Friday, February 26, 2010

"Thoughts, volunteers sought for youth panel"


by steve
Before establishing a youth commission, the Selectboard wants to find out what people think of the idea and how many are willing to serve.

The board presented the idea of forming a commission at the bullying task force meeting Tuesday. The board will accept letters or emails from people who want to serve on a youth commission.

"I'd like to know what the reaction is from other people in town and the schools," said John Hine, Selectboard chairman. "The commission does no good if there aren't people committed to the cause," he said.

A youth commission would look at issues facing youths in town and, working with town departments and the School Department, propose ways to help. "What do we need for the long term? What can we do?" are the questions the commission should ask, said Selectboard member Bruce MacCallaugh.

A commission would consist of three to 21 people, with at least one being a high school student. It would be on par with other town commissions, such as the Historical Commission or Recreation Commission, that have budgets approved through the Selectboard and Town Meeting, but the board is not eyeing spending money at this time.

"There's no cost to us for establishing a commission, so I don't see what we wouldn't," said Selectboard member Robert Judge. Having a commission might make the town eligible for state and federal grants, he said.

2 comments:

  1. I encourage you to look more closely at the name of Youth Commission and the number of youths on it. I suggest having maybe 4 students from High school (one for each grade level) or maybe two. Youth means our youth not only our town leaders.

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  2. Thank you for your comment. Please send an email to me at bobjudge@comcast.net which includes your name. I would be happy to engage in a discussion with you, private if you wish, about the Youth Commission or any other such topic.

    - Bob Judge

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