Star Valley council debates involving young people

By Matt Brabb
Connection Editor

Paty Henderson, Star Valley’s newest council member, advocated a more robust volunteer system for the relatively young town during Tuesday’s regular council meeting. She also lobbied for the creation of a council comprised of youths from the town to share their perspective with council members.

Speaking of her hope to increase volunteerism within the town, Henderson said, “If I believe that government shouldn’t do everything for us, I have to figure out a way to get things done.”

She said that it would be important to match volunteers with their interests and added that work should be limited to four hours or less per day.

Henderson also expressed the need for a “volunteer coordinator” who would also be a volunteer.

While allowing that volunteer programs were “great on a one time basis” for communities, Councilor Vern Leis sounded a note of caution.

“We would need some administration. What financial impacts would that have, and what are the liabilities to Star Valley?” he asked.

Some of the possible opportunities for volunteerism in Star Valley include creek maintenance, the creation of hiking trails, and help for town staff members.

Mayor Bill Rappaport spoke in favor of the general idea of getting more help from Star Valley residents.

“The key is getting community involvement. We’ve accomplished a lot without a whole lot of participation. I’d like to see people support the town a little more. It benefits all of us,” he said.

Henderson also received a mostly positive response from other council members when she spoke of the town’s need for a youth advisory council.

Noting that 18 other towns in Arizona have them, she said, “We talk about inclusion, but where do you get future leaders from without training?”

She also asserted that the town could benefit from looking at things through youthful eyes and that the kids in the community could help determine the future of Star Valley.

Mayor Rappaport recalled a time when he was invited to speak to a class at Payson High School.

“The kids were really bright, they posed interesting questions. I’d be happy to do that again,” he said.

Councilor Barbara Hartwell also supported the idea.

“I’m looking forward to working with you Paty,” she said. “I have some ideas.”

Henderson said that involvement would be limited to children from Star Valley who attend Payson High School, but that home-schooled kids would also be allowed to participate.

Payson already has its version of a youth council, called the Payson Advisory Youth Council (PAYC). They meet on a regular basis, and report to the Payson Town Council periodically.

In their most recent appearance before the council, members of the PAYC reported on their involvement in a Fourth of July fundraiser, their role in the 2010 Relay for Life, their participation in a league of towns and cities conference, and of a survey they conducted of their fellow students.