Teens hold mock Tulsa city council meeting

Some Tulsa area students are learning about city government by participating in a mock city council meeting. <br/><br/>News on 6 reporter Emory Bryan was at the meeting and says it was a lot like a real

Monday, May 2nd 2005, 10:32 am

By: News On 6

Some Tulsa area students are learning about city government by participating in a mock city council meeting.

News on 6 reporter Emory Bryan was at the meeting and says it was a lot like a real city council meeting except all the councilors stayed until the end.

High school students elected these mock councilors as part of a civics lesson. "We are requesting Vision 2025 funds." And as constituents, students appeared before the council. Each of the 17 high schools had an idea up for council approval. â€œI didn't see a budget; can you elaborate on what the budget would be?â€

It's all just an exercise - but one that real life councilors watched with amusement and admiration. They judged the students performance. Tulsa city councilor Randy Sullivan: "and we have tackled some of these very same issues, better than some of the information we have received ourselves." The ideas didn't always go far. Michael Todd with Edison High School: â€œthat one was turned down but it won't make a difference in the judging.â€

The goal is to educate students about the process. Paula Wood, Mock Council coordinator: "So they kind of understand -- issues going on in the city."

These students are as well informed as anyone about government, but when it comes to city council politics - the chair of the mock council plans to stay neutral. Erick Harris: "And I'm not taking a side on that, but the council this year, very interesting."

Not everybody liked how the mock council voted - but it doesn't matter, because there's no such thing as a mock recall. The mock council meets again Tuesday.

The winning school gets a $3,000 prize to be announced Wednesday.