WESTMINSTER : Mock Council Learns Lesson in Budgeting

Students from Westminster and La Quinta high schools tried their hand this week at the art of government, holding mock City Council meetings at which they practiced allocating public funds.

With $100,000 in make-believe money to distribute, the students gave $25,000 each to four imaginary city departments, including a payment to the Police Department to hire one new officer and improve its anti-drug program.

The straightforward solution to divide the money evenly satisfied everyone, and the students said they learned to appreciate the hard choices city leaders must make when resources are limited.

“It was fun,” said David Jarrick, a senior at Westminster High School, who presided at the make-believe council meeting as city mayor. “It has given me an insight into the life of a public servant.”

Forty-nine other students participated in the daylong program, which was designed to familiarize the students with city government. They were paired with city officials whom they observed at their jobs.

In the evening, the students joined the real City Council at its regular session.

“Watching the council work was exciting,” said Ryan Billings, a La Quinta High School sophomore who was paired with City Manager Bill Smith. “But I’d rather be in business or finance.”