It was not an official meeting, however. It was simply an effort to give students from Northampton County and the school systems of Halifax County a glimpse of life sitting in the seats of the commissioners and key county staff members.
The program is part of the Roanoke Valley Chamber of Commerce's Pathways to Success/Youth Leadership program and was set in the Historic Courthouse in Halifax where commissioners meet at least once a month to conduct county business.
Before the mock board meeting, in which six students sat in the seats of the six elected commissioners and others served as county attorney, county manager, county finance director and county clerk, chamber President and CEO Allen Purser gave them an overview of the key decisions board members must make, especially when it comes to unfunded mandates from the state and federal governments.
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“Halifax County is part of local government,” he said. “They determine how your local tax dollars are spent.”
Many teenagers around the world, especially in war-torn regions or those living under harsh dictatorships don't have the right to vote for these leaders, he said. “When you turn 18 it's your responsibility to vote. When you think about voting, think about those kids running for their lives who don't have that opportunity. It's important you learn how this functions and we hope in five to 10 years some of you run. We're dependent on you to be leaders in the future.”
The mock commissioners meeting included a public hearing where the students who chose not to serve as board members or department heads, had the opportunity to serve as members of the public and share their views on the agenda item — funding of a recreation center or funding a gang task force.
Garner takes notes.
Madison Harmon, a Roanoke Rapids High School student, was one of several speakers. She said she spoke what she believed. “The rec center is my personal belief.”
Harmon, who plans to study to be a physician's assistant, said she liked the exercise in government. “I thought it really helped. That's why I asked when the meetings are held.”
While the mock board ultimately deadlocked on the matter, it was eye-opening, said Shanna Deloatch, a Roanoke Valley Early College student who served as a commissioner. “I like hearing people who have the same interests as I do. All the arguments were intellectual.”
Harmon makes a point.
It's also giving the junior fodder for her future. Already weighing studies in physical therapy, she said, “At first I considered law. I may consider law again.”
Antwan Garner, a Roanoke Rapids High School junior, who wants to pursue pre-med studies at UNC, said the exercise helped him. “It's getting me out of my comfort zone. I didn't feel like I was going to be comfortable.”
Commissioner Rives Manning helped both Garner and Ja'Quan Buffaloe through the protocol, Garner said.
Deloatch, right, listens as Andre'a Kidd takes notes.
“It was really fun,” said Buffaloe, who attends Northampton County High School. “It made me realize how important people are for our counties.”
With plans to play college football and enter the ROTC program, Buffaloe said political science is definitely a consideration. “I didn't know they made these decisions.”
He said Manning was a big help. “He helped me to get comfortable and helped me with questions to ask.”
Sheriff Wes Tripp, who fielded questions from the student commissioners, told them and the speakers they did an excellent job on both sides of the issue. “I think it was brilliant and commend who came up with the scenario.”
