BonnerSprings.com

The Mayor’s Youth Council is an elite group of possible future leaders of Bonner Springs, brought together by the desire to learn about city government and be active in their community.

The group of eight students — two students from each high school grade level — have been chosen by their school administration to participate in a special group aimed at giving them a different look at city workings.

“I hope they take away a sense of understanding of city government,” said group leader Mayor Clausie Smith. “I’ve already seen them grow so much.”

This year’s group includes freshmen Jason VanMaren and Haley Hoffine, sophomores JJ Jackson and Toni Stock, juniors Rafael Eazquez and Austin Epp, and seniors Emily Herre and Tessa Seaton.

The students come together once a month to hear an update about happenings throughout the city from Smith and council member Tom Stephens. Following the update, the floor opens for the students to ask questions about the city.

At the March meeting, Smith had several topics on his agenda that ranged from construction of roads to new businesses such as Burger King and Walgreens at the Bonner Pointe development site.

The students responded with questions of their own about the number of potholes throughout the city.

“I believe in communication,” Smith said about the dialogue he hopes to encourage between city officials and youths.

The Mayor’s Youth Council was originally started by former Mayor Ted Stolfus, but eventually died out. When Smith was elected, he said he immediately knew he wanted to get the program going again.

“I was tired of people saying they don’t know what’s going on in the city,” Smith said. “This was just another method of communication with the public, much like the mayor’s monthly forums.”

Stephens, whose daughter was involved in the Mayor’s Youth Council when she was in school, said he believed the group was an asset to an important demographic.

“Youth are an important part of the community,” Stephens said. “That’s where future leaders come from. It’s a good idea to keep them involved.”

In addition to the monthly meeting, the group has taken several tours of various city operations such as the new library and the sewer plant. The group has also heard from guest speakers who work in the city such as city clerk Rita Hoag. Their most public responsibility comes when the group assists Smith with the annual Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony.

Rafael Eazquez said city government touched everyone’s lives every day, and being part of the group has kept him ahead in news.

“You get to learn a lot of stuff before it happens,” he said.

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