Ulster BOCES Hosts First “Law Day”

Ulster BOCES recently hosted the first-ever “Law Day” at The Seasons Restaurant Culinary Arts training facility located at the Career & Technical Center in Port Ewen. The exciting event gave high school students from Ulster County the chance to discuss important issues about the local economy and job opportunities with New York State Assemblyman Kevin Cahill.

“The students had some tough questions for Mr. Cahill,” said Len Cane, a member of the Ulster BOCES Board of Education, after an hour-long question and answer session between the students and the assemblyman. “It was good for him to hear what they’re concerned about and good for the students to have an opportunity to interact with a lawmaker. He has a nice rapport with students and is a compelling speaker.”

Nearly 50 local high school students put Assemblyman Cahill in the hot seat with questions about taxes, the budget deficit, housing costs, energy costs, aid for higher education, public assistance, and the recent population shifts in our area, to name just a few.

Several students, expressing concern about the lack of job opportunities in the area, asked the assemblyman what measures were being taken at the State level to bring more business and industry into the Hudson Valley. He mentioned several initiatives, but was especially excited about the creation of “new industry.”

“Solar energy as an industry, for example, could create many opportunities in research and development, manufacturing, and installation. It has the potential to recreate an economic base similar to that which the area enjoyed during IBM’s hay day,” he added.

One junior at Saugerties High School who is enrolled in the Ulster BOCES Criminal Justice Program, said he enjoyed the opportunity to talk with Assemblyman Cahill. “I think he gave some honest answers to our questions,” the 17-year-old said.