FORT WAYNE -- Students could be appointed as nonvoting members on city councils under legislation two area lawmakers plan to draft.
The proposed bill being written by Republican Reps. Matthew Bell of Avilla and Marlin Stutzman of Howe stems from a heated Kendallville City Council session last week where member Jim Liechty questioned Mayor Suzanne Handshoe's appointment of East Noble High School senior Cory Allen to the council.
Liechty said he supported the concept but questioned whether proper procedures were followed.
Allen, sworn in during the council's Aug. 1 meeting, is one of 15 students involved in the mayor's Youth Advisory Council. The group was created in May to advise city officials on teen issues.
The proposed bill would clarify what is already on the books, Bell said, and would specifically mention youth advisory groups. With the legislation, the lawmakers hope more Indiana cities will find ways to involve middle and high school students in local government.
"We both thought this is a shame that our community wouldn't have open arms and taking barriers away from youth," Bell said. "I understand that the councilman wasn't negating youth participation, but it sure doesn't come across that way to young people."
News of the proposed legislation left Handshoe stunned, she said Tuesday.
"I guess I know it's hard to believe, but I'm kind of speechless about it," she said. "I just think it's impressive that they would see the importance of this. In essence, I guess what's making history here in Kendallville is going into the Legislature."
With teens serving on the board of the Noble County Literacy Empowering and Advocating Project, where Bell serves as executive director, he said he's encouraged by what youth can add to local government.
"I've seen the energy and the creativity and innovation that they've brought to our board," he said. "Youth are more than our future; they're also a part of our present."
