A new Whitehall Township Commissioner has wasted no time in presenting a new idea for the board's consideration.

Commissioner Phllips Armstrong brought the idea of having a student government day at borough municipal facilities to the board for discussion at the March 10 board meeting.

Appointed by Whitehall commissioners to fill a vacant seat on the board, Armstrong was sworn into office Feb. 19.

Armstrong made the recommendation which won the support of his colleagues.

A retired Whitehall High School teacher, Armstrong brought up the idea of inviting young people to become more involved in local government.

He recalled years past when there had been a student government day in Whitehall, and said he would like to see a return of the program.

Armstrong said he does not see as much interest in volunteering as should be the case. He said a student government program can be advanced with cooperation between the township and Whitehall-Coplay School District.

"Students could shadow officials in township government for a day," he said.

There would be a student assigned to the mayor, the fire chief, the police chief and other township personnel. The high school would select the students.

Although the commissioners didn't vote on Armstrong's suggestion, board members expressed support for the idea.

Commissioner Gerard Palagonia said the idea was worth going forward and no one disagreed.

Mayor Edward D. Hozza Jr. backed the recommendation and said the high school and administration will be contacted.

He said he believes a student government day could be held this year in the spring.

Armstrong also said the high school has a very active and progressive outdoor club led by a pro-active teacher.

The board and Hozza said Armstrong could meet with the township's Environmental Advisory Council. Mario Spagnoletti, a longtime EAC volunteer, told Armstrong the EAC would welcome the student organization as volunteers in the work if the organization.