Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, May 4, 1994 TAG: 9405040130
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
For many high school students, that would have been a boring task. They would have preferred a more glamorous day with a doctor, lawyer or businessman. But not Jepson, a sophomore at Patrick Henry High School in Roanoke.
Jepson, who has a keen interest in politics, got to do what he dreamed about - spending a day in the Roanoke office of Rep. Bob Goodlatte, R-Roanoke.
He wants to get into politics and he figures there is no better place to learn than in a congressman's office.
Having worked in Goodlatte's campaign in 1992, Jepson thought a day in his Roanoke office would help him decide whether he would like being a congressional aide. He found nothing Tuesday to discourage him.
Jepson's day was part of a program that placed more than 500 students from nine Roanoke Valley high schools in 150 businesses for a day.
The work-a-day event, which is coordinated by the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce, provides a typical day in professions in which the students might be interested.
"This program is an excellent example of how business and education can work as partners to improve the overall preparedness of students to enter the work force," said Lissy Runyon, public information officer for city schools and chairwoman of the chamber's Education Partnership Committee.
Jepson doesn't mind the legwork or mundane chores of a political campaign. He passed out fliers and attended debates to show his support for Goodlatte two years ago.
He was using a legal pad Tuesday to record the results of a Goodlatte survey.
Last year, Jepson worked in the campaign of Gov. George Allen and other members of the state GOP ticket.
Politically, Jepson describes himself as very conservative. He supports Oliver North for the Republican nomination in the U.S. Senate race. He said North is getting a "bad rap" on the Iran-Contra scandal.
Jepson is a fan of Rush Limbaugh, the conservative host of a radio talk show and a television show and author of two national best sellers.
Because of his conservative views and support for GOP politicians, Jepson sometimes finds himself at odds with liberal friends and even his family. His father is principal at James Madison Middle School in Roanoke.
If Jepson gets into politics, he said, he would start with a lower post, such as Roanoke mayor, and work his way up to the U.S. Senate or a higher post.
Jepson said he is attracted to politics because he sees it as a way to help people and represent their interests.
Goodlatte has four offices within his district: in Roanoke, Lynchburg, Staunton and Harrisonburg. Three people work out of the Roanoke office, and each of the other offices is staffed by one person.
Jepson said he will probably study political science, but he is still undecided about which college he will attend.
Jepson said he believed President Clinton has some good ideas, but they are "kind of rough around the edges and need refining."
by CNB