Canfield students experience local government for Civics Day

By Justin Wier

jwier@vindy.com

CANFIELD

Canfield High School seniors had the opportunity to examine the inner workings of their local government Friday at the 37th annual Civic Day, sponsored by the Canfield Rotary.

Rotary President Nils P. Johnson Jr. said the event celebrates civics, community engagement and the often underappreciated role government plays in people’s lives.

While some may pit private enterprise against public institutions, Johnson said he believes each are necessary for the other’s survival.

“An engaged citizenry and authoritative government working together can make a difference,” he said.

Students attended mock school board, city council and township trustee meetings Friday morning. They also toured the police and fire departments.

The event culminated with a luncheon at St. Michael Church, where Judge Robert Rusu of Mahoning County Probate Court spoke. Judge Rusu said he spent Wednesday with state Sen. Joe Schiavoni of Boardman, D-33rd, a 2018 gubernatorial candidate, at the Statehouse in Columbus as part of a judicial-legislative exchange, and he’s still learning about civics at age 50.

“I took civics and government classes in school,” Judge Rusu said. “I learned the process of how a bill becomes a law, but I didn’t understand truly what it takes to get that into place until Wednesday.”

He also informed students about his duties overseeing the county’s probate court, which he said is the one court most students will come into contact with in their lives. Its duties include issuing marriage licenses, establishing guardianship and managing estates.

The judge underlined the importance of civic engagement.

“This is how we learn,” he said. “This is how we make our community better.”

Canfield schools Superintendent Alex Geordan said the school district needs to make sure students understand they play a role in forming the future of the community and the country.

“It is [our country], and we need to make sure that we take responsibility for it,” Geordan said.

Canfield Mayor Bernie Kosar Sr. also was on hand for the event. He didn’t get into public service until his 70s, but he said it is some of the most rewarding work he has done.

“We made [the students] laugh a little bit,” he said. “But I hope we made them learn a little bit, too.”