‘Marysville University’ returns with city government class

MARYSVILLE — "Marysville University" reopens this fall, offering a one-night civics class designed to engage curious citizens and students about local government and timely issues of importance to the Marysville community.

MARYSVILLE — “Marysville University” reopens this fall, offering a one-night civics class designed to engage curious citizens and students about local government and timely issues of importance to the Marysville community.

Citizens and students are invited to participate in this free fall class aimed at giving attendees a unique perspective on how Marysville’s city government works for them, as well as a department-by-department overview of the services and programs that the city offers.

“You’re sure to learn something you didn’t know about your city,” Community Information Officer Doug Buell said.

The class will meet from 6:30-9 p.m. Oct. 14 in the City Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall, located at 1049 State Ave.

Mayor Jon Nehring is re-instituting Marysville University, which last met seven years ago. He stated that these classes are popular and present an ideal forum for citizens to learn firsthand about their government, as well as to exchange ideas about how they can participate to make it better.

“MU provides an informal classroom-style forum that brings people from the community together to gain a better understanding of how their local government functions, inspires them to become part of the solution-seeking process, and informs them about city programs, services and projects,” Nehring said.

Speakers will include Nehring, Municipal Court Judge Fred Gillings, Chief Administrative Officer Gloria Hirashima, Public Works Director Kevin Nielsen, Police Chief Rick Smith, Finance Director Sandy Langdon, Fire District Chief Greg Corn and Parks and Recreation Director Jim Ballew.

Free refreshments will be available. Classes are videotaped and will be shown on Marysville Cable Access TV 21 on Comcast and TV 25 on Frontier, at dates to be announced later.

Please contact Buell at 360-363-8086 to reserve seats the week prior to class, or e-mail dbuell@marysvillewa.gov. Be sure to include names, phone numbers and addresses so city officials can mail class materials prior to meeting.