Popsicles with Policymakers

‘Popsicles with Policymakers’ made its way to the South Campus YMCA on Marco Island for the first time on Thursday, August 6, with a variety of government officials ranging from local, county, state, and national levels ready to spend time with the summer campers.

The interactive event has taken place at the North Campus YMCA in Naples, and according to the Y’s Director of Development, John Riley, they wanted to try something new by bringing the event to Marco and the Y’s CEO, Cindy Love-Abounader, encouraged the team to go for it.

Seeing no better time than during one of the Y’s Summer Camps, everything clicked into place, and invites went out to several policymakers. “We never know how much children are aware of politics. This is a way to let them see the real people who make and adjust the rules, make those hard decisions,” said Riley.

As the guests began to arrive, coffee and refreshments were provided in a conference room, allowing each official the chance to meet and mingle before the main event began.

“It may be a small group here,” Riley gestured to the room, “But we've got a lot of policymakers. Thank you for representing us, because we want to serve our communities well, just like you all do.”

Love-Abounader added, “We constantly want to help the community from all kinds of programs, from adults to kids, and you can't do a lot of that stuff without the help of all of you. It takes a village.” She shared her appreciation for their attendance and time. “You’re here because you care about the community and it's really critical, as leaders, that we get us all trying to work together so we can spread our dollars and be more efficient.”

Dozens of children eagerly awaited meeting the policymakers, some with questions and some with curiosity, wanting to listen.

After the policymakers took their seats, the summer campers filed in. The Dance Club put on a special performance for the guests to ‘Party in the USA’ and opted for one more dance, the Chili Chili, inviting the policymakers to join them. Much to their delight, several did and brought smiles and a few laughs from the kids.

Riley explained to the children who their guests were before introductions, “The thing that joins them together is they all work in some capacity on public policy. They help make and adjust the rules. Some of them work for people who do. These are the real people who help run our government and make sure that we have roads, bridges, police, fire, military, all the things in our local community and nationally that we need.”

Each guest was given the time to share a little about themselves and how/why they got into politics, starting with Marco Island City Councilor, Deb Henry, “I did this because of you. Because I think it's so important for our Island, our kids, and our community to thrive together. Thank you for allowing us to work with you so you guys will grow up to be the future leaders of Marco Island.”

Shavontae Dominique said, “I am the district aide for State Representative Yvette Benarroch. She serves District 81, which is Marco Island and part of Naples. I handle all of the constituent calls. Maybe some of your parents might call and they have an issue, and I am the person to handle that for them.”

Mateo Carrasco also attended as a representative for Benarroch, “I handle all the policy and legislative affairs section of things. I go to Tallahassee from the Capitol, and I help her with the research and the laws. I’m just happy to be here!”

Marco Island City Council Chairman Darrin Palumbo said, “It is important to give back to your community. You are the future of our city and I think we have to leave the future in good shape for you, also for ourselves. It's also important that we come together and take care of our Island – love it and cherish it together.”

Collier County Commissioner Rick LoCastro shared, “Why do I enjoy being in public service? Well, some days I don't enjoy it. But I served in the Air Force for 24 years, and so it's sort of in my blood. If you serve in the military, you serve your community and your country. When I got out, I had people that encouraged me to continue service in public government. And so that's why I sort of have that in my blood a little bit.”

London Rotundo, the Southwest Florida Regional Director for Senator Ashley Moody, said, “Senator Moody and staff, including myself, help write the rules and the laws for the entire United States. I've been doing this for a long time now, about 10 years. And it's about doing something bigger than yourself and affecting change across a larger platform to help. We want the next generation to be better off than what we have.”

After the introductions, many colorful popsicles were passed out and the children with questions began to take center stage and engage in the Q and A panel.

The policymakers took turns answering the children’s questions, explaining things in depth and also easy to understand from the youth’s perspectives.

Palumbo offered, “It's about compromise. We talk and we debate and we agree sometimes. Sometimes we get a little bit passionate, and we disagree, but we try to do it in a nice way. The best answer comes from two people who disagree that can come together and share their disagreement and then figure out together the best possible answer.”

Rotundo added, “Not everyone agrees with everything when you’re writing laws for the whole country, but the important thing is to be respectful. Listen to each other. Always keep an open mind to what people say.”

LoCastro said, “It's not that we all wanted this job, but when people you really respect and admire like your parents, friends, or neighbors, see something in you, and they would like you to serve our community, I think you have to think about it. Somebody has to do it, and if people want you to do it before you even raise your hand, that's a pretty good start.”

For Carrasco, who grew up in Argentina before coming to the States and is finishing his education in public service, government isn’t always just the elected officials. “They need a lot of people to help them to do things well.” He went into detail on the important role of aides and political staffers.

After the children finished their questions, Henry posed one to the group, “If there was one rule on Marco Island that's here that you'd want to change, what is it?”

One camper replied, “The speed, can you make it faster?” She was met with emphatic agreement and support from the rest of the campers.

Though she may not be able to increase the speed limits, Henry encouraged the kids that when they are adults, they can take things to their local and state representatives, “If you have a question, or if there is something that you think needs to change, you reach out to them. Because your opinion matters.”

Another camper asked if they could make it a rule to ‘Always be kind and respectful of others’, garnering emotion from all in the room.

The policymakers nodded in agreement, “We should always be respectful; though we may not be able to make it a rule, it is common decency and we can do that at local, county, state, and national levels,” they all agreed.