Student-City Government Joint Ventures: What's in it For the Students? Watch Mayoral Candidates Respond

How important is it for students to be involved in Clayton's city government? What are ways this could be accomplished?

During a public debate on March 14 at the Clayton High School auditorium, the candidates for mayor of Clayton in the April 2013 election were asked for ways they would promote city outreach to the Clayton School District. The Mayor's Youth Advisory Council was used as an example.

In the order they answered the question:

Ward 3 Alderman Alex Berger III began by saying he is a Clayton High School graduate. He suggested students could be involved by involvement in city committees, shadowing aldermen and being part of learning sessions along with staff.

Ward 2 Alderwoman Michelle Harris said she still has a student at Clayton High School. She said being in touch with what’s going on at the high school is key to identifying opportunities for joint projects. She said the Wydown Middle School students speaking about plastic bag use in Clayton is a good example of students being involved.

Former alderman Harold Sanger said there's no doubt the kids involved with the Mayor's Youth Advisory Council will be the leaders of tomorrow. He suggested they could do some polling, so the mayoral candidates could get an idea of where they stand.

Each candidate's answer is recorded in the video that accompanies this article.

Do you have a student interested in city government? What do students learn through involvement in municipal government? Answer in the comments below.