(Matt Drzik/Beaver County Radio)

“I’ve been in local government for twelve or thirteen years, and I have not once heard anyone say what they’re going to do for the kids. What are we going to do for them?”

The pleas coming from Rochester mayor Keith Jackson during his July 13 chat with Matt Drzik on A.M. Beaver County reflect a disconnect between council members and the youth. As the mayor noted, several of those who work for the borough have kids of a young age, but others have kids who are much older and may see the needs of the youth differently.

Jackson also spoke about taking chances on businesses in the borough: “You can’t just pick and choose who you want to come in to start a business…I believe in giving everyone a first chance and second chance, because each and every one of us out here has received not just a first chance, but a second chance and third chance. Let them come in and open up their businesses…if they can’t stay in business, I’m pretty sure they have enough sense where they’re back away from it. But give them an opportunity to make something happen for our town.”

To watch the full interview with Mayor Jackson, click on the Facebook feed below!