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Youth in Government Day Lets Students See Oakland County in ActionStreet-Eatzz-Ad
(Crystal A. Proxmire, May 1, 2014)
 
County Commissioner Helaine Zack never got to see government in action when she was in school, which is why she enjoys Youth in Government Day at Oakland County. She and several other Commissioners welcomed students from their districts to the County Commission Auditorium on April 24 for a day of tours and demonstrations.
“Youth in Government Day demonstrates how local elected officials make decisions that directly impact gallowaycollens1their lives,” Zack said. “I want to get young people engaged in civic and community service.  Voting is the ultimate freedom to choose.  It appears that youth do not understand this freedom as older generations do.”
Students came from Ferndale, Milford, Novi, Pontiac, Rochester Adams, Royal Oak, Southfield, Walled Lake, and White Lake.
“The Ferndale students were a terrific group of leaders,” Zack said.  “They particularly liked the opportunity to sit in Chief Judge Grant’s courtroom and ask her questions, such as ‘What is the most bizarre case that you have ever handled?”  Judge Nanci J. Grant spoke to the youth about how cell phone use can cause legal trouble if not treated with respect.JudyPalmer01
There was also a demonstration of drug tracking dogs and armored vehicles by the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department.
Students also wanted to know how County Commissioners got to their positions.  Zach told the students, “I am a social worker who wants to make a difference in the lives of individuals, families and communities.  Being a commissioner gives me an opportunity to be an experienced voice at the table on health and human services.  I also like to help residents solve everyday life problems.”
To earn more about Oakland County government go to http://www.oakgov.com/Pages/home.aspx.
For a previous story on Youth in Government Day, see: http://oaklandcounty115.com/2013/04/26/students-learn-from-county-leaders-at-youth-in-government-day-video20140501youthingovernmentday0120140501youthingovernmentday02