City Officials Hear from GAH Youth

Members of the Monticello City Council met for a panel discussion with students from the Get Ahead House (GAH) last Thursday. Initially Mayor Bryan Standifer along with Mayor Pro-tem Gail Harrell and City Council members Cynthia Miller and David Wease introduced themselves saying a little about themselves. City Manager Angela Redding and City Clerk Karen Pennamon also introduced themselves to the students.

Elijah Whidby was the first student to question the elected leaders. He complained the park needs more stuff…particularly places for parents to sit while children are playing. Council member Miller asked him what he’d like to see there. He said a pool where the soccer field is and maybe a football field. Also the children suggested trash cans that can’t be knocked over and security cameras.

Another student asked the council for suggestions to help low income families have better access to summer programs.

One student asked each person where they lived and what they did. The next student asked, “How can you know you made a difference as a council?”

That led to a discussion of infrastructure and the fact that infrastructure is needed, is expensive, and is not noticed. Council members also mentioned investments. Mayor Pro-tem Harrell told of the beautify Monticello objective she is working on, and also said code enforcement which will be in place soon, will help a lot. Councilman Wease said trying to bring in industry and jobs so the students will have places to work when they finish school is a goal.

Councilwoman Miller told about Mine Lake and what a beautiful place it is. She said they’d love to set it up to have walking trails, biking trails, fishing and nature trails. She said the property could house a 55+ subdivision.

Another student asked why Funderburg Park did not have as many materials as West View Park. They suggested more playground equipment at Funderburg as well as the afore-mentioned benches.

Mayor Standifer told the student that both parks incur a lot of damage, and encouraged the children if they see someone damaging the parks to report it to an adult.

Another student asked how to prepare if they decided they want to be on council one day?

The mayor pro-tem said she loves Monticello, and a love of the city will help when serving. She also said meeting with the youth helps.

Councilwoman Miller told the students to get their education, and come up with a plan of what they want in Monticello. “If you can believe it, you can achieve it,” she said.

One student asked why the government is not more involved in the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement.

The mayor responded about the need to be involved, and to communicate with others what the BLM movement is all about which is fair treatment of black people in our society. He also answered the question about service on council as the mayor pro tem did saying a love of Monticello is the first key. He encouraged the students to be humble and honest, and to want a better quality of life for everyone.

Councilwoman Miller said volunteer, learn the community. Councilman West said he attended meetings for years to become educated before he decided to run for office.

The city manager told the students if they had an interested in government, there are lots of ways to work within the government without being elected

She said it is rewarding, making a difference in the lives of the city’s citizens.

The students from the Get Ahead House who asked questions in addition to Mr. Whidby, included Ivy Campbell, Terrija Bostic, Mayhla Thurman, Arrington Bostic, and Jaqarious Reid.

Other students who attended the meeting included Chandler Johnson, Kenndi Bostic, Ceasha Smith, Aliyah Lynnwood, Bella Brown, Demoni Battle, Demaury Ross, Harlie Dennis, Jade Hardwick, Jyniah Thompson, Jayla Thompson, Kennyah Sands,Mantrez Hymn, McKennya Miller, Myiah Thompson, Nyasia Odams, Peyton Hymn, Saryiah Collier, Tae Jackson,Tamarion Reeves, Terrance Bostic, Tristan Campbell, and Zuree Whitlock.

At the conclusion of the panel discussion, the City Council re-convened for a quarterly financial review.