I may be young, but I’m not naïve. I know that Merced City Council members want to keep their jobs. But what motivates them?

I wonder: What do our elected officials hear and see? Does the city council know that Merced County has one of the highest rates of disconnected youth in the state? Currently, more than 1 in 10 young people are not in school or working, which is double the state average. Many of us are not only disconnected, but we feel disrespected.

We will not, however, be deterred.

A youth I work with, David Macias, recently wrote a powerful and compelling story that was published on our website, We’Ced Youth Media, a local outlet that features stories from young writers. Here’s what he shared:

“A couple of weeks ago, I attended a City Council town hall. Disturbed by the lack of opportunities for Merced’s young people and the reluctance of my city to invest in its youth, I wanted to put these issues before the council.

“I was nervous, and had to build up the courage to stand and speak.

“When I did, I addressed the council with the utmost respect and conviction, determined to get my message across. But as I was speaking, I noticed that several council members were rolling their eyes, while others began to interrupt me.

“Rather than let me speak, council members peppered me with questions, many of which they knew went beyond my expertise. Even the mayor, in his body language and the comments he made, conveyed disdain. I doubt he heard anything I said.

“The message was clear: my opinion, my voice did not matter to the leadership of Merced.”

As a young leader of color in Merced, I’ve attended numerous town halls, forums and city council meetings over the past couple of years. And David is right – for now.

Our elected officials seem to think of young people as problems that need to be solved, rather than as people who deserve opportunities.

During a series of recent town halls that were held to gather input from residents about issues facing the city of Merced, more than 60 percent of people who addressed the council made it clear that youth should be a priority.

This priority took many forms – support for the Merced Youth Council, more programs and services – but the overall message was clear. Or was it?

The council always complains there is never enough money to invest in “programs.” When will the city council understand that this isn’t simply an investment in programs? It is an investment in people. It’s an investment in prevention. It’s an investment in the future of Merced.

We cannot continue down this path. Look at where it’s led us.

According to a recent story in the Merced Sun-Star, it is estimated that close to 40 percent of children live in poverty and only 44 percent of families can afford living expenses in Merced County. This is unacceptable.

According to David’s story, his voice and opinion do not matter to the leadership of Merced.

This will change very soon, as Merced is young and overflowing with future leaders who will embrace our city’s diversity and help all Merced communities rise.

Our city is changing, and my vote counts. Will you get my vote?