Mayor's Camp Wraps Up Lesson in Local Government

Seven local high school students have spent the past four days shadowing Mayor Sal Panto's work days, as part of the mayor's summer camp to expose young people to the ins and outs of local government.

Culminating their nearly weeklong experience, the students, who mostly attend and , presented their proposals for new city ordinances and resolutions to the city council at their meeting Wednesday evening.

From better maps and tourist directions, to a virtual currency gift card system that could be used universally Downtown, with the city receiving the financial benefits of such a system, to ideas on how regulations could be implemented and enforced, the students laid out their plans for city improvements.

“If it's something the council thinks they would support, then we'll draft it,” Panto said.

West Ward resident Cory Spranger, the only participant who lives in the City of Easton, presented his plan for an interbusiness gift card system designed to maximize profits for businesses and also create a revenue stream for the city, who would administer the program under his plan.

He said the idea was inspired by mall card programs, and would help the and chains that have similar schemes.

“What sets it apart from a mall car is that is becomes like a city currency,” Spranger said. “On top of it, it unifies the local business community.”

A benefit of the city managing the program would be the interest it could receive from the account, along with whatever funds aren't claimed, a frequent happening with gift cards.

Council received the idea warmly, but cautioned similar ideas have not been accepted by the business community.

“I think it's a great idea,” said Vice Mayor El Warner concluded. “The businesses might even like it, coming from you.”

Council may also follow up with a modified version of Amanda Bellafatto's idea to direct mail city maps and event schedules to all residents in the surrounding suburbs.

Bellafatto said that the city needs to better direct visitors, and that having information in hand will help locals in the surrounding area have a better idea what the city has to offer.

Elected officials agreed the cost of mailing the current Main Street brochure might be cost-prohibitive, but agreed that an abbreviated version, sent with water or sewer bills might be feasible.

The camp, which began Monday, wraps up today. The mayor and students will be touring several city work projects in progress, including one in Hackett Park, they said.