Kittatinny eighth-graders meet their mayors

HAMPTON - Eighth-graders at Kittatinny Regional High School peppered four local officials with a myriad of questions during a spirited exchange Nov. 3. Social studies teacher Scott Mein organized the “Meet the Mayors” assembly as part of a civics lesson to educate teenagers about municipal government. Fredon Mayor Annette Seaman, Hampton Committeeman Dan Coronato, Sandyston Mayor William Leppert and Stillwater Mayor Louis Sylvester took turns fielding questions from the audience of about 200 students. Student Connor Fitzpatrick asked Coronato, “Is Hampton getting an Applebee’s?” Coronato replied that the national restaurant chain is constructing a new restaurant in the area, but it will be in neighboring Newton, not Hampton. That means Newton will rake in tax dollars for the new construction instead of Hampton. Officials pointed out that juggling taxes is the most difficult part of their job. The local leaders stressed they take public opinion into account in making decisions, including views expressed by children and teenagers too young to vote. Seaman noted Fredon successfully stopped construction of a housing project off Rte. 517. She recalled that at the height of the debate, a youngster asked her to save a waterfall on the land. The tract later was purchased by the Nature Conservancy, and the waterfall was saved. Sylvester noted that friendly competition exists among the communities, although all the towns focus on cooperation, too. The officials informed students how municipal government works, while Mein noted that local government is the oldest form of official organization, dating back to tribes. Mein and the elected officials encouraged students to get involved in local government and consider running for office.