Irwin seeks students for junior council program

Irwin officials are looking for two residents — high school juniors or seniors or college freshmen, sophomores or juniors — who want a say in borough government.

“We want to engage the youth of the community, to take a stake in the community and have an understanding of the town,” said Councilman Tyler Baum, who proposed the junior council program.

Baum, 24, is the youngest member of council.

Junior council members would serve two-year terms and attend council meetings to offer input.

Council members will benefit as well by hearing about “issues facing the youth in the community,” said Baum, who was elected to council in November.

The new junior council program will provide borough officials with information on what the young people want for their community, council President Rick Burdelski said.

“We will get to know what is on their mind and how to make the community good for the youth,” Burdelski said.

The program is patterned after the Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs’ Junior Council Person Program, which has been in existence for about 20 years, Baum said.

The junior council members will be expected to provide a report to borough council. They will not be permitted to vote on issues or attend executive sessions where matters of real estate, legal issues or personnel are discussed, Baum said. The program will give them experience in public relations, communications and community service and has the potential to promote future leadership in the borough.

The Norwin School District has joined in promoting the program at the high school.

Superintendent Jeff Taylor said he supports the initiative.

“It’s one of our responsibilities to produce students who are civic-minded,” Taylor said.

Baum said he will join with Burdelski and Shari Martino, borough manager, to review the applications. The candidates they select could be voted on by council at its October meeting, Burdelski said.

“I see it as a win-win,” Baum said.