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ATTLEBORO - Mayor Kevin Dumas announced an effort to get a youth commission up and running this spring.
Dumas said he and Council President Barry LaCasse are scheduled to meet with youngsters interested in participating next month.
The meeting will be held at city hall.
"They will be able to come in and fill out an application and ask questions," the mayor said.
LaCasse originated the idea in 2004, and since then the council has accepted a state law that defines youth commissions and allows the creation of the group whose members would be appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the council.
The commission will consist of 18 youths from grades 6 through 12. It will also have a number of non-voting adult mentors who are at least 18 years old.
Dumas said he is impressed by the number of youths he has met who are interested in how city government works.
In a previous story, LaCasse said youngsters have ideas worth considering.
"The more your hear about them, the more you realize that youths have some great ideas," he said.
Dumas said the time has come to get going.
"Our goal will be to get enough people involved to start an active commission for the first time," Dumas said.
The group will serve as a liaison between the council and youth and as a forum for youth.
It will also "investigate needs, problems and issues affecting the youth of Attleboro" and "establish or strengthen services deemed important for the youth of Attleboro."
The information session with Dumas and LaCasse is slated for May 12 at 10 a.m. in city hall.
Former City Council Vice President Kate Jackson has volunteered to help with the program, Dumas said.
More information can be found on the city's Website, www.cityof attleboro.us, by clicking on the youth commission link.
GEORGE W. RHODES can be reached at 508-236-0432 or at grhodes@thesunchronicle.com.
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