City notes: City responds to needs of the young

Talk about it

The last people who we want to disappoint in our community are our children. But sometimes, we just can’t avoid it. Take, for instance, a letter I received.

“Dear Mayor, can you close school for all winter? And can you change the law in Rosemount that people can drive when you are 8?”

That was one of several letters to me from the KinderCare center in Rosemount. It was part of a writing assignment for the center’s school-age room. Even though I have to tell that writer “No” and “No again,” I do appreciate hearing from young people.

We have 7,000 residents under the age of 18 in Rosemount, and we try to help them any way we can. Members of the city’s staff and I take part in the community leaders group of educators and clergy, looking for ways to keep our young people involved, active and safe in the community.

The well-being of our young people is critical to the health of Rosemount today and in the years ahead. We value their opinions, including the classmates of the writer who wants the school year shortened and the driving age lowered.

“Dear Mayor, I want a swimming pool … Please I want one.”

I can’t promise a large-scale pool, but we want more recreational opportunities for our residents. The city council’s goals this year include enhancements in Rosemount’s parks, possibly including a splash pad.

“Dear Mayor, can you let us have a week off of school? You are a great Mayor to us.”

Thank you! But, no.

“Dear Mayor, please don’t let people kill sharks. Please put the people who kill sharks in jail.”

I have so instructed the police chief.

“Dear Mayor, can you close school for a week? I like pizza.”

Me, too. But you’ve got to go to school.

It’s our privilege to watch these kids grow and become involved in our community. A prime example of this next-generation leadership is the eight high school students who serve on the Rosemount Youth Commission. The city council established the commission two years ago to give our young people more of a voice. They advise the council on issues relevant to their generation.

The commission will join the city council to hold a youth summit at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, May 12 at city hall. It’s a town hall-style meeting in which teens and adults who are concerned about issues affecting the young can share their opinions with the council. If you’re a young person who feels no one asks for your opinion, this is your opportunity to speak out.

Finally, the council just had its annual observance of National Volunteers Week. And many of the names we called out work to support Rosemount’s youth. Again, we thank all the volunteers who are involved in the education and care of children.

Tags: opinion, rosemount, government, commentaries