Capstone Vignettes
“Capstone has been a defining moment in my life. I will never look at government the same way again. I challenge every person, especially Christians, to take this seminar.” Abigail, age 17
Decked out in ties and skirts, freshly crafted bills in hand, forty teens from across the state gathered at the Statehouse as members of the Capstone Legislature. As the gavel sounded, the Capstone “legislators” were summoned forward for the first reading and committee assignments of their bills. Raising issues from recalling and redesigning the state quarter, to cooperative agreements with Alaska for oil drilling, the session promised to be controversial from the outset.
Dividing into committees, the new legislators traversed the Statehouse for briefings with State Treasurer, Ron Crane; Attorney General, Lawrence Wasden; and Senate State Affairs Committee Chairman, Curt McKenzie. Recognition during Senate and House floor sessions, interviews with lobbyists, and an introduction to the Joint Finance Appropriations Committee (JFAC) rounded out their mornings while the alumni students prepared for Capstone Supreme Court. Assisted by a team of attorneys, the students studied case law, crafted their arguments, and debated for or against parental rights before the honorable Capstone justices.
“Before this class, I knew nothing about my state’s government. After four days, I was privileged to experience first-hand what our leaders do for us every day. As a high school student, I know this opportunity happens maybe once in a lifetime.”
Matt, age 15
Working lunches involved passing, amending, and derailing bills. The range of issues was breathtaking. Should ten acres of Idaho wilderness be designated for paintball? To protect our citizens and deter crime, should we establish an Idaho Junior Militia that would require arming our youth at all times with Leathermen? And, to annually commemorate the historic Fiesta Bowl victory, should the Boise River be dyed blue for a day? Would the revenue from tourism offset the cost? Would those floating the river turn blue, encouraging lawsuits? We need an Attorney General’s opinion.
Regrouping for periodic briefings, our young legislators were oriented to upcoming session issues by Speaker of the House, Lawerence Denney, our Capstone legislative sponsor, and Majority House Caucus Chair, Ken Roberts. With the Statehouse renovation construction at a standstill, the students were apprised of the Senate position by Pro Tem, Robert Geddes, the House position by Assistant Majority Leader, Scott Bedke, and the democrat position by House Minority Leader, Wendy Jaquet. At issue was the lack of large rooms for committee meetings underscored by the renovation contracts already in force. Further briefings included ethics in lobbying covered by Julie Lynde, our Cornerstone voice at the Statehouse. And the students were introduced to the paging program by House Assistant Sergeant at Arms, Al Noyes
“Capstone opened up a whole new world for me in experiencing the government first-hand. This program has inspired me to impact my generation. This has been a remarkable and rewarding week.”
Amanda, age16
Concluding the week was a meeting with Governor Butch Otter, discussing his perspectives on the Statehouse expansion. Explaining his order to stop the renovation, the governor noted his concerns over the inevitable unexpected costs in upgrading a century-old building, as well as the expansion of government with the addition of the wings.
“Our older daughter came last year and was so ignited with hope and enthusiasm for Christians at work here, that our whole family wanted to take part this year.” Parent
Following the Capstone governor’s veto of bills, the final session of the Capstone Legislature convened. After attempting to override vetoed bills and a vigorous debate on the appropriations determined by the Capstone JFAC to fund or defund their bills, the 2008 session adjourned, with legislators promising to return in 2008.
“Stonesetters provides younger children with a pleasant taste of the legislative process that leaves students eager to learn more.” Parent
On the heels of Capstone, thirty-five Stonesetter “mini-legislators” descended upon the Statehouse. Eager to meet a real legislator, they were impressed by Senator Monty Pearce’s introduction to his wounded dog, illustrating the need to treat the cause, not the symptoms in repairing government.
“Having a representative speak to us showed me how ordinary people can make a change when they step out and make an effort to do good for all.” Charisse, age 10
Within an hour, these eight to twelve-year-olds had learned the basics of parliamentary protocol and were arguing their bills with enthusiasm. Issues ranged from declaring the russet potato the state vegetable, to upgrading the unsightly welcome signs at the state borders. Protection from predators featured prominently with legislation to require porch lights illumined at night for protection against criminals, and a bill to legalize wolf hunting. A well-researched argument was made in support of stocking stagnant pools with 23 minnows to eat mosquito eggs, and thereby reducing West Nile Virus. Sponsored by the youngest of several siblings, a persuasive argument based on personal experience was made to require helmets for passengers riding with student drivers!
“I will spend the entire year writing bills for the next Stonesetters class!” Jeremiah, age 11
In sponsoring the Capstone Seminars, Cornerstone has taken a giant stride toward its goal of training the next generation in Christian statesmanship and in living out these principles before our legislators. These fine young people, our leaders of tomorrow, will bring to this arena a biblical perspective of ethics and servant-leadership. Kindled by their mandate to promote good and restrain evil, they are prompted not only to be involved, but to pray for their leaders who wrestle with weighty decisions each day.
Although this year’s Capstone Seminars have ended, they are not over. The students themselves have continued meeting and cultivating the friendships that began there.
“This was a very exciting day, learning about laws and seeing our state Capitol. I want to do it again!”
Alex, age 8
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