Youth town hall organized for students of public schools in Montgomery

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) – Future generations of leaders had a chance to speak to Montgomery’s CEO during a youth town hall meeting at Park Crossing High School.

Mayor Steven Reed met with the moderators, who are seniors at local high schools, to discuss issues important to them. Students had the opportunity to submit questions to read or ask them in person.

Although for many city residents the goal was to intensify the fight against crime, the moderator and a student of the high school. Booker T. Washington, Jeremiah Treece, said other students are worried about the city’s reaction.

“Is the mayor using the police to overreach? This is a serious issue that I’m hearing about right now because I’ve heard that funding is increasing, they’re trying to recruit, but does recruiting mean over-policing or do they need to rethink how they use the police?” Treece said.

Treece received thunderous applause when he asked about the bags students must put their phones in before class.

Reed replied: “I just attended a forum with mayors from around the world. 150 mayors from around the world were invited and told us to put down our phones,” adding: “There may be some minor inconveniences regarding the purse, but I trust that management will make the best decision in your best interest. “

Former Montgomery Public Schools Superintendent Melvin Brown resigned this fall after less than three years on the job, in part because of tensions with some school board members.

Additionally, when Reed was asked about more fun activities for students to do, he said the city is in talks to build an arena downtown for sports and concerts.

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