Mulvihill says valuing children is vital for future good behavior

By on Wednesday, May 24th, 2023 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

PENDLETON – InterMountain Education Service District Superintendent Mark Mulvihill was shocked by news of four to five young teens beating up an 18-year-old male last week at Hodge Park in Hermiston. He says he’s sure Chief Jason Edmiston and his officers reacted correctly in light of what they were facing.

“Our local law enforcement people I think very highly of, and so when they make the statements that they do it’s like ‘Whoa. Wow. This isn’t good,” he said.

Mulvihill stressed that the group is not reflective of the teen population which, in most cases, is responsible and conscientious. He also said that getting to children at an earlier age is vital to positive development.

“You’re better off if you can get these kids in positive programs, positive groups, and connected to an adult that values them than you are having to deal with the discipline after the fact,” he said.