Local Government Leaders Field Questions From Smith-Cotton Students

A collection of Pettis County government officials took time Wednesday morning to respond to questions posed by Smith-Cotton High School social studies students.

Teacher Tyler Janke assembled a panel of city, county and school district officials in the school’s Heckart Performing Arts Center to help students better understand how local government works, the importance of public service and ways to connect with elected officials to ensure their voices are heard.

Participating were City of Sedalia Ward 1 Councilman Tom Oldham and Interim City Administrator Matthew Wirt; Pettis County Public Administrator Brandy Arnett, Sheriff Brad Anders and commissioners Bill Taylor, Israel Baeza and Mark Edwards; and Sedalia School District 200 Board of Education President Diana Nichols.

In response to a student question about making Sedalia a more walkable community, Wirt acknowledged that the condition of sidewalks has long been an issue but also shared plans for upgrades and additional sidewalks and bike paths.

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Baeza encouraged students to reach out to local officials with their concerns and ideas for community improvements. Nichols reiterated Baeza’s points, then added that “the worst place you can expect to get any of your questions answered is social media.” She said going straight to local officials is the best way for your voice to be heard.

Oldham said decisions are not typically made at governmental meetings, but rather in the course of research and discussions over the course of weeks, months and sometimes years.

“We get your direction; we want to know what you want, what is best for your community, and then we can advocate for you,” he said.

Taylor used the Skyline Elementary School storm shelter issues as an example of how local entities work together for community solutions. Through efforts by the county, city and school district, a flooding issue at the shelter was addressed.

Janke, who hopes to have another of these sessions in the future, encouraged the students to tap into the commitment to community they already display through service projects and serving meals at Community Café.

“A lot of you guys already have that sense of service instilled in you, and the common echo you heard here was service,” he said. “Keep that sense of service in mind … that’s how we make sure that our community stays as strong as it can be.”

In the top photo: Sedalia School District 200 Board of Education President Diana Nichols responds to a student’s question during a Q&A session with local government officials Wednesday, April 9, in the Heckart Performing Arts Center at Smith-Cotton High School. Also shown are Pettis County Public Administrator Brandy Arnett, left, and Pettis County Commissioner Israel Baeza.