Junior Council Person Selected on January 10, 2019

Jim Thorpe Borough selected Connor Rodgers as New Junior Council Person on January 10, 2019.

Connor Rodgers, a student at the Jim Thorpe Area High School was selected as the new Junior Council Person (JCP) in Jim Thorpe Borough. Rodgers will serve through 2021.

"We are pleased that Connor expressed interest in this program and are happy to institue it as another tool to increase the involvement of youth in our community in local government," said Greg Strubinger, Council President.

Rodgers was selected as the Borough's first-ever JCP. In his role, Rodgers will participate in council meetings, participate in bourough business and observe all council rules. JCPs cannot vote or participate in executive sessions, but they can attend budget hearings, public hearings and community events.

Strubinger said Rodgers approached him inquiring about beginning the JCP Program in the Borough. Rodgers interest, in addition to his heavy involvement in the borough, made him an exceptional candidate for this position. Rodgers is a sophomore at Jim Thorpe Area High School where he is involved in FBLA, PJAS (state science fair), tennis, golf, and cross country. He is a member of Christ United Church of Christ and is a Church Acolyte. He has volunteered in the borough office as well as at the borough's tire and electronic recyling days. Rodgers has received the 2017-2018 Boys Tennis Award, The American Legion School Award and the JTNB "Vice-President" for a day Award. He plans to attend a four-year college for political science.

"I wanted to become a Junior Council Person because I want to get a head start into public service. This also gives me another reason to attend town events."

Wesleyville Borough, Erie County established the first JCP Program in 1999. The Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs had adopted this model which has been widely implemented by boroughs through the Commonwealth.