Your editorial piece on this subject hit the nail on the head!  The students of RPI have the right guaranteed by the Constitution and should involve themselves in the political process in the City of Troy. Rather than complain and seek ways to deny the students, the politicians should be embracing them. Students have been harassed by the Troy police under the federal grant to stop underage drinking. What better way to fight back than to get involved in the city politics. I would encourage more students to get involved and at some point, even have a student run for councilor from the 4th District. The “fees” that are levied at students are taxes. This country’s revolution was based upon the premise of “no taxation without representation.”

As a parent of an RPI student, I have encouraged my son to register and vote in Troy. This is his home for the next four years. I believe that RPI is the single biggest employer in the city, and pumps a huge amount of money into the local economy. The students spend their money in the local businesses. Therefore the students should involve themselves and participate in the decisions that will effect them. I encourage all students to exercise your rights, register, be informed about the candidates and issues, then most importantly vote. RPI is you and you are Troy.

Mark Morse