Thursday, July 08, 1999
Hamilton gets youth view
Panel has 'awesome' ambitions
BY JANICE MORSE
The Cincinnati Enquirer
HAMILTON — They're politicians who work for less than Hamilton City Council members' $300 annual salary.
But members of the city's first volunteer youth commission are excited about trying to improve their city.
“Hamilton has the potential to be a fun place to hang out in,” Hamilton High School junior Christina Howard said in a letter introducing herself to her eight fellow commissioners. “I think it would be awesome if I could possibly help Hamilton to be a cooler, more fun place to live.”
Mayor Tom Nye said the panel would be a voice for youngsters and would have a role in planning the future of the city.
The group, which held its first formal meeting Wednesday, will be making legislative recommendations to council.
The panel may be unique in the Tristate and is thought to be one of only a handful in the nation, said City Law Director Mark Brandenburge, who helped to research the idea.
The city of Middletown has said it is considering establishing a similar group.
The students sat in big leather chairs in the council chambers, with microphones clipped to their clothing, and learned how to run a meeting.
Youth Commissioner Rachel Williams found the atmosphere intimidating. “I think we come up with more ideas when it's more informal,” she said, referring to their first meetingat aSteak 'n Shake restaurant.
Badin High School senior Adam Nagle, who was selected as chairman, had little trouble expressing himself.
He described himself as organized and experienced in coordinating similar meetings.
Each council member ap pointed a student, and the city manager and school board selected one each. The commission is open to juniors and seniors. Terms end on May 31 of the year they graduate from high school.
The group formed a subcommittee to examine whether to try to establish a water park.
Another committee hopes to develop a Web site that can be used to solicit opinions.
“When I first heard about the youth commission, I was very encouraged. It isn't often that we're consulted for our opinions,” Adam said.
“There are some tedious parts to it, but it's all part and parcel of something like this.”
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