community,” said senior Jeremy Wang, the chair of the Saratoga Youth Commission. “Since our goal as a commission is to serve as a liaison between the youth and city council, a political forum for students to directly communicate and hear from candidates for local and statewide elections will be very enriching.”

The event is sponsored by the Saratoga City Council and Mayor Emily Lo, and it will be broadcast live on KSAR. Unlike the last event, which concentrated on the 2012 presidential election, this year’s “Pizza and Politics” will focus on local elections.

The political forum will feature state assembly candidates Republican Chuck Page  and Democrat Evan Low,  as well as the candidates for the school board of Saratoga Union School District and the Cupertino School District.

Saratoga City Clerk Crystal Bothelio will mediate the discussion while candidates debate and answer questions from audience members.

In a format that is similar to the presidential debate, Bothelio will have a pre-made document of questions to raise during the debate. Questions will concern mainly topics that students have heard of, such as recent propositions and bills concerning teens and public schools.

After a set of questions have been debated, Bothelio will then open the floor for any questions from the audience. Because of extensive audience participation last time, the coordinators have increased the amount of time for this portion.

Attendees will be served complimentary pizza and other refreshments throughout the night.

Many history and government teachers at Saratoga High School and other local high schools will be offering extra credit to students attending the event.

Wang believes this year’s “Pizza and Politics” will be another success.

“If you are not attending because you are interested in politics and debates, and not coming solely for extra credit, then at least come enjoy a night of unlimited pizza!” Wang said.