Citizens Academy walks residents through city government operations
September 17, 2009
By Michael Rowe
Fio Cattanbo learned about the federal government to become a United States citizen in 2001. Now he is one of 14 Snoqualmie Valley residents who studying local governments at the Snoqualmie Citizens Academy.
Snoqualmie Mayor Matt Larson addresses a mock city council during the city’s citizens acadmey, which teaches residents about local government. By Michael Bayless Rowe
Cattanbo, who is originally from Italy but has lived in the United States since 1988, said that he followed U.S. politics even in Italy because of the influence America has across the world.
“I wanted to take the class, because I want to know how local government works,” Cattanbo said.
The class began Sept. 9 with a history lesson taught by local historian Dave Battey. Several key city officials talked about how the city works and what they do. Snoqualmie Mayor Matt Larson discussed his role as the city’s political leader.
Larson encouraged the group to think about getting involved in city government. He said that complaining about a park to the city is how he got his start in city government. He was appointed to the parks commission after voicing his concerns.
The first Citizen’s Academy included a mock council meeting, in which class members acted as council members and supporters and opponents of an issue before the council. Warren said that she likes to choose controversial issues for the mock council and this year she picked the YMCA Community Center proposal.
One of the mock council members, Joe Murphy of North Bend, worried that the YMCA would hurt his wife’s business, Puget Sound Gymnastics and Dance.
Larson noted that his concerns were perfectly legitimate and that council members bring different life experiences to the table to help make decisions.
The mock council approved the community center, 4-1.
The experience could have started at least one career in public service.
Murphy said later in life he might consider running for office or getting involved in local government.
Michael Bayless Rowe: mrowe@snovalleystar.com or 392-6434, ext. 248. Comment at www.snovalleystar.com.
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