He's 21. She's 92. New Hampshire's legislature boasts the oldest and youngest lawmakers in the country, but there's not generation gap in Concord.

• Author: Cullen, Morgan
• Position: Interview

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Representatives Angeline Kopka and Jeff Fontas have a lot in common.

Both serve in the New Hampshire General Court, are Democrats and represent legislative districts in Hillsborough County. They also are from the same home town of Nashua, where they have lived all their lives.

There is, however, one significant difference: Kopka at 92 and Fontas at 21 are the oldest and youngest lawmakers in the country.

Kopka, a retired real estate appraiser, has served three terms and is running for a fourth term this year. Fontas, a student at Northeastern University, took advantage of a school program that allows him to work while earning his degree. After his term is over, he plans to go back to school full time.

State Legislatures asked the pair about their experiences, backgrounds, and approach to lawmaking at the state level.

State Legislatures: Is your age an asset?

Angeline Kopka: I am as amazed as everybody else when people tell me how old I am. But it is an asset. I bring a lifetime of experience to the legislature, and that helps me make thoughtful decisions

Jeff Fontas: My age helps me. I'm adept with resources like the Internet. I'm also a quick learner and can process a lot of information in short periods of time. I have a lot of energy. But I've had my challenges. This is my first real professional experience and I've had a huge learning curve.

SL: How do you keep in touch with your constituents?

Kopka: My constituents send letters and e-mails to me in droves. I respond to as many of them as I can, but it's sometimes difficult to keep up. Once, I got over 500 e-mails in a single day.

Fontas: I use e-mail and my cell phone. I'm creating an interactive website that details my positions on the issues and provides updates about what is going on at the legislature. During the campaign I had a website and blog. I also created a series of campaign Facebook Groups as a way to help raise money for the campaign.

SL: What is the most meaningful part of being a legislator?

Kopka: Having the opportunity to work with my constituents, supporters and fellow legislators is by far the most meaningful part of my job.

Fontas: Working on issues that are important to young people is meaningful to me. We have not been adequately represented in the political process, but now I can bring issues before the legislature that are important to us.

SL: What issues do you care about most?

Kopka: I care about ensuring that every child in our state...