YOUTHS GET TASTE OF GOVERNMEWNT

During his day as mayor of Cape Girardeau, Nathan Hirtz turned down a bribe, said no to a pay raise and threatened to have an unpleasant constituent tossed out of a city council meeting.

"I'm just glad they gave me a gavel," said Hirtz, a student at Notre Dame High School. "Gotta love the gavel."

Hirtz was among students participating in the 15th annual Optimist Youth in Government Day Wednesday. Over 80 area students from Cape Girardeau Central, Notre Dame, Delta, Jackson and Oak Ridge high schools participated.

Students spent the day with government officials in Cape Girardeau, Jackson and Cape Girardeau County. They are actively involved in government, including preparing for and participating in a mock city council meeting.

"We hope that with this exposure to the governmental process our students will understand the importance of citizen involvement," said Thomas M. Meyer, Optimist Club member. "Many of them will soon be 18 years old, and their future involvement as citizens is vital."

Hirtz said his experience taught him he has a lot to learn about government.

In Cape Girardeau, the mock city council meeting followed an actual agenda from a council meeting. Students considered ordinances about deeding land to Jackson, controlling noise, testing electricians and capital improvements.

Meyer, Councilman Melvin Gateley and Police Chief Rick Hetzel played parts of citizens addressing the council.

Gateley asked about capital improvements. "I thought the capitol was in Washington D.C.," he said. "But I agree the capitol needs improvements." He then asked the mayor to call President Bill Clinton to request some improvements.

Young councilmen politely thanked Gateley for his input.

Meyer, calling himself John Doe, proposed that council salaries be raised to $30,000 a year and the mayor's salary raised $50,000 a year.

"We just appreciate you," he explained.

The council members considered what to do, then explained that the budget already had been prepared and any pay raises would have to be approved by voters.

"We will look into the matter," said Brock Schreckenberg.

Meyer, who introduced himself as "Isaac You-da-man," said he opposed deeding property to Jackson and suggested selling the property to Cape Girardeau's neighbor to the west. In addition, he suggested putting up a toll booth between the two communities as a way to raise money.

"You want us to benefit ourselves to the detriment of the city of Jackson?" Hirtz asked.

Councilman Gelanie Lockhart explained that the proposal would benefit both Cape Girardeau and Jackson. The three acres are closer to Jackson city services, she explained.

"It is costing us money to maintain," she said. "It is so far away."

Councilman Schreckenberg added: "It's a matter of safety. It is so detached and such a long distance for police and fire."

In an effort to convince council members, "Mr. You-da-man" placed some cash on the council table. Lockhart and Hirtz responded, "Sir, you dropped something."

He started on a mock tirade, and Hirtz asked that he be removed.

Arguments that giving the acreage to Jackson would benefit Cape Girardeau persuaded the council, and the property giveaway was approved.

Students in Jackson participated in a similar mock city council meeting and a mock county meeting. Meyer said the goal of the project is to give students a first-hand look at how government works.