Up Close: Michael Monrroy

By Meghan Louttit (Contact)

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Sterling-native Michael Monrroy, 19, will travel to Minnesota next week to report from the Republican National Convention. Monrroy was the winner of Crash the Parties, an effort by SiTV and Voto Latino to spur interest from the young Latino community in the upcoming election.

Monrroy, the child of Bolivian and Colombian immigrants, recently told LoudounExtra.com in an e-mail interview about how growing up in Sterling has affected his political views, how American history inspired him to become a politician and why he identifies himself as a Republican.

Once the convention is over, come back to LoudounExtra.com for a report from Monrroy about his experiences in Minneapolis-St. Paul.

Q: How did you find out about Crash the Parties, and what made you decide to enter?

A: I found out about the contest through an e-mail I received from the Republican National Hispanic Assembly. My decision to enter revolved around this: I'm Latino, I'm American, I'm young and I'm political. I feel like I can make the Republican National Convention and presidential candidate John McCain relevant to my community through facts and a new look from a young Latino perspective. For me, that's the opportunity of a lifetime.

Courtesty of Crash The Parties

Michael Monrroy, a native of Sterling and currently at student at American University, was the winner of SiTV and Voto Latino's Crash the Parties contest. He will be reporting from the Republican National Convention Sept. 1-4.

Q: What did you do to spread the word about the contest and get people to vote for you?

A: I used Facebook constantly. I reached out to local leaders. I sent out e-mails. Newspapers ran articles about me. I campaigned at local political events as if I were a real candidate for public office. I made phone calls. My mom made phone calls; I jokingly referred to her as my campaign manager. Friends spread the word. I reached out to my D.C. contacts made while at American University who forwarded my campaign e-mails all over the country.

Q: What type of reporting will you be doing from the Republican National Convention? Who would you most like to meet and interview there?

A: I'll be reporting on the convention floor and interviewing prominent Republican figures on various topics in front of a television camera for Si TV, the first all-in-English American Latino Network and Verizon Wireless V-Cast. In addition, you can catch me blogging behind the scenes about my experience on the Crash the Parties Web site.

I'm looking forward the most to meeting and interviewing Sen. John McCain.

Q: Both parties are courting the Latino vote, but so far Democrats are ahead in attracting Latino support. Why do you identify with the Republican Party?

A: I disagree. That would depend on the section of the country you ask, because the U.S. Latino community is not a monolithic voting bloc. John McCain co-authored the bipartisan comprehensive immigration reform bill, which [Sen. Barack] Obama ultimately [helped to kill by voting for five “poison pill” amendments]. The Republican Party supports the U.S.-Colombia free trade deal, while Democratic leadership in Congress [blocked] a vote on it. We've seen from these actions and more that Democrats are against bringing prosperity to Latin America and [against] working to solve issues across the board that affect Latinos in the United States.

I identify with the Republican Party because I believe hard work should be rewarded. I believe government should practice fiscal responsibility and be limited. I believe lower taxes means more money in family pockets. I believe in equal rights. I believe in a strong national defense while extending peace, freedom and human rights throughout the world. I believe in family values. I believe in free enterprise. I believe Americans must retain the principles that have made us strong while developing new and innovative ideas to meet the challenges of changing times, and that these principles are embraced culturally in Latino Americans.

Q: When did you first become interested in politics? Is there anyone who inspired you to get involved?

A: Learning about American history sparked my interest. In the 200 and plus years of our country's existence, men and women have stood, spoken and led our nation through times of despair and hope. What amazes me even more is that through dedication, hard work and courage, anything is possible. That's why I see myself, as a first-generation Latino American, with a true inherent desire and interest to better my community and nation, as adding to this and continuing the American dream. My parents are my inspiration.

Q: Which currently serving senator do you most admire or most wish to be like? Why?

A: I greatly admire Sen. John McCain because he is a true American hero. He was a prisoner of war in North Vietnam for five and a half years. When offered early release, he said no. In Washington, he has always followed his beliefs and worked across party lines on important key issues earning the nickname, "the Maverick." Few have received such high praise from both Democrats and Republicans than John McCain. It comes to me as no surprise that today John McCain is the Republican presidential nominee. He's the right person at the right time to lead our country, and that is why he has not only my support but the support of many Americans across the United States.

Q: What is the biggest issue you see facing Loudoun County and what should be done to solve it?

A: I would have to say that foreclosures are the biggest issue at this moment. You see it all around Loudoun County, signs that say foreclosure, tall grass; my next door neighbor's home being one of them. Latinos happened to be the largest affected group nationally. I think financial education is needed to solve this from happening anymore.

Still, it upsets me that while many Americans were victims to predatory lending, Democratic Sen. Chris Dodd received a special home loan deal. Corruption must end, and reform must be brought to Washington.

Q: You come from Sterling, an area that recently has been boiling over with controversy over illegal immigration. As the child of legal immigrants, what are your views on illegal immigration and how do those views fit in with your political ideas?

A: In Sterling, over 100 different nationalities are represented, all living together in a community of respect. The problem has been that a few, who do not represent the whole of any group, have not done so. I believe people should be allowed to immigrate to this country legally. At the same time, I believe that the immigration system needs to be reformed, allowing a pathway to legalization and citizenship that is efficient and fair, while treating immigrant families with compassion and honor.

Q: I noticed Supervisor Eugene Delgaudio (R-Sterling) commented a few times on your video entry. What kind of support have you received from your hometown?

A: You're right. I respect Supervisor Delgaudio, and thank him for his support. Everyone in Sterling, including family, friends, neighbors and former classmates and teachers at Park View High School voted and spread the word for me. Sterling is a great town, and I'm proud to represent and call it home.

Q: What do you plan to do after you graduate from college? What are your long-term goals?

A: I'm going to law school. In the long term, my dream is to run for Congress and the U.S. Senate, in order to make a real difference in this nation, while helping others.

Q: Tell us something about yourself that might surprise your friends in Sterling and at American University.

A: Back when I was little, my family took me on a vacation to Orlando, Fla., We visited Universal Studios, when Nickelodeon Studios still existed. Out of the audience at a Nickelodeon game show, I was chosen to get slimed. I still have the pictures and official certificate to prove it.

Q: What is your favorite restaurant in Loudoun and why?

A: If my house were considered a restaurant, I would say that. But seriously, I'm a fan of Outback Steakhouse, because the food there is amazing. Chipotle is a close second!

Tagged: Republican Party, Sterling, Up Close

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