(Central Islip, NY) – Under the gazebo behind the Central Islip Recreation Center on Monday July 20, 2020, Suffolk County Legislator Gonzalez joined Officer Groce for a socially distanced interview by the children participating in the SCPD PAL Summer Youth Program.
Officer’s Groce’s idea for this interview was inspired by a prior event where Legislator Gonzalez, Island Harvest, and Suffolk County PAL Summer Program participants collaborated to distribute food to seniors in need at Legislator Gonzalez’s Brentwood office on Wednesday July 15, 2020. “After meeting the Legislator and helping to distribute food, many of the students were inquisitive as to the role of a Legislator, so I took the opportunity to ask Legislator Gonzalez to set up a question and answer meeting, which his staff immediately scheduled,” said Officer Groce.
Legislator Gonzalez answered many thoughtful and well researched questions by the students, as well as some of a more personal matter such as “What inspired you to become a legislator?” Officer Groce stated he “…was delighted that they took such an interest and asked about volunteering in his office.”
As always, Legislator Gonzalez was delighted to take part in such a meeting. “These kids are our future. I want them to know that I am here for them. Any way that I can help or inspire the youth in our community, I am happy to. I am so proud of them; they asked me some great questions. This is one of the best parts of my job,” stated Legislator Gonzalez.
##