While much of what was discussed at the Monday, Feb. 18, Bartow City Commission work session involved the Youth Fair situation and what, if any, measures might be considered, other topics were also broached. One of them, the Citizens Government Academy concept, drew praise from City Attorney Sean Parker, who spoke of it at the work session. His comments were based, he would say, on a recently-held “trial run” in which he and others, such as Interim City Clerk Jacki Poole had participated.

“The Citizens Government Academy is well under way,” said Parker. “It’s an exciting project.” Parker expressed what he believed would be accomplished by those attending the program, which would be to allow Bartow residents who enrolled to learn how the city functions. “I hope it leads to a better appreciation and understanding what goes on.”