Date: May 7, 2003 

Elementary Children Participate in Mock Commission Meeting
-- In Observance of National Municipal Clerk’s Week --

Miami Beach, FL – On Wednesday, May 7, 2003, selected students from Feinberg Fisher Elementary’s Youth Empowerment Network learned about the local government process by participating in a mock Miami Beach commission meeting, in observance of National Municipal Clerk’s Week.

Working with the City of Miami Beach’s City Clerk’s Office, Office of Children’s Affairs and the Mayor and Commissioners, the children took on roles such as mayor, commissioner, city attorney, city clerk, police and fire chief, and members of the general public. The children took the experience serious. They participated in a commission meeting complete with the Pledge of the Allegiance to a public hearing on a proposed ordinance to change the school schedule to 12 months, and a discussion on the use of school uniforms. 

After a public hearing and much discussion, the student commission voted in favor of the ordinance that would extend the school year. The students amended the original ordinance on the floor; extending the school year by one month instead of two. 

The students participating from Feinberg Fisher were: Police Chief Michelle Granados , Fire Chief Stephanie Silva, Mayor Luis Cespedes, Vice-Mayor Sean Benninger, Commissioner Alba Da Rocha, Commissioner Samuel DeFreze, Commissioner Lisa Gonzalez, Commissioner Carlos Quintero, Commissioner Christian Tonelli, Commissionner Marielly Sanchez, City Manager Gareth Pearson, City Attorney Christian Santos, City Clerk Juan Contreras and Maria Shejade as a speaker. Ten-year old Stephanie Garcia sang "You're My Hero." 

National Municipal Clerk’s Week is observed in counties, cities, villages, towns and townships throughout the U.S. and Canada. In recognizing the key role municipal clerks have in providing efficient governmental service to all citizens, this week also highlights the advances in technology utilized by many clerks in their professional capacities. 

The City of Miami Beach City Clerk’s Office is committed to serve as facilitator in providing public records and information expeditiously to the City Commission, the general public, City staff and other governmental agencies. Their goal is to render high quality public service to those who live and visit the City of Miami Beach.

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