Commission Gives County Teens A Voice

Mon., Feb. 16, 1998

Harrison Grafos University

Jim Chase, former mayor of Spokane dreamed of a government that would provide a voice for its young people. He knew teens could make a difference in their communities if given the opportunity for leadership and involvement. So the Chase Youth Commission was established in late 1985 creating the city youth department.

Thirteen years later, our community has benefited greatly from the Chase Youth Commission. Teens have gained a voice in our government, served on important committees and worked to plan major events such as Kidsweek, the Chase Youth Awards and the Youth Summit.

Representatives from area high schools serve on the Teen Advisory Council. Thus, the Commission offers tremendous opportunity for youth involvement.

If there has been one drawback to this success, however, it has been that the official role of the Youth Commission has been limited to Spokane city limits, the primary source of its funding. Even though young people from the entire Spokane area participate in the commission’s work, Spokane County has not been a part of this endeavor until now.

The Spokane County commissioners, resolving to support young people and recognize the importance of youth involvement, have recently agreed to participate in a jointly-funded, City-County Youth Commission. For this action, the commissioners are to be commended. Cooperation will ensure that young people from all around Spokane have the chance to be involved in government - providing leadership and making a difference.

In this age of fiscal conservatism, our commissioners have made a wise investment in out future - the young people of Spokane.

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