Tarentum kicks off junior council program, seeks Highlands student
Share this post:
High school juniors and seniors who live in Tarentum will have a chance to see firsthand how local governments operate through a new program starting this fall.
The borough is implementing a “junior councilperson” program through which teens with an interest in politics can engage in local lawmaking and develop leadership skills.
“It’s a really good opportunity for younger individuals to get involved in what’s happening,” Tarentum Manager Dwight Boddorf said.
The program is open to students in the Highlands School District and those who are home-schooled.
Council members Tuesday said they were excited to usher in the program, the first of its kind in the borough.
Sponsored by the Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs, the junior councilperson sits in on meetings, workshops and other committee sessions. They do not vote on issues but can play a big part in relaying ideas and concerns that are important to high school students.
The program started in 2000 with the goal of helping students learn public speaking, budgeting and teamwork.
“Our goal is to recruit a Highlands student that has an interest in local government,” Council President Scott Dadowski said. “They don’t have to be an aspiring politician, but we want someone with an interest in bettering their town.”
Dadowski said several local municipalities already have a junior councilperson, and his colleagues “all have good stuff to say about the program.”
In the Alle-Kiski Valley, Aspinwall, Blawnox, Fox Chapel and Sharpsburg each support the junior council effort.
Anyone interested in the Tarentum junior councilperson position must live in the borough and serve a term that runs for the school year.
They also must attend council meetings the first and second Tuesdays of each month.
To apply, print a form at tarentum boro.com.