Voices of Youth tackles tough issues at mock city council meeting
Carefree Mayor Morgan praises group for discussion
by Barry Cohen

CAREFREE – Mayor Edward C. Morgan thanked members of Voices of Youth for tackling four substantive issues at a mock town council meeting April 10 in the town’s council chambers.

“Based on what I saw and heard today, I feel very secure about the future of our youth ,” said Morgan. “These students obviously have their feet on the ground and their noses in the books, and I believe they represent the great majority of their fellow students.”

VOY is made up of 15 students, mostly sophomores and juniors, from Cactus Shadows High School. The group strives to bring politics into schools by holding mock council meetings and bringing in guest speakers. Participating in the mock council meeting were: Lauren Byrd, mayor; Kyle Hobratschk, vice mayor; council members Annie Chein, Dana DiRado, Tom Bisbee, Will Bisbee and Ellie Conser; Allison Wooton, attorney; and Mackenzie Wadas, clerk.

Following thoughtful discussions on each topic, the mock council voted unanimously to support the Downtown Project, Carefree’s participation in the Northeast Valley Coalition Against Methamphetamine; the need for residents to subscribe to Rural/Metro for fire protection while the new fire station is being built, and to vigorously enforce the speeds limits and expand the median at the intersection of Tree Line and Cave Creek Roads.

Reach the reporter at barry@thedesertadvocate.com.