BEACON – Their city council votes may be non-binding, but students, who are members of youth groups like the Boy and Girl Scouts, school student government body, Explorer program, and others, may now serve on the Beacon City Council. 

“We want our youth to make the connection that local government impacts their lives and to understand that they have a voice in shaping their future, if they get involved,” said Mayor Steven Gold.

Chosen students will have a seat at the table at a city council workshop and regular meeting, receive publicly distributed materials the council reviews, and have an equal voice in discussions. They will even have a vote – albeit non-binding.

The first group to participate in the program is the Venture Crew 203, part of the Boy Scouts and sponsored by the American Legion Post 203 in Beacon.