NAME — Sarah Zabel
AGE — 15
Asher Heimermann, 14 from Sheboygan, Wisc.
Why does this middle-schooler call himself Wisconsin’s youth activist? At age 14, Asher Heimermann has a Web site (www.asherheimermann.com) with tens of thousands of visitors, a radio show that airs every week, and a voice that demands to be heard.
Asher began his political activism when his hometown of Sheboygan was debating the police department’s future location. He was displeased with the fluctuating opinion of the mayor, so he began to speak out. Soon he started a Web site featuring his opinions on various issues, as well as a list of activism opportunities, a chat room where visitors could chat live with him, a personal profile, polls, a guestbook for comments and questions, and links to his past radio shows, which have included interviews with political figures and discussions of school events and issues.
What do you consider your biggest success?
I’ve had over 97,000 visitors to asherheimermann.com since it was started in early 2007. I think the advantages of me being in politics are pretty great. I got to meet State Senator Joe Leibham (a Republican) of Wisconsin. I’m gotten to meet the mayor of my city. I’ve had communication between the city clerk, the company administrator, and I could go on and on. Being in politics has really changed my life.
What’s the funniest thing someone has said to you about your work?
I don’t know if it would be funny, but it’s those negative attack ads or negative talks about my work in the community. Those people that are against my work come out and start attacking me based on my party affiliation, religion, and on and on. But it’s those negative attacks that make me laugh. Those negative attacks will not hurt me. They will not hurt my supporters, because we are one America. We are not the red America. We are not the blue America. We are simply one America working for a better and stronger nation.
Which party do you believe will come out on top during the 2008 presidential elections?
Well, I would think the Democrats would, because we have had President Bush, George W. Bush, in office for eight years. I think America is thinking of a new direction, a new party and a new person to do the job and lead America forward. In my opinion, I think the American people want change. They strongly want change, because they’re sick of seeing the same old person leading us in the wrong direction. party and a new person to do the job and lead America forward.
Copyright 2008 Y-Press