(April 8, 2005) -- Glendale City elections brought about a new atmosphere to the city this year, as an unprecedented eighteen candidates ran for City Council, followed by ten candidates for City Clerk, and even ten candidates for the Glendale Unified School District Governing Board. Although most of the seniors in Nick Doom’s government classes were not of voting age yet, that did not stop them from getting involved in the candidates’ campaigns.

“I give this assignment because I want to have the students experience first-hand community politics and have a direct impact on the outcome with the ultimate goal of having long-term voters,” Doom said.

Each student had to volunteer a minimum of six hours in a campaign, doing various things such as handing out flyers or making phone calls to voters. This was the second time this school year that the students in the government classes had to volunteer, as they also volunteered in campaigns for the November elections. “I walked door-to-door handing out flyers. It was the same as I did back in November, but I didn’t mind doing [it] because I actually like [it],” said senior Shant Saiyan.

Volunteering was a bit more personal and community oriented for students such as senior Jae Park, as the candidates looked for volunteers who could speak more than one language.

Doom’s AP Government students also attended various debates around the city sponsored by associations such as the League of Women Voters and Chevy Chase Homeowner’s Association. Senior Andrew Abraham said he and his friend felt awkward at the forum sponsored by the Chevy Chase Homeowner’s Association because they were the only two people at the event under the age of 40.

Many students showed up at the March 23 debate held at Clancy’s Restaurant in Glendale to see Doom moderate a forum featuring most of the candidates for City Council. “It was fun seeing Mr. Doom put the candidates on the spot with his tough and intriguing questions, considering he ran for City Council six years ago,” said Abraham.