Have you ever wondered what it would be like to run your city or town? I’m getting the chance to find out! I’m the junior mayor in Gaithersburg, Maryland. That’s where I live.
Each year, Gaithersburg holds an “If I Were Mayor” contest for fourth-graders. I entered last spring. I wrote an essay to the city council telling them what I would do if I got the job.
My dream is to prevent bullying in schools. My plan would be to create stations where kids could report bullying.
When I found out that I had beat out more than 50 kids for the job, I was excited. In June, I was part of a ceremony with Gaithersburg Mayor Jud Ashman. I was sworn in to office by taking an oath. That means I promised to carry out my duty as junior mayor until my term ends in May.
Being a junior mayor has shown me how important local government is in solving community problems. Do you have an idea about how to help your town? Try to make it happen by getting the support of your local government.