Dianda visits Luther L. Wright students

IRONWOOD - Michigan state Rep. Scott Dianda, D-Calumet, made a stop in Ironwood Friday to speak with students about state government and his views on statewide issues.

Dianda met with high school students in Gordy Erickson's social studies class and answered questions on a variety of topics, including his position on mining and wolf hunts, what inspired him to run for office, where he grew up and what he believes to be the most important part of his job.

"The most important part of my job, and the part I love the most, is serving the people," Dianda said. "I appreciate being able to work for the people."

A challenge Dianda spoke of in his job is the separation of the Upper Peninsula from the rest of the state. According to Dianda, because the U.P. is isolated, he and the other state-elected officials representing the U.P. have to work together more.

"There are only five of us between the House and Senate," Dianda said. "For me, it's not a party issue. We represent the U.P. first and everything else comes second. We all work very close together in the U.P., and there is a lot of bi-partisanship."

Students were also asked questions from Dianda, including plans after high school, if they planned on joining the military and other future options.

No topic was left undiscussed during the visit, and the question from students to Dianda that garnered the most response was if he was a Michigan or Michigan State fan.

"I'm a Michigan fan," Dianda said. "Michigan teams all the way."