GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The students who make up the Grand Rapids Mayoral Youth Council voiced their concerns while questioning city mayoral candidates at a forum Wednesday night.
Candidates David LeGrand and Senita Lenear answered questions on a variety of topics from the group managed by Our Community's Children.
"It kind of feels like the world's on fire right now and that we're not at the wheel and there's nothing we can do," said high school student Barrett Vernon.
He explained, "just being able to speak our minds here, make sure that we're heard, no uncertainty that we're being ignored, that our voices are being suppressed, I think that that's why this is important."
The forum touched on after-school programs, plans for the city, school funding and police.
Executive Director of Our Community's Children Shannon L. Harris said while many of the children in the room can't vote just yet, "we have to figure out different ways for young people to be able to speak directly to their elected officials on issues of importance to them."
Other topics on the minds of our young people included addiction help, transportation and homelessness.
Vernon, who said he's experienced homelessness, explained, "we just want to see the progress that has been made, continue."
Current Mayor Roslyn Bliss is term-limited and cannot run again, hence the election in November.
For more info on what was said at the forum, click here.