Elk Point had a new mayor on Monday, Nov. 25, and while it was only for a single day, Elk Point Elementary School Grade 5 student Duanne Rivera learned just what the position was all about.
In his entry essay for the Mayor for a Day contest, Duanne said he had “always been fascinated by every mayor of this town, they all had different ideas for improving this place,” He also wondered “what the mayor does and how he’s going to do it… what it’s like to make a decision for the town and what’s going to happen if the town doesn’t like the things that happen.” He also listed leadership, decision-making, how meetings are run and responsibilities as things he would like to learn more about.
As mayor for a day, Duanne said he would “show other towns why we are special and how we are great… the jobs they could work at… the amazing schools we have… the great staff working hard in the hospital and seniors home… the good and respectful people of this town.”
“That’s why we all run,” Mayor Lorne Young told his young counterpart. We want it to be a place people are proud of.” Referring to the comment on decisions, he said, “Sometimes council agrees with me, sometimes they don’t, but we’re a team. And you’ve been an awesome student mayor.”
Duanne was administered the Oath of Office by CAO Ken Gwozdz, signed the sponsorship agreement for the Ronald McDonald House Winterland Invitational on behalf of the town, and was presented with a backpack of gifts from the town in appreciation of his day of leadership.