How Do You Make Community Boards Even Less Relevant?

Allow 16- and 17-year-old representatives to vote:

State law does not allow 16- and 17-year-olds to vote on community boards. State and city bills introduced last month would allow 16- and 17-year olds to vote on the boards, which have advisory responsibilities.

Francine Baras, executive director of Future Voters of America, a nonprofit group, described the effort as a compromise stemming from an earlier effort to lower the voting age in city elections that met considerable opposition.

“It’s funny,” said Councilwoman Gale Brewer, who introduced the bill calling for a lowered age limit in the City Council. “People are nervous about 16- and 17-year-olds.”

Ms. Brewer’s resolution lists some things 16- and 17-year-old state residents can already do: obtain a learner’s permit to drive, be tried and charged as adults in criminal matters, obtain a marriage license with parental consent, hold a job and pay taxes. In the language of her bill, imposing these responsibilities yet denying members of this age group the right to take part in their city government leaves them “disenfranchised” and “second-class citizens.”

Supporters say that 16- and 17-year-olds would bring a unique perspective to local government, especially with regard to issues involving schools and youth services, and suggest that youthful enthusiasm that has been evident in national politics in recent months can fuel involvement at the local level.

Think about the irony of allowing underage members to approve liquor licenses . . . in an advisory capacity only, of course. Brilliant!