Bringing young people into the fold
Last week’s Independent News cover story dealt with recent youth-driven protests over the death of 17-year old Victor Steen and the unresponsiveness of the Pensacola Police Department and City government, and with the wider issue of youth advocacy and involvement in government.
Whether you agree or disagree with the position taken by the young protestors, I think we should all be pleased to see any young person taking time to advocate or speak before the City Council about issues important to them.
As I was quoted as saying in the Independent News piece, twenty-somethings have a lot to complain about. There’s a lack of good jobs in both the City and the greater metro area. Although it’s getting better, we’ve lacked a vibrant entertainment scene. These and other conditions have resulted in large outmigration of our young people. Those who go off to university and get a degree are faced with a decision to locate elsewhere or to come home to a 20%, 50%, or more pay cut. It’s an easy call.
I’m a firm believer in democracy, especially at a local level. Despite what naysayers might say about small groups of wealthy or well-connected individuals controlling City and County government, I don’t buy it. We can make Pensacola whatever we want it to be. If we want it to be more accommodating and attractive to young people, we can do that; but it requires young people getting involved.
Links
- Independent News: “Standing for Something”
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Well f’ing said Derek!
Why not start by getting more turnover on city boards?
Some of those board members especially the planning and ARB have “served” for over a decade . The work with they get from the city might be good, but talk about stagnate .
If you like what you see today, thanks can go in part to those boards.
If not, insist the council replace them.
Fred: I couldn’t agree with you more. This past July, four new members came onto the Planning Board, myself included. As more seats on the other boards come open, I will be actively advertising those openings, encouraging new people to serve, and encouraging Council to appoint qualified non-incumbents when possible.