Deptford will participate in New Jersey Local Government Week beginning Sunday by hosting a series of activities that will explain just how local governing works.
“We do events for local government week every year,” said Mayor Paul Medany. “We’ve participated every year since its inception.”
Activities will include a youngster being named mayor for the day and a tour of the township municipal building. Middle- and high-school students will participate in a mock council meeting to get a glimpse of how those sessions are conducted.
The students will also have a chance to vote in a makeshift election with authentic voting machines provided by the Gloucester County Board of Elections. The township hopes to inform both students and adult residents of Deptford of the job opportunities available to them, something of which Medany said many residents aren’t aware.
“We want them (the kids) to experience how local government operates and some of the issues they face on a daily basis,” he said “I hope to expose them to that.”
The week as a whole is conducted in partnership with the New Jersey League of Municipalities. Several towns across the state will have similar events.
“New Jersey Local Government Week is an opportunity to help our residents become more informed about the many services we provide, which will lead to more knowledgeable citizen participation in the future,” said Medany.
“We are excited about this year’s activities and hope to engage Deptford Township students at each level in our upcoming events.”
