An interview with Alaina Kempel on her perception of Chris King and his presentation
By Eleanor Ackley
Ocotillo City Reporter
On June 2nd, 2024, Chris King conducted a presentation on the role of the Precinct Committeeman for the Arizona Girls State Citizens. Mr. King asked the citizens questions and called upon them to voice their own opinions. While the speaker was walking around the room to talk to the students, one citizen named Alaina Kempel spoke up and mentioned that she had met Mr. King before attending the Arizona Girls State program. I found their connection to be fascinating. I chose to interview Alaina on the morning of June 3rd, 2024. She explains her perspective on Mr. King and the information he shared.
Starting off, what city do you live in and what high school do you go to?
“I live in Tucson and I go to the Academy of Tucson.”
What Girls State City are you in? Are you enjoying your time in that city?
“I’m in Cholla and yes, I am enjoying my time.”
So, during the presentation given by Chris King, you mentioned that you knew him. Is this true? How do you know him?
“Yes, it’s true. I know him because he’s been my sub teacher for school since middle school.”
Due to the fact that you knew Mr. King before attending Girls State, did you already have knowledge on the information that Mr. King conversed about? Do you believe that you learned something new from Mr. King’s discussion?
“I didn’t really know anything about what he was talking about before, so I definitely did learn a lot except for the fact that he likes to be funny and do jokes.”
Did your perceptions of him as a person solidify the validity of the information you were hearing?
Yeah, I would say so because he seems like a pretty credible guy, based off of…our time in school and such.”
In your opinion, what is the biggest takeaway of Mr. King’s discussion?
“I think the biggest takeaway of Mr. King’s discussion, for me, was about what politics was about. We went over the most, like, how it’s all about relationships and alliances, somebody else mentioned, just how it works…Just about putting yourself out there and using your voice and having to make relationships, like do those things.”
Overall, I am extremely grateful for Alaina Kempel’s excellent descriptions in the interview, Chris King’s thorough explanation of the role of a Precinct Committeeman, and the entire staff’s dedication in running the Arizona Girls State program.