05-23-08
#28
Mt. Vernon Youth Empowerment
Council holds first historic meeting
Like young executives,
nineteen of Mount Vernon's brightest, responsible and dedicated
students met with Mayor Clinton I. Young on Thursday, May 22, in the
mayor's conference room to formally conduct
the very first meeting
of the Mount Vernon Youth Empowerment Council.
The council members of
young people will meet regularly throughout the year to discuss the
various issues and challenges that young people face growing up and
living in Mount Vernon. They will also be responsible for producing
reports and recommendations for action that Mayor Young’s
administration will look to carry out.
“My administration has made the concerns of our young
people a top priority,” said Mayor Young. “This council will be the
driving force of change for policies that affect the youth of our
community. I expect that they will not shy away from any issues,
have consideration for differing opinions, and come up with real,
workable recommendations for improvement.”
As they filed into the conference room,
all students appeared
impeccably groomed and well dressed, and they all exhibited an
executive businesslike persona. While sitting at the mammoth table,
the students did not engage in chatter, like normal kids their age
would, instead sat in silence waiting for Mayor Young to enter the
room.
Once the historic meeting commenced, Mayor Young asked
the students to introduce themselves and state why they volunteered
to be a part of the group. "I want to see if I can bring positive
change to Mount Vernon. I love Mount Vernon and I want the city to
prosper," said LiRonda Williams. "I think we can all make a
difference and be a positive influence in our city," said Khush
Kam-Au. |
After the initial introduction of the students, Mayor
Young presented each individual student with a gold City of Mount
Vernon pin, and he asked them to wear the pin proudly, since it
represents their important membership in the newly formed Mount
Vernon Youth Empowerment Council.
"Each and every one of you are going to be history
makers in our great city. You are going to embark on something that
has never, ever, been done anywhere in the United States. This is an
historic meeting, because you are all leaders - you are not
followers. So consider yourselves leaders in the mayor's leadership
squad," said Mayor Young.
As the meeting progressed, the mayor surprised the
young group by stating: "I am going to empower you with certain
privileges. You will have access to my direct line, and you can call
me anytime to tell me what needs to be done in Mount Vernon to make
it a better city for young people." He further stated, "This is the
last time I will lead this meeting. From now on it will be your
meeting - the Youth Empowerment Council meeting."
"During future meetings you will be able to question me
about recommendations you have submitted to me. You will get a
chance to ask me why projects have not been commenced or completed
when you do not see satisfactory results. Remember, I am working for
you. Your are my boss," the mayor told the group. "I am giving the
government to you so you can decide what is right. There is nothing
like this happening anywhere in the world," the mayor further
stated.
The mayor next asked the group to highlight some
improvements needed in Mount Vernon that will benefit Mount Vernon's
youth. The following is a list recommendations given to the mayor:
Prior to the meeting ending, the mayor told the group that his
commissioners and department heads were being instructed to make
themselves available to the group. "Don't hesitate to invite any of
my commissioners to your future meetings. Also know that there are
high profile individuals out there that are ready to work with you
as well. Individuals like Ben Gordon and others, who are always
seeking to give back to the Mount Vernon community.
The mayor announced that the next meeting of the Mount
Vernon Youth Empowerment Council has been scheduled for June 11,
from 4:00 to 5:00 PM in the Mayor's conference room.
