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Lewiston youth council tours Capitol, including (yawn) the Senate
By Sarah Buttars
Youth City Council adviser Shara Buttars said the council took 13 youths to the Capitol. They were accompanied by City Councilman Jeff Hall. "It was my first time seeing the Capitol building. I learned a lot," Hall said. "We took the Youth City Council to see how the legislative process works," said Buttars. When they arrived, they were taken to the gallery where 3rd District Rep. Craig Buttars asked the speaker for personal privilege and introduced the Lewiston youths. They were then taken to the Senate and introduced by state Sen. Lyle Hillyard. "I think it's important to get the youth involved in what goes on in the state," said Buttars. The council learned about the ways the Senate and the House vote, how a bill is passed, and what lobbyists do. "Knowing they can make a difference, that their voice can be heard through their senators and representatives is so important," said Buttars. Helping the youth get involved in government was also the hope of their guide through the Capitol. She instructed them to go and register to vote when they turn 18. "I thought it was educational and I learned things I didn't know about the Capitol building," said Youth City Councilwoman Michelle Buttars. The Youth Council was given a very extensive tour. Among the things they saw were the Supreme Court, the House and Senate chambers, a Revolutionary War flag, and a Liberty bell that is housed at the Capitol. The opportunity to see lawmaking in action doesn't come around every day, but sometimes that opportunity isn't recognized. "My purpose (in going to the Capitol) was to get out of school. I don't know what the intended purpose was," said Brad Gibbons, a member of the Youth City Council. He also gave his honest opinion of part of the trip saying, "The Senate was really, really, really boring." But, the experience will be remembered in the minds of the youth. Serving on the Youth City Council gives the members an opportunity to better understand, and participate in government. The Youth City Council is an organization to help youth become involved in the community. They work as city governments do by electing a mayor and council members. Some of the service projects they help organize for the city of Lewiston
include Adopt-a-Highway, the annual Senior Citizens' dinner, and the
Easter Egg Hunt. |
Archived Months:
September
1998 |
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