Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, May 17, 1994 TAG: 9405170117
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: By JOEL TURNER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
They also quizzed City Manager Bob Herbert about the lack of a center for teen-agers in the city and the high pregnancy rate among teens. One student suggested there might be a link between them.
The students got to question Harris and Herbert in a panel discussion that was part of Student Government Day. Nearly 60 students from Patrick Henry and William Fleming high schools participated in the program, which enables students to spend a day with city officials to learn more about city government.
On whether the schools should distribute condoms, Harris said he has not taken a position on the issue.
"I'm sure there will be a mixed reaction whatever position is taken," Harris said. Students, parents and the community should work together in addressing such issues, he said.
The students asked Herbert what the city is doing to try to lower the teen-age pregnancy rate. The city manager said he has appointed a 21-member task force composed of parents, professional people, community leaders and others.
Herbert said city officials can't solve the problem alone. "The mayor can't just issue a proclamation to end it," he said. "The solution will involve the total community."
Herbert said he has nothing to show a link between the pregnancy rate and the lack of a teen center. He said the city has tried to provide recreational programs for young people during recent summers, and will expand the program this summer.
One student asked Harris if race is a factor in selection of students for the magnet schools. The student, who is white, said he was denied admission to a magnet school in a predominantly white neighborhood, but was admitted to a magnet program in a predominantly black neighborhood.
Harris said racial balance helps determine who gets admitted to magnet schools because they are intended to improve integration. The city has received $17 million in federal funds to operate the magnet schools since they were established in the 1980s.
"We have to maintain racial balance. It cuts both ways," Harris said.
Responding to questions about the lack of jobs for new college graduates, Mayor David Bowers said the city is trying to promote growth with its economic development programs.
Bowers told the students that the day was designed to provide them with more information about local government.
"We hear a lot about the federal and state governments. But if you have a pothole, you call the mayor, not the president," Bowers said.
Brian Keenum, a senior at Patrick Henry High School, spent the day with George Snead, director of public safety. Keenum, a volunteer rescue squad member, wants to become a professional emergency medical services worker.
Snead took Keenum on a tour of the city's communication center and two Emergency Medical System stations. Billy Altman, a supervisor for the city's EMS system, and other emergency medical workers gave Keenum an inside look at rescue equipment and operations.
At the end of the day, Keenum said he was impressed with what he had seen and heard, and he was more certain that he wants a career in emergency medical work.
Each student spent the day with a city official who served as a mentor. Some students were assigned to Bowers and City Council members and participated in council's meeting Monday.
"This is a way to show the students how the city works, to see democracy in action," Bowers said. "By assuming the role of a city official, the students can determine whether they might be interested in government as a vocational opportunity."
by CNB