Thomas Stoian is just 12 years old but already has his career mapped out.
The well-spoken youngster is keen to pursue a career in local government and was appointed ‘‘honorary deputy mayor’’ by Moorabool mayor Paul Tatchell during his visit to Myrniong Primary School on February 12.
Thomas has already got the political lingo down pat, sprinkling his sentences with words like “sustainability” and “infrastructure”.
“My interest came from watching the news every night and seeing the politicians arguing,’’ Thomas says.
‘‘I thought they’ve got some good points, and I also could see they had bad points.”
Thomas and his year 6 classmates were visited by Cr Tatchell after Thomas attended the February 5 council meeting and asked a question about crime prevention measures.
“I was nervous, but it was an honour to ask the councillors a question,’’ Thomas says.
‘‘It was answered, but I would’ve liked to have heard they were introducing more patrols and CCTV for the area.”
The mayor talked to pupils about democracy and how local government works.
“Council belongs to everyone. There shouldn’t be an age limit,’’ Cr Tatchell says.
‘‘They’re our future and it’s wise to introduce them to the system early and teach them how it works, what’s involved and how to make changes.”
Cr Tatchell described Thomas as a bright kid, ‘‘passionate about Moorabool’s future’’. “His school made a miniature model of Myrniong in 20 years’ time, and he was so keen and engaged. It’s great to see.”
Thomas said if he was elected to the council, his first move would be to help get roads in better shape.
“Sometimes when I have to go up to Ballan, the roads are a bit bumpy and not cared for.”
However, at his school there is little on the political agenda.
“We have our junior and senior school council, but there isn’t as much to talk about because our school’s got everything our students could want,” Thomas said.
‘‘There’s a great multipurpose shed, a canteen and good classrooms.”
