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| Emily Cannata, Attleboro, looks over a paper about the Attleboro Youth Commission during the first meeting of youths interested in serving on the City Youth Commission Wednesday night at City Hall. (Staff photo by MIKE GEORGE)
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ATTLEBORO - Efforts to get a youth commission up and running gained momentum Wednesday with more than a dozen young people attending an information session about the city-sponsored board.
City Council President Barry LaCasse - who along with Mayor Kevin Dumas and former Councilor
Kate Jackson are pushing to establish the commission - outlined the duties of the board and accepted applications from the youngsters.
He said he's hoping the mayor will nominate prospective members at one of the next two council meetings and that the council will vote to confirm the nominations by Sept. 18.
Tentative plans call for the commission to be constituted of 18 youths from aged from 12 to 23. Three adult mentors would guide the board.
Members would decide what city problems to address.
LaCasse said members would not only have a chance to make positive changes in the city, but participating could help them compete in the battle to get into a good college.
"This could help you with a college or employment application," he said in urging the youngsters to sign up.
One of the youths who attended, Angela Casadonte, 16, said she was inspired to apply for a seat on board because of her interest in political science.
Membership would give her the chance to experience a real political system and take on some real issues.
"There are problems with litter and other stuff that I'd like to see addressed," she said. "It's a chance to work on something rather than just complain about it."
Her friend, Stephanie Brodeur, 16, said she would bring up concerns about downtown. Brodeur, who is the daughter of Councilor Kim Allard, said she'd look for ways to bring entertainment and more stores into the center.
She said her interest in politics was inspired by her mom.
"I've always been around it," Brodeur said. "It comes naturally I guess."
Timothy Gill, 15, said one issue he'd like to see addressed is speeding on city streets.
He rides his bicycle on the East Side, and often notices motor vehicles exceeding speed limits and driving dangerously, he said.
But Gill also has a practical reason for want to participate.
"It will look good on the college application," he said, echoing LaCasse.
For more information, LaCasse can be contacted through the city council office at city hall. The number for city hall is 508-223-2222.
Information can also be found on the city's Web site, www.cityofattleboro.us
GEORGE W. RHODES can be reached at 508-236-0432 or at grhodes@thesunchronicle.com.
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