Should your town enforce curfews for teenagers? Do you want more green space in your neighborhood? Five representatives from towns in Wake County will discuss these and other issues during the 2009 Education Forum, part of the program Government Matters! for middle- and high-school students, at the N.C. Museum of History on Saturday, Oct. 17, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. After the forum, students can meet representatives from each of Wake County’s 12 municipalities and discuss topics such as public safety, environmental conservation, and social services. The event is co-sponsored by Kids Voting North Carolina Wake County. Admission and parking are free.

The panel discussion will begin at 1 p.m. and last approximately one hour. Students will learn how decisions are made at the community level and discover how to get involved in the process. From 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., audience members can talk with officials stationed throughout the museum lobby for an informal town hall session.

The winner of an essay contest sponsored by Kids Voting NC/Wake County will co-host the panel discussion with Ken Smith, a WRAL-TV reporter. The winner will also receive a $100 prize. Entries must be postmarked by Sept. 30. To register for the Education Forum or receive details about the essay contest, visit www.kidsvotingwake.org.

For more information, call 919-341-2398 or access www.kidsvotingwake.org. The museum is located at 5 E. Edenton St., across from the State Capitol. Parking is available in the lot across Wilmington Street.