SNOHOMISH — Braden Sigua, a senior at Snohomish High School, is the youngest volunteer serving on the city’s open government group. It is tasked with helping City Hall communicate with the public more effectively. Sigua, 17, is a top student who’s involved at school and in his community.
Question: Why’d you want to work on open government?
Answer: I did community service with the mayor this fall. She suggested I apply. I see it as an opportunity to learn about local government.
Q: Why aren’t more people your age interested?
A: They’re focused on other things. When you have school, a job and a girlfriend, the last thing you care about is local government. I think a lot of kids don’t care because they don’t have to.
Q: Why is it important to you?
A: It’s almost like a civic duty. I care because I’m very interested in government and politics. I love Snohomish so it’s interesting to see what kind of work goes into running the city.
Q: What else keeps you busy?
A: I’m involved in speech and debate. We’ve placed at state several times and made national tournaments. I’m also doing drama this year, too. I’ve always wanted to be in a musical so I went for it. I’m playing the lead, Don Lockwood, in “Singin’ in the Rain.” I’m also part of National Honor Society and the Panther Pals mentoring program.
Q: What have you learned through speech and debate?
A: It sparked my interest in politics. Debating hot topics has allowed me to develop my own thoughts and listen to what others have to say. Now that I’ve become more aware of our government functions and our history, I see a lot of corruption. I feel like something needs to be done.
Q: What are your future plans?
A: I’m interested in becoming a lawyer. I feel like that’ll give me an effective voice. I’m very into environmental law. Being a business owner also sounds exciting.
Q: What matters most to you?
A: What’s really important to me is having an open mind. Ignorance is a problem. You can make yourself a better person and try new things if you open yourself up to knowledge.
Amy Nile: 425-339-3192; anile@heraldnet.com. Twitter: @AmyNileReports.
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