Future public servants draft resolutions, pass laws
BATH – Some 18 high school students across Steuben County met Tuesday to present, debate and approve non-binding resolutions they believe would improve services in the county.
The resolutions were the result of the students’ participation in the county’s Youth In Government program which engages the youth in local government services, now celebrating its 40th year anniversary.
Since it began in 1983, more than 1,300 high school juniors and seniors across Steuben have participated in the program with far-reaching effects.
Alumni include Legislator Scott Van Etten (R-Caton), county former Legislator Aaron Mullen (R-Avoca) and State Sen. Tom O’Mara representative Mike Rogers. Countless other county residents have pursued governmental careers, international studies and serve as civic leaders in their communities.
The event is sponsored by the county Youth Bureau, Legislature and New York State Office of Children and Family Services.
Resolutions presented Tuesday include:
· Compensating Steuben County Volunteer EMTs — Kadience Gollnitz, Hornell
· The Promotion of Steuben County Trails Through Social Media – Ethan Hursh, Bath
· Creating an Event to Support the Office for the Aging — Joseph Paige, Prattsburgh
· Pay Increase for County Road Workers — Daniel Stilson, Avoca
· Requiring Police Body Worn Camera Footage to be Unmuted – Demetris Madamopoulos, Hornell
· Implementing a Support Group for Inmates Engaged with MAT — Isabella DeFreze, Bath
· Transitioning to Weight-Based Payment at the Landfill — Ms. Madisyn Everdyke, Prattsburgh
· Finding Storage for Items for Foster Kids — Isabelle Button, Avoca
· Creation of a System to Temporarily Lower Taxes for First Time Home Buyers — Liam Sirianni, Hornell
· Creating Scholarships for Volunteer EMS Workers — Muhkaylah Ferguson, Bath
· Increasing the Wages of 911 Operators — Riley Hyer, Hornell
· Amending Local Law on Occupancy Tax — Markus Tompkins, Hammondsport
· Making the School Lunch System Safer and Allergy Free – Madison Fitzwater, Avoca
· Establishing an Advertising Task Force — Hunter Mosher, Hornell
· Creating EMS· Training Sites throughout the County — Isaiyah Ali, Hammondsport
· Employing a Security Officer in the Mental Health Building — Sabrina Pritting, Avoca
· Creating a Small Business Loan Program for Startups – Amaya Hoffman, Hornell
· Making the Landfill Wall Higher — Keagan Sutton, Hammondsport
