Deana Stroisch
The State Journal-Register
Mar 20, 2013
Ward 7 Ald. Joe McMenamin wants the city of Springfield to offer summer jobs to area youths. McMenamin said he’s willing to dip into the city’s reserves to put 30 teens to work for eight to 10 weeks at minimum wage, he said. That could cost about $100,000, he said.
“We can hire 25 youth for every one full-time employee,” he said. “It’s a very wise spending of money, and it produces no permanent headcount. And we have the worst youth hiring economy in 60 years.” To avoid any nepotism, he said, the young workers should meet minimum requirements and then be selected by a lottery system handled through the city’s human resources department.
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History
The Department of Public Works and City Water, Light and Power historically have hired temporary employees for seasonal work, such as mowing, trimming, weeding, picking up litter, road maintenance, boat registration and security. Those jobs were largely eliminated starting in 2009 due to unexpected budget shortfalls. CWLP hired temporary workers in 2010 to reopen the Lake Springfield Beach, but the beach has since been closed again.
Told of the concerns, McMenamin said: “Ultimately, it would be up to the administration to implement a youth hiring initiatve. If the administration is uninterested in pursuing youth hiring, then there’s not much aldermen can do about it, because ultimately the administration could leave the money unspent even.”
Ward 5 Ald. Sam Cahnman said he supports McMenamin’s idea, but would like to limit participants to city residents. “This is a win-win. The city gets much-needed work done at a lower cost, and it benefits our young people at the same time,” he said. “In addition to the pay, it would give young people good experience in work and government, possibly interesting some in a public service career.”
Tough economy for youths
Tim Rowles, executive director of The Springfield Project, said it’s been a tough few years for youth employment. TSP has been able to employ at least 30 youths a year through its Youth Summer Program. In better years, the agency was able to hire between 75 and 100.
There are more applicants than jobs every year, he said. Some are saving for college. Others are helping around the house. Some are just keeping busy. “If you were to hear some of the comments from the participating youth and their parents, they many times say the program really gave the youth a new perspective and outlook, building their confidence and teaching them good work ethics,” Rowles said.
“Any support to expand our programs or other agencies programs for youth employment is well worth it,” he said. “We are talking about investing in our future leaders and professionals.”
Joe McMenamin for Ward 7 