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The halls of the County Office Building in Oswego will be filled with the voices of middle school students next Thursday, May 12, when more than 30 seventh graders visit Oswego to participate in the County Legislature's annual Government Day program.

Each legislator will host a seventh grade student that is selected by the social studies teacher from his or her legislative district. The project is organized by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oswego County, the Oswego City-County Youth Bureau, and my office.

Government Day is a unique tradition that goes back more than 30 years in Oswego County. In that time, many of the young people who visited the county building have gone on to participate in public service in various capacities.

The students and chaperones first assemble in the legislative chambers, where I will welcome them. County Legislator Jack Proud, a retired teacher and school administrator, engages the students in a discussion and debate on a hypothetical issue that ends in a mock roll call vote. One year the students discussed whether to lower the drinking age to 18. Another year they discussed closing a county park. The exercise gives them firsthand experience in informing themselves on a topic, developing an opinion, listening to debate, and then voting on an issue that could affect county residents.

After a refreshment break, the students will visit the Public Safety Center on Churchill Road. Hosted by County Sheriff Reuel Todd and E-911 Director Mike Allen, they will tour the correction facility and E-911 Center. They will then visit County Court, where District Attorney Donald Dodd and County Court Judge Walter Hafner will explain how crimes are prosecuted and cases tried.

The Oswego BPOE Elks Lodge volunteered to provide lunch to students and their legislators. The Elks have traditionally been very proactive in supporting youth endeavors and we are very appreciative of their efforts.

After lunch, the students will learn about how they can get involved in youth and recreation activities from Paul Forestiere, executive director of Oswego County's Cornell Cooperative Extension program, and Kathy Fenlon, executive director of the Oswego City-County Youth Bureau. They will then gather with their legislator for a group photo session and join their legislator for the monthly meeting.

The roll call is always a special part of the day, when each student is introduced by their county legislator. The students will present a proclamation in honor of County Government Day. We then consider the business of the day and debate and vote on resolutions.

The decades of success of this event owe a great deal to the efforts of the Cooperative Extension staff and in particular Renee Horning, who organizes many of the details behind the scenes.

County Government Day is always a refreshing experience. We have a chance to talk with and listen to young people who are leaders in their school activities. They are always a dynamic and enthusiastic group, and I look forward to spending the day with them.