We need to do a better job teaching youngsters about local government

11 comments April 8th, 2009

I co-hosted Doug McDuff’s WNTA-AM radio show Wednesday afternoon. Had some good conversations with Mayor Larry Morrissey, Aldermen Joe Sosnowski, Doug Mark, Jeff Holt, Carl Wasco, Harlem Township Supervisor Doug Aurand,all of whom called in to thank voters for re-electing them.

One thing we touched on was the fact taht turnout was so low — 25 percent in Rockford and lower in surrounding areas. I thought it odd indeed that people stream to the polls in large numbers to vote every four years for president, but practically ignore the more important local elections that have a more real impact on their daily lives.

I think this could be because children are not taught how government works at all levels. When I was in high school, we were required in government class to go to City Council meetings to learn how the city of Rockford government worked.

I have not seen a high school class at a City Council meeting for decades. Do students learn about all the local and regional governments that affect their lives? I doubt it, because young people know very little about who runs their lives. Worse, many don’t seem  to care.

I’d like to see a solid, local government curriculum in the high schools. We need one.

People to watch in the next four years:
Jeff Holt, who got elected Rockford township clerk, successfully parked himself in a visible position to allow him to run for a bigger office, perhaps as soon as next year. Holt, who is only 30, would be perfectly positioned to run for state representative, even state Senate. Or perhaps, who knows, Congress?

Another young leader to watch is Joe Sosnowski. Easily re-elected Tuesday to another four-year term, Sosnowski  is 32, and already has experience on two city councils, Rockford’s and Dekalb’s.