Students received a hands-on lesson in city government Wednesday during the 28th annual Optimist Youth In Government Day.

Among the participants were juniors from Cape Girardeau Central High School, Notre Dame Regional High School and Eagle Ridge Christian School. The tevent encourages students to become active and informed citizens in their communities.

"They didn't have this program when I was in high school," said Pat Patterson, Optimist Club board member. "It gives students a clearer perspective of city government."

The 30 students were chosen by their respective schools to shadow local government officials to see first hand how they go about the business of serving Cape Girardeau.

Josh Friedrich, a student at Eagle Ridge Christian, said his history teacher chose him to serve as a city councilman.

Students Brendan Williams, left, and Jackson Voss listen as Emily Toot speaks during the mock city council meeting Wednesday, April 24, at Cape Girardeau City Hall. Several local high school students participating in the 28th Annual Optimist Youth in Government Day. Williams was acting as the city manager, Voss as mayor and Toot as a city council member. (ADAM VOGLER)

"I've been able to develop a broader sense of what real city council members do," Friedrich said.

Notre Dame student Jackson Voss said he was chosen to serve as mayor after he signed up for the position at school.

"I have a better understanding of the job," Voss said. "There's a big process involved when it comes to being mayor."

All departments in city government were made open to student involvement, including fire, police and public works. The students who shadowed members of the city council and city government received the benefit of holding a mock council meeting at City Hall, where they debated and voted on items from a mock agenda.

The first item discussed, urban deer management, reignited the proposal of urban deer hunting as a solution for lowering the deer population within the city limits.

"I think urban deer hunting is a good idea," said Notre Dame student Emily Todt, who served as a councilwoman.

After further debate on the issue, the youthful city council unanimously approved putting urban deer hunting on the ballot "at the next available election."

The students unanimously approved keeping the current safety regulations for mo-peds, scooters and bicycles, and a motion to allow bicycle riding on sidewalks when there aren't bicycle lanes on which to ride.

According to Central High School student Brendan Williams, who served as city manager, the motion was needed because of the high rate of bicycle accidents on the city's streets.

"People are getting really stupid on their bicycles," Williams said.

The mock city council also unanimously voted to keep the outdoor noise and music ordinance in place, but they were skeptical of endorsing a smoking ban in all public places.

"Instead of all public places, maybe it can be only in family-oriented places," proposed Emily Hagan from Central High School.

Ultimately, the smoking ban was referred to a committee for more information.

The students approved a motion to ban texting and driving for all ages, and they also supported allowing individuals to keep a maximum of 10 chickens on property within the city limits.

Heather Brooks, assistant city manager, said the students who participated in the mock city council meeting were impressive.

"They asked good questions and had good things to say," Brooks said.

Cape Girardeau Mayor Harry Rediger said seeing the students in action was fun and enjoyable.

"I like seeing interested youth learning about and getting involved with the process," Rediger said. "They're the leaders of tomorrow."

Youth in Government Day ended with a luncheon for the students at American Legion Post 63.

klewis@semissourian.com

388-3635

Pertinent address:

401 Independence St., Cape Girardeau, MO