City Council President John Beltrandi at the Youth Commission meeting. (Photo by Amy Porter)
WESTFIELD – At the first meeting of the new school year, the Youth Commission heard from invited guest, City Council President John J. Beltrandi, III, about the best way to get their concerns before the Council.
Commission advisor Amber Danahey said she invited Beltrandi to come, because most city commissions have City Council liaisons. “We haven’t had one,” she said, adding that a liaison could help them to review their ordinance, to make sure their voices are heard.
“You should be part of the conversation,” Danahey said to the student members of the commission, adding that it is also important for them to learn how city government works.
“It works with other committees. The president appoints the liaisons to committees; somebody they can sound off to, who reports back to the City Council,” Beltrandi said, adding that he thinks it is important.
Danahey also discussed reaching out to more schools for membership on the Youth Council. The seven students present on Wednesday were all from Westfield High School, but several started during their middle school years.
WHS senior Jack Labbe said in the past they have reached out to school guidance counselors, made posters and sent handouts to the schools. He suggested holding small assemblies, which Danahey thought was a good idea, especially at the Westfield Intermediate and Middle schools, although she said state guidelines require students to be age 12.
Junior Peter Chrisanthopoulos agreed, saying he has been involved for five years with the Youth Commission. “We have enough high school students already,” he said.
Beltrandi said the work of the Youth Commission was new to him, and asked them to tell him what they have done in the past. Advisor Pamela Krzyzek said one of the biggest things to date has been to help pick out the sprinkler system for Sadie Knox Park. She said they have been trying to organize more youth activities, such as a movie night on Park Square Green, but haven’t been able to find the support.
Danahey said she would like to refocus the group to have a voice in city government.
“In order for somebody like me to help you, I need to know what your goals are,” Beltrandi said.
Krzyzek said the Youth Commission also addressed the district during a drug task force meeting on overdose prevention, suggesting that they start the conversation at a younger age.
Chrisanthopoulos admitted that it has been hard for them to get big projects done.
“Whoever the liaison is, that person is going to be your contact to get to me,” Beltrandi said.
WHS sophomore Suvin Sandararajan suggested they focus on getting a wide range of voices from different schools. As an example, he said there are students who are struggling with the transition to the Westfield Intermediate School, where his sister is a student. “I think they definitely need more guidance,” Sandararajan said. Danahey suggested perhaps older students could help.
Beltrandi said he has been contacted by several parents. “You find out afterwards where the deficiencies are in the process,” he agreed, adding that change is difficult for students at that age.
WHS member Chloe McGrievey said her brother had attended the transition program over the summer, and had felt better about the first day of school. Danahey said a real transition plan for fourth to fifth grades is needed.
“If you can get goals and targets that are important to you, then we can get the Youth Commission involved. To people like me, you guys are important to us. You’re going to be voters,” Beltrandi said, adding, “Just the fact that you’re here is important.
The Youth Commission will be meeting this year on the fourth Wednesdays of each month at 6 p.m.
