Teenagers recruited to advise the mayor

The idea was the brainchild of Largo Mayor Bob Jackson, a retired principal, as a way of getting teens involved.

By ERIC STIRGUS

© St. Petersburg Times, published November 10, 2000

LARGO -- Thirteen-year-old Ashley Zuchegno wants the city to ease off its teen curfew.

Her friend, Sara Bass, 13, would like to see Largo build recreation centers near all the schools in the city.

Largo High School junior Kim Connor wants the city to keep the Bay Area Renaissance Festival in town.

In the past, their opinions would not matter much to city officials. But that is about to change.

The city is trying to recruit about a dozen teenagers who live in Largo for a Mayor's Youth Advisory Council. The group would meet once a month during the school year at City Hall to discuss issues important to them and offer solutions that would help all young people who live in Largo.

Students appear to be thrilled with the idea. Many said they are tired of the negative stereotypes about young people. They're also fed up with adults who they say never ask for their thoughts on an issue.

"I think we should have an opinion," said Jamaal Williams, 14, an eighth-grader at Largo Middle School.

The idea was the brainchild of Mayor Bob Jackson, a retired teacher and principal, who wants young people to have more of a say in the doings of city government.

"They would see they have an impact on their lives," he said.

Applications have been sent to Largo High School, Pinellas Park High School, Indian Rocks Christian School, Largo Middle School, Oak Grove Middle School and Morgan Fitzgerald Middle School. The applications are due on Dec. 1. Appointments would be made in January.

City officials would serve as mentors to council members, helping them to understand how to make positive changes through the system. City officials hope some of young people participating in the council will be inspired to get involved in government when they are adults.

"Hopefully, we'd like to get kids interested in careers in government," said John Parham, assistant to the city manager, who is coordinating the search for council members. "They might become a city commissioner or a city manager."

Jesse Hill, an eighth-grader at Largo Middle School, said he wouldn't mind working on the council. As for a career in government, Hill has little interest in that.

"I think it would be fun as teenagers to learn more about government, but I don't want to be a politician when I grow up," said Hill, 14.

Others, like Largo High sophomore Adam Howell, wouldn't mind such a career path. He's already dreamed of someday becoming "Senator Howell."

Howell, 15, is dismayed by the drinking and smoking being done by his fellow students and would like to find ways to curb such activity by joining the council.

"It's a chance for me to contribute to my generation," he said.

Area principals applaud the idea, but cautioned that the students will need strong guidance from their advisers.

"With the right leadership, kids can do a terrific job," said Largo Middle School principal Bill Cooper. "They can give you some valuable insights, but got to be patient with them."

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