Commissioners to host annual Youth in Government Day

Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds Lisa Brown (seated, left) registered eligible students to vote at last year’s Youth in Government Day.

– Photo courtesy of Board of Commissioners

On Wednesday, May 23, the Oakland County Board of Commissioners (BOC) will host its annual Youth in Government Day, inviting high school students from across the county to learn about local government, participate in mock debates and interact with county elected officials and judges. The event will be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Auditorium at 1200 N. Telegraph Road in Pontiac. Oakland County high schools interested in attending should call 248-858-1092 or visit www.oakgov.com/boc as soon as possible to register. Pre-registration is required.
 
“This event is a great opportunity for students to experience first-hand how local government operates and how it impacts their lives,” said board vice chairman Michael Spisz, who hosts Youth in Government Day on behalf of the BOC. 

“Attendees can interact with many of the elected officials that contribute to making Oakland County one of the best run in the country.”

“Last year’s event was spectacular,” said Commissioner Shelley Goodman Taub, who helped emcee in 2017. “I am looking forward to seeing more schools take advantage of this unique and valuable program.”

Youth in Government Day will feature interactive sessions facilitated by the dynamic MSU Extension 4-H Leadership & Civic Engagement team. As first-time participants last year, 4-H brought a fresh energy and new perspective to the program, inspiring students to actively engage in the sessions and to think critically about media consumption, complex legislative topics and the role of local government. Darren Bagley, an educator on the 4-H team, emphasized the value in engaging with youth on these important issues. “Young people have the ability to improve their world unlike any other group,” said Bagley. “They have innovative ideas, exuberant energy, and are unencumbered in the cynicism that many adults share.”

The event focuses on the importance of civic engagement and includes a Commissioner Panel where commission members will discuss the path that led them to public service. The goal is to demonstrate to the students that participation in the process is accessible to them and that there are countless ways to get involved. By taking an active role in local government, through voting or organizing – or even running for office – young people can enact positive change in their own lives and communities.

In addition to learning about the role of the legislative branch, participants will get a first-hand look at the judiciary by visiting a county courtroom and having the opportunity to interact directly with Oakland County judges. Judge Shalina Kumar, chief judge of the Circuit Court, and Judge Jeffrey Matis, presiding judge of the Family Division of the Circuit Court, are participating in the program and will hold Q&A sessions with the students. 

“I am looking forward to meeting these young people from Oakland County and speaking to them about how they, too, can make a
difference through the judicial branch of our local government,” said Kumar. 

“Youth in Government Day is an outstanding event that provides students with an opportunity to meet judges and to see firsthand the functioning of the Oakland County Circuit Court,” added Matis, who was closely involved with Youth in Government Day when he served as vice chairman of the BOC. “I am honored to be part of this excellent event and I look forward to meeting the students.”

After their visit to the courtrooms, students will learn more about law enforcement at the county directly from Sheriff Michael J. Bouchard.
They will get a peek at the innerworkings of the county forensics lab and see one of the Sheriff’s K-9 units in action, which was a highlight for many of those who attended last year. “I loved the K-9 demo with Blitz and his handler,” said Danielle Stolzenfeld, a 2017 Youth in Government Day participant. “It was my favorite!”

Attendees will also hear from county-wide elected officials, including Clerk and Register of Deeds Lisa Brown, Treasurer Andy Meisner and Water Resources Commissioner Jim Nash. CIO/Deputy County Executive Phil Bertolini will address students on behalf of County Executive L. Brooks Patterson and will talk about exciting career opportunities in government IT and cybersecurity. Paul Walton, chief assistant prosecutor from the office of Oakland County Prosecutor Jessica R. Cooper, will speak to the students about the potential dangers of social media and the growing trend of reckless posts, which can have both personal safety and legal consequences for young people. After the morning speaking program, Brown and her staff will be available to assist eligible students that want to register to vote.

Since the 1970s, the Board of Commissioners has made the goal of Youth in Government Day to help develop young adults into future leaders. Today, this event continues to connect young people with local government and fosters the idea that they are never too young to be involved or to make a difference. Youth in Government Day aims to encourage Oakland County youth to understand and participate in the politics and policies that impact their lives and communities. For additional information, visit the Youth in Government Day page on the BOC website at www.oakgov.com/boc.

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