Gov. Rendell Says Mayoral Candidates' Forum Will Engage Elementary Schoolkids in Phila.
By Steve Tawa
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Fourth and fifth graders in Philadelphia will get an opportunity to take part in a unique civics lesson that could help shape the upcoming Democratic primary for mayor.
The Rendell Center for Citizenship and Civic Engagement is hosting a candidates' forum two weeks before the primary and will give students a chance to ask the questions.
Former Pennsylvania governor Ed Rendell, who created the Rendell Center with his wife, Judge Marjorie Rendell, hopes the forum will stimulate young minds.
"We often underrate the intelligence or interest level of our children," he said today.
Rendell says that by submitting and then asking questions directly of the six mayoral candidates, the 9-11 year olds will get thinking about what elections mean and about the responsibilities that the next mayor is going to have.
"Their next six, seven, eight years of schooling may well depend on who the next mayor is and what the next mayor formulates as his or her policy on education," Rendell noted.
The candidates and student representatives from the elementary schools will be at 440 North Broad Street, the school district headquarters, on May 4th, and the event will be live streamed to elementary, middle, and high schools.
Rendell says they hope to replicate the forum in the fall general election -- between the winning Democrat, the Republican, and any independents who may declare.
