Youth started raising their voices on city issues with the start of Youth Council on Oct. 30.
Six new councillors gathered in the council chambers to discuss issues that they feel are important to the city, from recreational opportunities to pedestrian safety.
Community Development Coordinator with the City of Humboldt, Colby McClelland, took on the project as a way to engage the youth of Humboldt, which is something that he felt is missing from the city right now.
“We’re really trying to fill that gap with our youth.”
Meetings will have two parts with an educational portion to teach the young councillors about municipal politics while the other side is discussion and idea sharing between the councillors.
One question that city council wanted to bring forth to the youth council was intercity bus service and how it works for the students.
Councillors were able to comment on that both from personal experience as well as hearing from their friends about experiences they have had.
Representation is important and it just happened to work out this year that every school in Humboldt has representation.
It worked out really well that way, says McClelland, with students from each school applying on their own for the role.
Meet your six youth councillors:
Spencer Possberg, 13, St. Dominic School
Why did you want to join the Youth Council:
“I thought it would be an interesting thing to do. I love politics.”
What are some past activities that will make you a good councillor?
“This is my second year on the St. Dominic SLC and this year I am one of two presidents.”
What are some issues that you want to bring forth to your fellow councillors?
“There are some roads that need to be fixed.”
Abby Dalsin, 12, St. Augustine
Why did you want to join the Youth Council:
“I want to make Humboldt the best that it can be for the youth.”
What are some past activities that will make you a good councillor?
“Lots of volunteering with the soup kitchen and food bank.”
What are some issues that you want to bring forth to your fellow councillors?
“Safer ways to get to the high school.”
Georgina Doyle, 14, Humboldt Collegiate
Why did you want to join the Youth Council:
“I wanted to see what it was about. I think it will be fun, mostly.”
What are some past activities that will make you a good councillor?
“I’ve been on the SLC in my elementary school and I’ve also been volunteering with the soup kitchen and food bank.”
What are some issues that you want to bring forth to your fellow councillors?
“There should be a four-way stop at the high school. I’ve been seeing accidents that are close to happening there.”
Payton Klitch, 14, Humboldt Collegiate
Why did you want to join the Youth Council:
“I like to know how things happen so I wanted to join. I also like meetings and more city based things. For our debate in school, I really liked it.”
What are some past activities that will make you a good councillor?
“I’ve helped out a lot with things like SPCA, JCIs because my mom is a member, and my aunt works at the BV Inn so I’ve helped out with stuff there.”
What are some issues that you want to bring forth to your fellow councillors?
“Things that revolve around more things for kids.”
Hannah Mulhern, 13, Humboldt Public School
Why did you want to join the Youth Council:
“I hear adults in my family and my friends who always talk about politics.”
What are some past activities that will make you a good councillor?
“I do a lot of stuff in school with SLC and the Leader in Me program and taking initiative in the community.”
What are some issues that you want to bring forth to your fellow councillors?
“A lot of parks, including one behind my house, is unsafe. Putting up lights and upgrading the structure might make it safer.”
Taylor Waldbillig, 14, Humboldt Collegiate
Unfortunately Waldbillig was unable to attend the first council meeting.
Responses shortened for space.
