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High‑school student asks Colts Neck to create a Youth Advisory Committee
Summary
A rising senior at Colts Neck High School proposed creating a youth advisory committee to give teenagers an independent voice in township government; committee members praised the plan and asked for a formal proposal and legal review about under‑18 participation.
A Colts Neck High School student, Yspella McAllister, presented a proposal on Aug. 13 for a Colts Neck Youth Advisory Committee composed of motivated juniors and seniors who would meet monthly, research youth issues, and advise the township committee.
"I'm here today to propose that Colts Neck Township inducts a youth advisory committee into our local community," McAllister told the committee, saying the group would be independent of the school system and selected via an application process. She said members would meet with peers, meet monthly with township officials and support local youth charities and events.
Committee members responded positively. Mayor Tara Torsha Buss and others complimented McAllister's preparation and asked for a written plan the committee could review. Questions focused on eligibility and continuity: McAllister proposed starting with juniors and seniors (roughly ages 16–18) but members discussed whether to permit freshmen and sophomores to ensure continuity as students progress through the program. Officials also noted legal and procedural considerations for under‑18 participants and said the township would examine required parental involvement and any statutory restrictions before taking formal action.
McAllister said the committee should be inclusive of Colts Neck residents regardless of school enrollment and suggested regular mentoring by existing township committee members to prepare youth for public service. The committee asked McAllister to submit materials for review; no action was taken other than the request for a written proposal.
