Thirty middle school students participated in a special mock commission meeting Thursday in the Lady Lake Town Hall Chambers.
The mock commission, a joint effort between American Legion Auxiliary Unit 347 and the civics department at the Villages Charter Middle School, has been introducing seventh graders to the workings of local government for four years.
“These children are the very near future,” said Auxiliary member Marie Ray, who came up with the idea to start the program. “I think it is about time to let them ask questions and get insight into how local government operates. They will all be part of it soon enough.”
The participating students, culled from more than 300 civics students, earned their spot to be an acting commissioner, mayor or presenter by submitting an essay with an idea for a program or improvement that would enhance the quality of life for the residents of Lady Lake. The students turning in the best ideas were selected to participate.
“I think the students will leave here today with a real understanding of the importance of local government,” said civics teacher Robert Trifu, who along with fellow teacher Christina Ling worked with Ray to develop the program.
“I think this program makes it more likely that today’s students will become involved in local government in the future.”
Ling agreed.
“I think it teaches them that their ideas can matter and their voices can be heard,” she added.
Chase Stroud, new to the civics department this year, thinks it also teaches students the gravity of where tax dollars go.
“They hear about taxes, but today they see how decisions are made that use tax dollars,” he said.
Among the proposals brought before the mock commission were ideas to open a senior services information center and a recreation center to include an arcade, pool and café. The proposed senior center passed unanimously.
The student commissioners agreed that services for seniors can be very confusing and a center is needed. They also liked the idea because it would be cost effective, as the plan was to staff the center with student volunteers from the middle and high schools.
The recreation center was tabled because the mock commission did not feel it had enough information as to how it would be funded and what it would cost to operate it.
