Captivated by Council

Captivated by Council

High schooler committed to attending city meetings
CLAD IN JEANS and a striped hoodie, Austin Bullock raises his hand to ask a question at a Cortez City Council work session. He says the council members have been receptive to his presence. "They know who I am, but there isn't much small talk," he said. "They show up and get down to business."
Austin Bullock, right, has no plans to be a future politico, but he attends city council meetings to offer youth input, open channels of communication and help dispel the stereotype that teenagers are apathetic.

Captivated by Council

CLAD IN JEANS and a striped hoodie, Austin Bullock raises his hand to ask a question at a Cortez City Council work session. He says the council members have been receptive to his presence. "They know who I am, but there isn't much small talk," he said. "They show up and get down to business."
Austin Bullock, right, has no plans to be a future politico, but he attends city council meetings to offer youth input, open channels of communication and help dispel the stereotype that teenagers are apathetic.
Youth infusion for Parks and Rec board

The Cortez City Council approved on Tuesday a proposal to include two Montezuma County teenagers on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.



City councilor Tom Butler said the board is looking for one boy and one girl of high school age, preferably juniors or seniors.

The positions are unpaid but carry voting rights equal to the other board members.

Depending on circumstances, the advisory board can make decisions itself about city-owned parks and recreation facilities, or forward recommendations to the full council for approval.

For example, Butler said the board has discussed holding an artistic contest where the winner could paint the skateboarding area in Parque de Vida.

'Like legal graffiti,' he said.

City Manager Shane Hale said the move was a no-brainer.

'Who uses Parks and Rec programs more than our youth? This is tailor-made for their input. By giving them a vote, their voice carries as much weight as anybody else,' he said.



Interested youth are encouraged to submit a letter of intent by Feb. 28 to City Clerk Linda Smith or Parks and Recreation Director Dean Palmquist.