Seniors at Ilion Junior-Senior High School took over the village of Ilion on Monday.
From mayor and trustees to attorney, police chief and fire chief, students learned what it was like being in many positions that are included in local government during student government day in the village.
There were 44 students that participated, all chosen for being at the top of their class. They shadowed local officials to find out what a day in their shoes was like and then they convened at 11 a.m. for a mock village board meeting, run completely by the students.
The students had to tackle the issue of economic development in the village this year.
Students had the opportunity to come up with ideas that could be implemented in the village to improve the economic well-being and quality of life within the village.
Nick Jones was the village treasurer for the day and suggested some things that could add a boost to Ilion. He suggested a theater complex, a grocery store, a sit-down restaurant and even a Wendy’s, which received some applause from those in attendance.
Village trustee and deputy mayor for the day Erin Sweeney responded that it’s more important to focus on the necessities.
“We should look at some sort of grocery store here in the village,” Sweeney said. “We could put a store in the old Kinney’s in Central Plaza where people can get meat, bread, milk and other things. There are many elderly people in the village who can’t drive all the way to Herkimer for just a few things.”
It was also suggested by Anthoni Reyes, acting Fire Chief, that the village could use a family-run meat market in Ilion.
Following the discussion of the economic development of Ilion, students were able to give department reports and express their opinions about their jobs.
“An important part of local government is to talk in front of other people,” Village Clerk Linda Coffin explained to the students. “This is a good way to start.”
The students then described how much they learned over the course of the day.
“This government day is important for the whole village, the whole town and the whole school,” Reyes said. “When we have education days like this one we learn to appreciate the place we live.”
“It was a very interesting day,” said acting village mayor Angela Verenich. “There’s a lot more work to it then you expect. It was a fun experience and I think everyone should look at the village differently after this. It’s a very interesting place.”
Following the mock meeting Trustee and Deputy Mayor John Stephens talked to the students about their experiences.
“This gave you a very small taste of local government,” Stephens said. “As you learned, there are constant questions fired at you. It’s not an easy thing to think on your feet.”
Other government day positions filled by students included: judge, prosecutor, court clerk, DPW supervisor, village engineer, water treatment supervisor, village maintenance supervisor, MUB, lineman, meter reader, librarian/director, assistant librarian, library clerk, dockmaster, dockhand, M&T bank branch manager, Adirondack Bank, Bank of America, newspaper reporter, IDA and the Herkimer County Chamber.