What Is a Little Barrier?
Nothing if not determined, Mr. Silbiger was not going to let the smallish matter of a 4 to 1 vote deter him on a subject he believed was crucial. He began organizing young people on his own. He was boosted, not a little, by the fact that in the City Council rotation, this year it is his turn to be Mayor. Then he needed a meeting place. City Hall always is his venue of choice. Rejected again. No problem. He obtained space at the Vets — where every other respectable group in Culver City convenes. Like a wise old fisherman, when Mr. Silbiger cast his recruitment net across the community, he managed to attract the smartest fishes. These bright, eloquent fishes did not abstractly wander into Mr. Silbiger’s milieu out of boredom. Each one seems to have his own objective in mind.
The Evening’s Agenda
Speaking softly just before the opening of last evening’s meeting, Mr. Silbiger explained that while they had a full agenda, the first order would be to knit the members more tightly together. Mr. Silbiger calls them his advisors. “Once they give me advice,” he said, “they will then decide how to implement those suggestions.” They would be talking about voter registration and about subjects before the City Council. They also are concerned about the broad strokes and nuances when it comes to redevelopment projects around Culver City. Around the Vets Auditorium table, the students introduced themselves and their goals:
Menelik Tafari, junior, Culver City High School: “I am here because I feel it is important to have civic virtue and civic responsibility every day.”
Alyssa Martinez, junior, Culver High: “I am here because I care about my city, and because I believe youth should have more of a say in what they believe in, what they care about.”
Andy Gonzalez, senior, Culver High: “I joined because I believe in youth taking an active position within the community to make a difference.”
Jonathan Diamond, senior, Culver High: “I joined because I am in a program called Youth and Government, where youth are involved at the state level. But I think youth also should be involved at the city level as well, so you can work from the ground upward. I think youth should have a say in every division of government.”
Charlie Ferreira, sophomore, Culver High: “I am here to show that youth have a voice.”
Jackson Leist, freshman, Culver High: “I am interested in politics, and I want to learn how the city is run.”
Humza Khan, senior, Culver High: “I joined to grow through the experience of politics and government. Also, I want to benefit myself and my community.”