By Sen. John Schickel
Special to the NKyTribune
You hear so much negative about today’s youth. I have not been blessed with children myself, but as your senator, the state of today’s youth is utmost on my mind.
Hillary Clinton once said, “It takes a village to raise a child,” and I think she is right. We all need to be involved. Obviously, parents, and people who serve in the role of parents, are the most important influence. However, we have to include churches, schools, and yes – neighbors.
Many people do not know that I also serve as a substitute bus driver for the Boone County school district. I do not drive very often because of my schedule but sometimes, when they are in a pinch, I do hop on the bus.
Since I’m a substitute it’s always a route I’m not familiar with and usually a school I’m not familiar with. I have a route sheet telling me where to go but it’s hard to follow and drive safely.
In order to keep my eyes on the road, I always ask one of the older students to assist me with directions. I’m always delighted with how helpful and courteous the students are.
In some ways it surprises me because I rode the bus as a youngster and I don’t recall myself, or my buddies, being very helpful to the bus driver. In fact, some might have called us troublemakers. Could it be kids are actually better behaved today?
Lots of kids live in my Union neighborhood and I enjoy talking to them. I’m always impressed with how courteous and helpful they are to their old man neighbor. There are a lot of great kids and hard working parents out there and sometimes it is easy to get caught up in all the negativity. But when I look around Boone County, this is not what I see.
It is hard to believe but the 2016 General Assembly is right around the corner. It is important to me to know what’s important to you when I go to Frankfort. For that reason I host a town hall meeting each fall.
This year’s meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 15 in the upstairs conference room of the Scheben Branch of the Boone County Public Library, located at 8899 US 42 in Union. It is not necessary to RSVP but it would be helpful so that I can be better prepared for the issues that are important to you.
You may RSVP by calling Lisa Smith at 502-564-8100 ext. 617.
Sen. John Schickel, R-Union, represents Boone County. He welcomes your concerns or comments toll free at 800-372-7181 or online at http://www.lrc.ky.gov/Messages/S011.aspx. Twitter: @SenatorSchickel.