ST. MARYS — Leadership Elk and Cameron recently met for Local Government Day.
The class met at St. Marys City Hall for a welcome from Jackie Herbstritt, Leadership Elk and Cameron alumni and Community Education Center operations manager. The local government session was coordinated by LeeAnn Covac, the assistant court administrator, and attorney Rick Brown, also a Leadership Elk and Cameron alum.
The first presentation was on local government by Tom Wagner Esq., solicitor for the City of St. Marys. He discussed the structure of the local government and how it impacts our daily lives. After the presentation, the class divided into groups for a simulated city council meeting and then a school board meeting. The participants were given topics such as parking in downtown St. Marys and the recreation director position.
St. Marys City Manager Tim Pearson participated in the city council meeting and he explained how difficult the decision-making process can be at times. Superintendent Dr. Brian Toth participated in the mock school board meeting, and provided the participants insight into how the board operates.
This experience helped Leadership Elk and Cameron participants to gain a better understanding of the policies and procedures that elected officials must follow as well as the challenges that they face.
Lunch was catered by Gunners Restaurant and sponsored by the Meyer, Wagner, Brown and Kraus Law Office.
Following lunch, the group traveled to Ridgway for a tour of the Elk County 911 Center with Mike McAllister, director of emergency management. McAllister discussed various emergencies they’ve encountered. He explained the expanded role of the 911 Center as a regional center and the different areas they can provide assistance to.
Meanwhile, Elk County Director of Elections Kimberly Frey provided a brief overview of the electoral process and how to get on a ballot. Jury duty was the next topic covered, with Marti Masson, district court administrator for Elk and Cameron counties, explaining the process by which jurors are selected.
Lastly, the group had an open discussion with President Judge Richard A. Masson. He was broadcast through interactive television (ITV) from the Cameron County Courthouse where he was presiding that day.
This year’s Leadership Elk and Cameron participants include Amy Anderson, Warren Beck, Michelle Brooks, Roseann Crissman, Yvonne Gerber, Jessica Herzing, Fritz Lecker, Ann Marie Pfoutz, Christopher Pletcher, Bri Pursley, Alyse Renwick, Tina Solak, Lisa Sorg and Cathy Walters.
