High School Student Running for Irving City Council

North Hills senior hopes to start summer with government job

A senior in high school is hoping to get a job as a city councilmember.

Francis Schommer, 18, who attends North Hills Preparatory in Las Colinas, said he wants to represent the next generation and has been altering his college plans to make sure he's in town to take the job if elected.

Schommer has a packed schedule ahead.

"Next week is my busiest week because all of my AP and IB exams happen to be next week, and the election is next Saturday," he said.

Schommer said he is planning to attend UT Dallas in the fall but first he wants to add another title to his plate, Irving City Councilmember.

"I want to make a website where the resident's voices can be heard," he said. "So that if they are unable to attend the meetings, they could still have their input heard by a councilmember who will vote based on what they want."

There is a total of four candidates running for the City Council Place 2 position. While Schommer's opponents said that they are impressed by the young man's passion, they're not sure he is ready for the job now.

Allan Meagher, who has served a total of seven years on the City Council, said experience comes with time.

"I'm very passionate about the city. I've worked for the same company for 25 years. I'm not doing this for a resume or any other reason besides I care," said Meagher.

Candidate Rene Castilla issued a statement in which said, "Frances, and others like him, are our leaders of tomorrow. We need more young people like him showing an interest in serving in public office. Having said that, I believe my years serving on various boards have prepared me well to serve on the Irving City Council and to be a mentor to young people with a demonstrated interest in public affairs."

Candidate Kensley Stewart said he's been an active observer at City Hall for years and is ready to help make some positive changes.

"We have a contingent on the council that are absolutely against passing an ethics policy. And that needs to be passed so that the citizens can have some level of trust with the city council," he said.

The candidates will be out looking for votes until Election Day, May 11.
 

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