Council interview panel recommends two youth applicants for City Youth Commission

The City Council interview panel recommended two applicants for the newly formed City Youth Commission after virtual interviews, saying both candidates showed commitment to outreach and availability to attend meetings.

Ashley Ramirez, a student at Reading High School, told the panel she wanted to “be a voice to the committee” and to help bring awareness and volunteer support to youth programs. Ramirez said she learned about the vacancy at a school course-selection night and described mentorship and school safety as top issues, saying many peers feel “lost” and that mentorship and programming could help.

Ari Ellis said the commission can help “get to hear the youth” and give young people a channel to influence local leaders. Ellis described school-related pressure and recommended that the commission organize social or motivational events several times a year to help youth feel seen.

Panel members asked both applicants about scheduling and attendance. Ramirez said most of her extracurricular commitments occur on Tuesdays and Thursdays and that her schedule is flexible; Ellis said teachers, club advisors and her job were all accommodating and that she expects to attend regularly. Panelists emphasized the importance of attendance and discussed monitoring new members during an initial period.

Shelley, a staff member who handles appointment logistics, told applicants the panel would vote and that she would follow up by text or email in the coming days. Shelley said that if the panel moves an applicant forward, that person’s appointment may be placed on the City Council agenda on Monday next week and that applicants do not need to be present for that agenda placement.

Panel members praised the applicants’ answers and indicated they were in favor of recommending both Ramirez and Ellis to the council for final consideration. The panel did not take a formal public roll-call vote in the transcript beyond stating a three-member majority in favor; staff follow-up and formal placement on the Council agenda remain the next steps.

Background details mentioned during the meeting: the youth commission will have 15 members with a quorum set at five, two-year terms with a two-term limit, and staff noted recent adjustments to the program’s age rules and recruitment methods. The panel discussed outreach channels — including school events, club advisers and recreation programs — to broaden recruitment.

The panel adjourned after completing the interviews; staff will notify applicants of the panel’s recommendations and next steps.