Junior Commissioner Program

I also want to create a Junior Commissioner Program to give young people across Union County a meaningful voice in local government.
This program would invite middle school and high school students from every school in the county, along with students from Eastern Oregon University, to participate in youth-led advisory groups connected to the County Commission. These groups would meet regularly to identify issues affecting their schools, towns, and communities, and to develop ideas and solutions.

Students would have the opportunity to:

  • Bring forward recommendations to the County Commissioner Board

  • Present ideas for projects, policies, or improvements that impact their communities

  • Participate in structured discussions about local issues

  • Learn how county government works and how decisions are made

These youth advisory groups would not replace elected leadership, but they would provide a formal and consistent way for young people to be heard, with the ability to recommend items for the commissioners to consider and respond to.


The goal is to:

  • Strengthen civic engagement at an early age

  • Ensure that younger voices are included in county-level decision-making

  • Build leadership skills and confidence in the next generation

  • Create stronger connections between schools, communities, and local government

Union County’s future belongs to the young people growing up here. This program is about making sure they have a seat at the table and a voice in shaping the place they call home.

I would also explore opportunities for these groups to participate in joint meetings or presentations with the County Commissioner board.



If you are a student or a teacher or administrator that would be interested in helping make this happen to please contact us at rosarice4commissioner@gmail.com