Moscow Mayor Bill Lambert sat down with Argonaut editorial board members over the weekend to discuss the city’s ongoing partnership with the University of Idaho.
Lambert answered questions on topics ranging from city-sponsored homecoming events to the ASUI medical amnesty bill, while providing words of encouragement for Vandal students.
Collaboration and communication are vital for a university to succeed in the surrounding community, and there are many events that highlight a strong bond between UI and Moscow.
On Friday, the city hosts the 2016 Vandal Town Block Party along with UI and the Moscow Chamber of Commerce to welcome new and returning students.
Lambert said growth is vital for the community, and the biggest obstacle for the university and the city to overcome is low enrollment at UI. This is why Lambert said he is often volunteers at student events while donning Vandal apparel.
Lambert’s sentiments are often echoed by residents in Moscow. Many local businesses look forward to the influx of students each fall to increase revenue and generate a lasting relationship with newcomers.
The bond UI students form with the city leads a number of these college graduates to return and set permanent roots in Moscow.
Lambert also discussed the medical amnesty bill proposed by ASUI earlier this spring to protect underage drinkers from criminal charges if they are in need of medical care. The Idaho Legislature passed the bill, and Lambert said he is in complete support of the protections it affords college students.
The mayor referenced the death of UI student Joseph Wiederrick in 2013 and said the medical amnesty bill is worth any potential repercussions because it has the potential to prevent the loss of a life.
While addressing the topic of alcohol, Lambert also examined Idaho’s recent decision to change a minor in possession charge from a misdemeanor to an infraction. Although Lambert noted the problems associated with binge-drinking, he said the change allows students to learn from their mistakes without facing a lifelong scar on their record.
Lambert also encouraged UI students to be involved in community proceedings and establish a dialogue to discuss topics important to UI students.
The mayor concluded Friday’s meeting by offering college students advice for the upcoming year. He said young people shouldn’t take themselves too seriously, and to work hard for everything, because no one is going to give anything to them.
“Take every moment that you have and do the best you can, and if you can go to bed at night and you’re happy with what you’ve accomplished, then you’ve made a success,” Lambert said. “And in the morning when you get up and you look in the mirror, the first person in your life you’ve got to love is yourself. You can’t love anybody else or get anything else done until you love No. 1, and then you spread that onto those around you.”
Lambert also warned students not to take life for granted.
“Those that are around you that are very dear to you — you tell them every single time you get a chance what they mean to you,” he said.
— JG