WEST VALLEY CITY — Riley Elder wants to be a politician when he grows up, but he's already been elected mayor of his city's youth council and the Salt Lake County youth government committee.
"I love government. I'm interested in how it works," Elder, of Herriman, said Saturday while leading other youth city council members at an annual summit.
The 18-year-old high-achiever who hopes to study law and medicine said it isn't typical for other kids to be as excited about the process as he is.
"The kids interested in serving in their communities are the kids who are not couch potatoes. They are always busy with other activities," said Leslie Hudson, West Valley youth council adviser.
Hudson said she has quite a few applications coming across her desk.
"It's good to help people, and it is a good thing to have on your resume," said Michael Winder, a member of West Valley's youth council.
As a descendant of the city's former mayor, the 14-year-old Winder said he feels some pressure to be active in local government, but is mostly just exploring the option and learning about how it works.
Winder, an aspiring scientist, said youth council involvement has already helped him "come out of his shell" and gain more confidence.
Most cities throughout the county have youth councils, giving kids ages 14 to 18 an opportunity to communicate with elected officials, specifically about issues that affect kids. The groups also plan and participate in various service projects throughout the year.
"Sometimes kids bring up issues they're facing in their own communities," said Pat Berckman, Salt Lake County Youth Services director.
Youth council members in Magna were concerned about a lack of streetlights, which made roads seem more dangerous at night, Berckman said. They rectified the problem by raising money for new lighting and helped the county get the job done.
"I get to talk to (Salt Lake County) Mayor Ben McAdams, personally, at his desk. We talk about stuff," Elder said, highlighting one of the perks of his appointed duties. "He really cares about youth. He wants to get things done that will help the youth. I admire him as a man. We have different political views, but I want to emulate him."
Elder said he believes McAdams would be open to speaking with any teens in the county who have questions or potential solutions to present. And the teen, who is already attending college, said he's quite active in local campaigns and has taken a stand to help his own city of Herriman avoid a potential fee hike.
"Those taxes will continue to go up, and the youth will grow up and not want to live in places where they have to pay so much," Elder said.
The youth government for the Salt Lake County Commission on Youth meets about once a month and is given opportunities to interact with city and county leaders, advocate for projects and initiatives, participate in local government, and receive service hours. The experience also provides access to special honors and awards, as well as occasional scholarship applications.
"It's a way to get youth involved in their communities," Hudson said. "We like to focus on leadership education, helping them learn about government and how government actually works."
For more information or to join the commission, call Salt Lake County Youth Services at 385-468-4500 or visit www.slco.org/youth/boards.
"It's been a great experience," Elder said, adding that he's certain his local service will help him through more political doors in the future.
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