During Florida City Government Week, Tamarac’s Mayor Michelle J. Gomez and the City Commissioners held virtual meetings with Tamarac’s Teen Council members to discuss all that local government does.
Highlights of the Teens’ Meetings:
- Teen Council member Phillip Hudson kicked things off by thanking the Mayor and City Commission for the opportunity. Hudson met with Tamarac Mayor Michelle Gomez and learned that she’s been extra-busy during the pandemic.
- Council member Sama Francois met with District 3 Commissioner Julie Fishman and learned more about the job of a Commissioner. They also discussed the mask policy.
- Malasia Milton, another Teen Council member, met with District 4 Commissioner Debra Placko, and learned a lot about the behind-the-scenes work that keeps the city running. She also learned that the City’s coming fiscal year budget is $184 million.
- During his meeting with Mayor Gomez, Xavier Augustin discovered that the Mayor misses meeting (and hugging) new people and has a lot of plans in store for the City’s future.
- Fiorella Lanos, who introduced herself as a “proud member of the Tamarac Teen Council,” participated in a meeting with District 2 Commissioner Mike Gelin. She learned more about the Tamarac system of City government, and Gelin’s responsibilities as Commissioner.
- Member Yvan Cadet learned “how much the Mayor really does for this City,” including her volunteer efforts.
- Ashley Dorvil met with Commissioner Gelin and learned more about the Commission’s financial responsibilities, as well as the fact that Tamarac has its own lobbyist.
- Council member Caeli Jackson met with Mayor Gomez and learned how Tamarac is working to ensure the safety of its citizens during the pandemic.
- Council member Jovannia Antonio, who met with Commissioner Fishman, learned more about Census-based redistricting, as well as how to serve students with learning disabilities.
Watch this video to see more about what these articulate, engaging students learned, and to be encouraged about our future.
Tamarac’s Teen Council
Tamarac’s Teen Council was just formed earlier this year. According to the City’s March/April Tamagram, the teens are an “untapped resource, full of ideas about exciting events, activities and the future of Tamarac.” Teen Council membership is open to students in grades 8-12 who, as members of the Council, will:
- Earn community service hours for school
- Meet new people and make great friends
- Attend fun and exciting outings
- Engage with positive role models and business professionals
- Become agents for change
- Make an impact in the community
- Empower their peers
Teens must be Tamarac residents and able to attend all scheduled monthly meetings. For more information, please call Sam Monroe at (954) 597-3648.
Florida City Government Week
This year’s Florida City Government Week was held from October 19-25. Sponsored by the Florida League of Cities, this annual event is an opportunity for Florida’s cities to “celebrate, showcase and engage citizens in the work of municipal government.”
