The new blood in government
By Chris Simon

Innisfil Central Public School Grade 8 student Calysta Boutilier received a street sign and certificate for her Photo by Chris Simon participation as student mayor during the month of April last week.

Calysta Boutilier wants to be a lawyer.

And over the last month, the Innisfil Central Public School Grade 8 student has been learning the art of debate from some of the town's most seasoned politicians. Boutilier was named student mayor for April, and has been attending town council meetings, riding municipal vehicles and learning the inner workings of government.

In short, she loved every minute of the experience.

"I learned more about how municipal government works and what goes into making a decision in a town," she said. "I learned about all the different facilities in Innisfil and how much work goes into everything."

Boutilier says her favourite moments throughout the last month have included sitting through council meetings, watching the town's politicians discuss bylaws, development and other agenda items.

"The meetings were my favourite part," she said. "I just like them."

The position of student mayor was first introduced over 15 years ago. Each month, a student from an elementary school in Innisfil is selected by peers to participate in the program, said deputy mayor Gord Wauchope.

"Most of them are elected by their peers," he said. "They have to run an election in their schools; it's a great thing for the future."

Student mayors receive tours of town facilities like water treatment plants and fire halls, attend council meetings, and make speeches at the beginning and end of their terms. They even receive a certificate and specially designed road sign, which is decorated the student mayor's name.

Wauchope says the position gives students a chance to learn about politics, and become involved in their community at an early age.

"It's great training for the youth of the town to find out what actually goes on in municipal politics," he said. "All of those (students) that participate in the program are very concerned about what goes on in the town. It's very educational for them."

Boutilier was able to try on firefighter gear, and ride in a snowplow, among other experiences during the last month.

"She seemed to thoroughly enjoy her experiences," said Wauchope. "A lot of them, if they see councillors not doing the right thing, when they have the chance to vote or run for office later in life, they have seen what goes on here and turn things around."