Eric Smith, a current Moorpark College student, is the youngest candidate running for a seat on Simi Valley Unified School District’s board of education on a platform.

If he is elected, he wants all middle school and high school students to participate in at least five hours of community service per semester.

“There are such a variety of things that students can do to help. It doesn’t matter what they choose to do, habitat for humanity, build homes, work at a shelter, work for the city,” said Eric Smith.

Smith, who currently volunteers for the speech and debate team at his former high school, believes that if students are active in the community, it will not only benefit their city , but will lead to the involvement of the students family as well.

“City council wants to increase parental involvement and decrease junior high behavioral problems. Student volunteerism is a good way to do both. Parents are involved when their students are involved. Junior high students wont be acting out as much if they have a stake in the community and are working to better the community.”

Smith is also very concerned with the lack of understanding of local politics amongst some Simi Valley residents. He believes the most effective way to teach residents and benefit the community is by teaching children at a young age.

“If you take an elementary school student and take a semester out of the school year to teach them about the history of Ventura county, not too in depth, but just the basics,” said Smith.

This will increase their knowledge of Simi Valley. When these students go on to high school, they can better the city by making more informed decisions when they turn 18 and are able to vote.