Phila. Students Get Chance To Speak Directly With City Leaders At Forum
By Mike DeNardo
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Students had a chance to talk directly with some of the most influential people in the city, during a forum at Central High School.
Students of Central's 275th graduating class peppered the panel with topical questions. Deputy Police Commissioner Richard Ross on "stop and frisk."
"It is a tool police departments should absolutely have."
SRC chair Marge Neff on school funding.
"We are suffering from a lack of resources."
Rose Gray of the nonprofit APM on revitalizing vacant lots.
"We bring everyone together and say,'What's the best use for this?'"
And Local 98 business manager John Dougherty -- whose brother was just elected to the state Supreme Court -- on nepotism.
"I believe that if people have family members that are qualified, they should get the job."
Senior John Garvin said it was an invaluable experience.
"Meeting these people that are iconic, not only to Philadelphia politics but to Philadelphia as a whole."
"It's really big for us because not a lot of high schools get to experience something like this," said senior Richard Dang.