Midland Mayor Lori Blong recently addressed the inaugural session of the Midland Youth Council and was impressed by the enthusiasm and interest displayed by the young leaders in attendance. Blong discussed various aspects of city governance and the different functions of government.
In a post on Facebook, Blong expressed her encouragement, stating, "I’m encouraged by the enthusiasm and interest displayed by our city's young leaders." She also commended the students for their eagerness to learn and their insightful questions about the qualifications expected of city leadership.
Blong took the opportunity to highlight the qualifications of city staff leaders, emphasizing that they are highly qualified individuals with extensive experience and education. She explained, "Our city staff leaders are highly qualified and at the top of their careers, often holding master's degrees and having experience managing organizations of 1,000+ employees. These are higher qualifications than even what is expected by some for serving on the city council."
screenshot of post
| https://www.facebook.com/LoriForMidland/posts/pfbid02VfdSi2fT2Lwe4k9xxr7f3R1v2MnEzzDAHcV4g2Vxnjkg4iULF6zjsJdwCPvFuiaTl
The mayor also expressed her gratitude towards Council person Robin Poole and Troy Gray, acknowledging their roles in making the Midland Youth Council a reality. She credited them for their efforts in creating a partnership between the city of Midland and the Bush Family Home Historic Site. Blong also recognized Midland's Governance Officer Marcia Bentley-German, who attended the meeting and assisted in discussing topics related to government functions.
The Midland Youth Council, as described on MidlandTexas.gov, is open to high school students in grades 10-12. The council aims to empower young individuals to become active members of the community and have a lasting impact on the future of their city. The council meets once a month for two hours at the Bush Family Home State Historic Site, where members are provided with pizza. In addition to their regular meetings, council members participate in service projects and have the opportunity to receive a letter of recommendation upon completing the program.
Mayor Lori Blong's engagement with the Midland Youth Council showcases her commitment to involving young leaders in the decision-making processes of the city. By providing them with insights into city governance and encouraging their participation, Blong is fostering a sense of civic responsibility and preparing the next generation of leaders for the future of Midland.