“I am honored to be president of Young Republicans because it gives me the opportunity to share my passion of politics with others,” Connor Merk (‘19) says.

Connor Merk is the president of Colonial Forge’s Young Republicans club. He was voted president this year after being a part of the club for two years. Merk is able to share his political opinions with members of this school, and talk about issues that are important to him. He is excited to see how the club grows in the future.

Merk originally joined the club because of his love of politics. He is interested in the news, both at the national and local level.

“I am a part of this club because I love politics and enjoy being with others who also have an interest in politics. I continue to stay in this club because I believe we are at a pivotal moment in our country and each person has to stand up for what they believe [is] our country’s path to the future,” Merk says.

This club has opened up many opportunities for Merk. He has had the experience to meet many state and local politicians and it has provided him volunteering opportunities. Young Republicans has had a big influence on his life and his possible career path.

“It has influenced me because I have opportunities that gives the club and me chances to see the political world up close, such as rallies, volunteering on election day, and participating in political campaigns.I do see myself being involved in the future, maybe not being a politician, but definitely helping on campaigns that I believe in,” Merk says.

As president of Young Republicans, Merk is always staying informed of the current events. This helps him to stay motivated and educated about the issues.

“Being president of Young Republicans helps me stay involved in politics because I have made connections that have given me the opportunity to know and be invited to local political events. It also helps me stay involved because I am able to share my ideas and thoughts with other people who think like me,” Merk says.

Merk considers himself a passionate Trump supporter. He is supportive of conservative-leaning policies and idea.

“The main reasons why I support President Trump is because I always think of the alternative choice we may have had. I support his policies on immigration, foreign policy, and the economy. I love his stance of ‘America First’,” Merk says.

In Merk’s opinion, the country has some places in which it could improve and he believes that Trump can make these improvements.

“Our country is not doing so well compared to other countries in categories such as trade, and education, and infrastructure; I believe Trump will be able to change that through standing up for our country when past Presidents have let other countries take advantage of us,” Merk says.

Merk’s opinion since the most recent presidential election of Trump has not changed, but his opinion of the Republicans in Congress has.

“My anger towards the establishment has increased for not fully supporting the President. I can tell that establishment in the Senate, the House, and government agencies have become increasingly hostile towards him because they view him as as a threat to their way of life and how Washington D.C. has been operating for the past several decades,” Merk says.

Merk is excited about the future of the club. He has plans for opportunities for its members to further get involved and educated in government.

“My main goals for this year are getting every member to be involved in the electoral process, such as volunteering at the polls or door-knocking. I also plan on arranging a trip for the Young Republicans, which the PTSO has approved a grant for, to D.C. in the spring to visit the Capitol Building,” Merk says.