Sente talks about legislative issues with Mundelein High School students

The pros and cons of mandatory voting and its implications in a free society was one of the topics State Rep. Carol Sente discussed with Mundelein High School students during an appearance Monday.

The House District 59 legislator spoke before a group of about 100 students from government and civil law classes while discussing the role of the legislature and answering student questions on topics ranging from lobbyist influence and redistricting reform to use of police body cameras.

"I thought it was great. I love talking to young adults, and I thought it was wonderful all the questions that they had," Sente said of the session. "If I can just get one person to think differently about making change in anything that they are passionate about and that it can make a difference, that is why I like doing this."

Freshman Ricky Rodriguez began the question-and-answer period with several questions, including about the proposed north extension of Route 53 and the new PARCC (Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers) standardized testing in Illinois schools.

"I think Representative Sente has some great ideas. She has the right ideas and is willing to advance them," Rodriguez said. "Students asked a lot of questions and (it) was a very effective presentation."

Some of the questions Sente answered touched on more controversial topics, such as medical marijuana and gun conceal and carry laws. She deferred some question because she said she didn't have knowledge or details about a particular issue.