GALT, CA (MPG) - State Sen. Roger Niello visited the City of Galt on Oct. 22 for a roundup of events where he met with local youth and appeared as a guest on the mayor’s podcast.

His first stop was Fairsite Elementary School, where he sat down with local Boy and Cub Scouts for a conversation about civic engagement and health awareness.

The scouts came prepared with questions about potential policy related to monosodium glutamate (MSG), a flavor enhancer commonly used in cooking. Niello shared his perspective, agreeing that MSG can be unhealthy when overconsumed, much like sugar, high fructose corn syrup or processed carbohydrates. 

“Just about anything is bad for you if you consume too much of it,” Niello said.

Niello also discussed his career background, explaining that one of his first jobs in public accounting and consulting involved working with one of the leading MSG companies at the time. He said he learned early on that consuming such ingredients isn’t necessarily harmful as long as it’s done in moderation.

 

Boy and cub scouts ask Roger Niello questions about his role as a state senator. Photo by Idaly Valencia

Encouraging the scouts to stay informed, Niello endorsed education and transparency in food labeling as ways to help people make mindful choices about what they eat.

The scouts were also curious about Niello’s role as a state senator, asking how he got his start in politics and what he enjoys most about his position. 

Boy Scout Stevie Villalpando, a Galt High School student, said the senator’s visit made a strong impression on him as conversing and learning more about politics tied into his scouting experience.

“I would say a lot of things we learn in scouting can be related to politics specifically…,” Villalpando said. “I think meeting the senator kind of tied into that in that way.”

After his meeting with the scouts, Niello attended a networking mixer hosted by the Galt Chamber of Commerce.

 

State Sen. Roger Niello speaks to young entrepreneurs participating at the Makers Market, offering words of advice as a businessman of 25 plus years. Photo by Idaly Valencia

The event connected young entrepreneurs from the Galt Makers Market, a program designed to teach young people business and entrepreneurial skills through hands-on experience.

Mayor Shawn Farmer and Planning Commissioner Dan Denier also attended the mixer before recording an episode of the “Great American Little Town” podcast, which featured Niello later that evening. 

During the event, Niello shared advice with the young entrepreneurs as they pursue their business ventures. Drawing from his 25 years of experience in the auto dealership industry, he offered insight into observing market trends, the importance of meeting consumer needs and building lasting connections in the community.

“Each stage of experience that I’ve had, the lasting part of it, the part that stays with me are the relationships that I have made,” Niello said. “Anything that could’ve been unpleasant in an experience is forgotten because you have so many more new friends… it’s important no matter what you’re going to do because, whatever you do, you need support.”

 

Group photo of attendees at the Galt Chamber of Commerce mixer, which brought together chamber members and young entrepreneurs and hosted State Sen. Roger Niello as a guest on Oct. 22. Photo courtesy of Galt Chamber of Commerce

Farmer said it was great to have the senator visit and share his knowledge with the city’s young entrepreneurs.

“It was also good to have him come before the show and meet with some of our local young entrepreneurs and share his advice about being in business and taking questions from the people who attended,” Farmer said.