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Hilltoppers get a civics lesson
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Neighbors | Abby Slanker.Canfield Mayor Bernie Kosar, Sr. addressed Hilltop Elementary third-grade students, as Canfield City Manager Joseph Warino, Canfield Township Trustee Steve Maszczak and Judge Scott Hunter looked on during the school’s annual Civic Day May 23.
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Neighbors | Abby Slanker.From left, Canfield Assistant Police Chief Scott Weimer, Canfield Police Department School Resource Officer Steve Gartska and Canfield Fire Department Deputy Fire Chief Matt Rarick spoke to Hilltop Elementary third-grade students during the school’s annual Civic Day May 23.
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Neighbors | Abby Slanker.Judge Scott Hunter of Canfield County Court (right) explained his job to third-grade students at Hilltop Elementary School, as Canfield Mayor Bernie Kosar, Sr. (left) listened in, during the school’s annual Civic Day May 23.
By ABBY SLANKER
Hilltop Elementary School third-grade students received a civics lesson when city leaders, township leaders and Mahoning County leaders gathered in the school’s library during the school’s annual Civic Day to explain to the students their job duties and responsibilities on May 23.
Canfield City Manager Joseph Warino, Canfield Township Trustee Steve Maszczak, Canfield Mayor Bernie Kosar, Sr., Judge Scott Hunter of Canfield County Court, Canfield Assistant Police Chief Scott Weimer, Canfield Police Department School Resource Officer Steve Gartska and Canfield Fire Department Deputy Fire Chief Matt Rarick spoke to the students. Canfield Local Schools Superintendent Alex Geordan and Canfield Local Schools Board of Education President Lee Frey were unable to attend.
Mayor Kosar started the program by explaining his job to the students, including presiding over Mayor’s Court. He also had some advice for the students.
“If you ever have a chance to run for elected office, don’t hesitate. Do it. It’s so much fun,” Kosar told the students.
City Manager Warino told the students it is his job to run the day-to-day operations of the city. He also told them his biggest responsibility is to come up with a budget for the whole year and watch to make sure the city stays within that budget.
Trustee Maszczak helped the students figure out if they live in the city or the township by sharing a little trick with them.
“If you have four numbers in your address, you live in the township. If you have three numbers or less in your address, you live in the city,” Maszczak said.
Maszczak explained to the students that the township hires employees to take care of the township.
“It’s my job to make sure the streets are plowed so you can get to school. We also make sure the tax money that is collected is properly and prudently spent,” Maszczak said.
Judge Hunter, who wore his judge’s robe, said he is in a position of public trust.
“In my position, I must be elected and re-elected. It is up to the public whether I am elected and if so, whether I stay in my job. No matter what, I must do a good job. In court, I must decide whether someone is guilty or innocent. The cases range from small to criminal matters,” Hunter said.
Assistant Police Chief Weimer told the students it is his job to enforce the laws and keep the citizens of Canfield safe.
“I am here to enforce the laws, but most importantly, I am responsible for keeping Canfield safe and helping people,” Weimer said.
Officer Garska told the students his day is dedicated to make sure they are all safe.
“It is my responsibility as schools safety officer to make sure all students in all grades are safe. This is a unique assignment and I love doing it. The coolest part of my job is visiting the schools and hanging out with you a bit,” Garska said.
He also gave the students some good advice.
“Your main job is to be good to one another. That can help keep your school safer,” Garska told the students.
Canfield Fire Department Deputy Fire Chief Matt Rarick told the students his department is unique, as it is run by a board of five people. The city and township formed the Cardinal Joint Fire District in 1990.
“My main responsibility is to teach fire safety to the people of Canfield and visiting you and all the other schools during Fire Prevention Week. I am also in charge inspecting buildings in both the city and township to make sure they are safe, including your school,” Rarick said.
Members of the panel also took several questions from the third-graders as they finished their speeches.