Youth Council To Be Created In Framingham

FRAMINGHAM, MA- The youth of Framingham will soon have an opportunity to have a direct affect on the government that serves them.

The City Council unanimously voted on Tuesday to create a Youth Council to represent the city's young people. The proposal was created and brought forward by Framingham High School student Isabella Petroni. This is the first citizen-developed ordinance in the City of Framingham's history.

The council will consist of 13 young residents between the ages of 13-22. Eleven of the members will be appointed by the City Council based on a majority vote, with each city councilor nominating a young person from their respective district.

The mayor will nominate two youths which will be voted in by the city council as well. The Youth Council will report directly to the City Council but also advise the Mayor and School Committee should they ask for guidance or advice.

The council will not only serve as a voice for Framingham's youth but as an entryway into local government. "Only when everyone in the community is engaged do we truly become a community for all," Petroni said at Tuesday's meeting.

The education subcommittee helped drive the proposal forward, with member Cheryl Tully Stoll noting that Petroni's commitment to the proposal helped the subcommittee and City Council see it to completion. "I want to commend you," Councilor at Large Cheryl Tully Stoll said, "for pushing us number one to get it done and number two for coming here tonight and making it better."

Framingham Superintendent Robert Tremblay showed his support for the proposal comparing it to the school department's Action Civics Commission which is meant to lift and represent student voices in the district. "This is a good synergy between the school department, the city council and all in the spirit of lifting city voice," Tremblay said.

The final step is to have Mayor Spicer sign off on the council, which Petroni is hoping will be a formal ceremony that she can attend along with Framingham High School Principal Carolyn Banach.

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