By Gillian Graham

Staff Writer

Jesse Brown had never been to a council meeting before stepping into her new role as town council chairman last week.

After leading a mock council meeting, the 11-year-old fifth-grade student said she just might consider a future career in local politics.

Fifth-grade students in Old Orchard Beach last week visited town hall for the fifth annual Junior Achievement day. The Old Orchard Beach program exposes students to municipal government. Junior Achievement traditionally is connected to the business community and is intended to teach students about work force readiness.

Flanked by a council comprised of fellow Loranger Middle School fifth-graders, Brown presided over a meeting where student residents debated the merits of instituting a pay-to-throw trash program.

Samantha Byram, addressing councilors as a resident, said she was opposed to the program “because I think people will dump garbage instead of disposing of it and recycling the way it should be.”

Summer Pray, acting as recycling coordinator, said the issue was studied for several months and the committee feels “this is the way to go.”

Meghan Laplante, assistant town manager for the day, encouraged the council to support the program.

“I support us having the pay-to-throw program because it is more equitable. Residents who reduce and recycle are rewarded with lower trash bills.” 

The mock council voted unanimously to implement the program. The council also highlighted upcoming events in town and voted on a business license for the school band.

Conor Noonan, 10, said he prepared for his role as a town councilor by practicing with classmates, but doesn’t think he wants to be a councilor when he grows up.

“It was good because I had a lot of parts to say,” he said. 

After the meeting, Old Orchard Beach Police Officer Chris St. Pierre brought his police dog, Gunther, to council chambers. St. Pierre told students about Gunther, who found 60 people last year. He said Gunther responds to commands in German and is very good at finding drugs.

“I get to bring my dog to work and play with him every day,” St. Pierre said.

Students also spent the day touring various town departments and talking with town employees about their jobs.

Assistant Town Manager Louise Reid said she had to get permission from the national Junior Achievement office to establish a day when students learn about municipal government. She said it is important for students to understand how the town works.

“It shows them what goes on in a town,” she said. “Who knows? A kid may grow up to be a town councilor.”

Teacher Christine Clark said the visit to town hall coincides with the start of a government unit. Students were excited to get out of school and into the community, she said.

“It’s very fun for them,” she said.

Town Council Chairman Bob Quinn said his interest in municipal government was piqued when his father brought him to a council meeting as a child. He said students can benefit from seeing how a council works and from learning about opportunities for jobs at town hall.

“I think it’s a great learning experience,” he said. “I think they did a great job. I wish our meetings were as quick as theirs.”

Town Manager Jack Turcotte, who spent much of his career working as a teacher and superintendent, said the program provides students an important civics lesson that helps them better understand their community.

“The thing I like about Junior Achievement is it’s hands on,” he said. “The more knowledge they have of what goes on in the community, the better.”

Staff Writer Gillian Graham can be reached at 282-4337, ext. 213.