Focus on YouthI believe that we should:
While on the Parks and Recreation Commission, I was instrumental in creating two new seats for teenagers. Our children are major stakeholders in our parks, athletic fields, and recreation programs. Their voices were not being heard. Now they are. I applaud the Arts Commission's initiative to seat youth commissioners. I also applaud the City's interest in creating a Youth Commission. San Carlos and Foster City have Teen Centers because they have youth commissions that fought for them. Belmont needs a Teen Center. With a Youth Commission, Belmont might get one. Remember that someone in high school today will be our president 30 or 40 years from now. It's in our interest to give motivated young people opportunities to practice leadership. The benefits would be some exercise for our children (imagine that!) and much reduced traffic congestion around our schools (imagine that!). A collaborative effort involving children, parents, neighbors, police, public works, and the schools just might make it happen, at least for some routes to some schools. I walked to school in my day. And look what it did for me. On the Outdoor Recreation Task Force, I am striving with the other members to enhance our athletic fields and preserve our remaining open spaces for recreational uses. The Task Force will present its recommendations to the City Council early this summer. I would very much like to be part of implementing the recommendations I helped draft. See more ideas on
Economics and Finance,
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