By David Pan/Lynnwood Today editor

The first day of Lynnwood University was an eye-opening experience for Cena and Peter Conteh.

After living in Lynnwood for almost four years, the married couple decided it was time to learn more about their city government.

Cena volunteered for a city council candidate earlier this year.

“As I got more involved and engaged in the community I wanted to learn more about what the city government does for the community and how they engage their community,” Cena said.

Peter thought it also would be a good idea to learn more about the city.

“If you live in a community, you have to know about the community,” he said. “It’s a great thing to be a part of a community and to know the community.”

The first of eight weekly sessions was held in the City Council Chambers last Thursday night. The subjects included the city government (city council) and the Parks, Recreation & Cultural Arts Department.

Both Cena and Peter were especially interested with the city council.

“I learned how we can get direct contacts with our elected officials and how we can ask questions on what to improve,” Peter said.

Cena was impressed with how the city council wants the community to become engaged with its elected officials.

“I think that’s one thing that the community doesn’t realize,” Cena said. “They really think they’re not going to be heard. … To sit here and hear them say ‘we need to hear from you,’ that makes me want to get out and let people know to come here. Our voices need to be heard.”

Peter learned a lot that he didn’t know about the city government.

“It was fantastic,” he said of the first class. “I got a lot of knowledge from them (city council members): what has been done and what we citizens can do.”

This week Lynnwood University students will be headed to the Lynnwood Fire Station to learn about the fire department.

Lynnwood Today will be following Cena and Peter Conteh as they learn more about their city government through Lynnwood University.