Editor's Reply to scout sees need for a stoplight

Dear Zane,

First, I would like to say as a parent who has had a child at the Jr. High and lives in a neighborhood off of 14th, I agree with you that it would be nice to have a light at that intersection. But I really wanted to take the time to commend you on seeing an issue you felt needed addressed and stepping up to do something about it. Too often, people complain about issues around them, wishing “someone” would do something about it, without every realizing they are SOMEONE. We often ask people who come into our office or call us if they have taken the time to address their issues with the “powers that be” or if they have attended any meetings. Most of the time the answer is “no.” I realize you are doing this because you are a member of the Scouts and it is part of a project, but I am proud to have a young man in our community who took the time to not only address this to the Mayor and a councilman, which would probably have been enough to satisfy your requirements, but you also took the time to address it to your local paper. You are choosing to use your voice and I am sure your parents are very proud of you for that.

I encourage you to bring this before the whole city council at their next meeting. To begin each meeting they take comments from the audience and everyone who wishes to speak is given three minutes, sometimes if you go into City Hall beforehand they will put you on the actual agenda and give you a little longer. Not only will your opinion go further, but attending these meetings is an important lesson in how parliamentary procedure works, as well. They meet on the second and fourth Mondays of the month at 6 p.m. I hope to see you attend.

Good Job Zane!

Sincerely,

Stephanie