Winners for ‘If I Were Mayor’ Contest Announced

First-place winner Kayson Hawkins with Scott Dudley.

Essay contest encourages civic engagement among middle school students

by Scott Dudley, Florida League of Cities and Florida League of Mayors

Three middle school students were recently recognized for their winning submissions in the “If I Were Elected Mayor” statewide essay contest. The contest is sponsored by the Florida League of Cities (FLC) and Florida League of Mayors (FLM) to foster civic engagement and community pride among sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade students. Civics education is taught in Florida public schools as a vital tool to encourage public participation.

Students participating in the contest were required to submit a single-page essay of no more than 250 words that began with the statement “If I were elected Mayor ...” and described how they would make a difference in their city if they were elected Mayor. The students were also asked to include information on how Home Rule helps make their municipality a great place to live.

More than 1,200 submissions were received. Each student who submitted an essay received a certificate of participation, and the winners received gift cards and a joint resolution from FLC and FLM.

The 2022 contest winners are:

▸ First place: Kayson Hawkins, sixth grade, Vernon Middle School, Vernon

▸ Second place: Emily Fuentes, seventh grade, Rock Lake Middle School, Longwood

▸ Third place: Angelina Chen, sixth grade, Pioneer Middle School, Cooper City.

Second-place winner Emily Fuentes with, from left, Longwood Commissioner Brian D. Sackett, Deputy Mayor Tony Boni, Commissioner Abby Shoemaker,Commissioner Matt McMillan and Mayor Matt Morgan.

Photo Courtesy of Linda Bridges

Third-place winner Angelina Chen with FLM President-Elect and City of Miramar Mayor Wayne Messam.

Photo Courtesy of Wayne Messam

The first-place presentation for Kayson took place at the City of Vernon’s City Council meeting and the Washington County Board of County Commissioners meeting. The second-place presentation for Emily took place at the City of Longwood’s City Commission meeting. The third-place presentation for Angelina took place at the City of Cooper City’s Commission meeting.

The League and the FLM plan to hold this contest again during the next school year. Look for more information to be available this September.

Scott Dudley is the Director of Field Advocacy and Federal Affairs at the Florida League of Cities, and he serves as Executive Director of the Florida League of Mayors.

ESSAY CONTEST WINNERS (EXCERPTS)

FIRST PLACE: Kayson Hawkins, sixth grade Vernon Middle School Vernon

If I were elected Mayor for the day, I would work diligently to accomplish the following. I would work with the county to extend our sewer, power and water. I would get more roads paved and I would try to attract more business within the city.

First, I would partner with the county to extend sewer, power and water throughout the city. This would increase population within the city, as well as attract more business. More businesses would benefit the city so much and I will tell you more about that later.

The next step I would take would be to get more roads paved ... not only for convenience but also for someone’s safety. It could make first responders response time improve as well.

Finally, I would try to attract more businesses. There are many reasons I want to have more businesses within the city. The more businesses we have, the more job opportunities available. The other reason is it would make everyday citizens’ taxes go down. We all could benefit from that.

In conclusion, I feel like growth is very important in your city. As there are many ways to implement growth, the three I spoke about are the most important to me. Do I have your support in making these changes? As Mayor, I am ready to make a positive change to improve the city!

SECOND PLACE: Emily Fuentes, seventh grade Rock Lake Middle School Longwood

If I were elected Mayor in Longwood, Florida, my three primary objectives would be eliminating staff shortages, involving locals in community problems, and helping local businesses gain customers. Here are my methods and proposals to improve Longwood.

All around Longwood are hiring signs, and that is my biggest concern. Companies are struggling with staff shortages. I plan to construct a cost-free, online and public program where unemployed citizens can find convenient careers. Longwood’s society will be full of diligent workers in all areas.

My following idea includes the citizens of Longwood in neighborhood decisions. Home rule is compelling during my term. Every government official should be close to the needs of the community.

That is why they should be a resident. Residents in Longwood have opportunities to be involved in the new communal meetings. Those who care about the topic may be present. This decision is perfect for the community and its people.

The final addition will benefit companies that are lacking customers. A company will pay a twenty-five dollar fee and provide the presentation card. In exchange, we will advertise the business in the community through the mail, social media and fliers around town. Distressing companies will no longer worry about the lack of consumers.

With me as Mayor, I will help lacking companies, create meetings for locals and remove staff shortages. These three promises are why Emily Fuentes is the best option for Mayor.

THIRD PLACE: Angelina Chen, sixth grade Pioneer Middle School Cooper City

If I were elected Mayor, I would make improvements to Cooper City in any way I can. Being Mayor is a tough job, but if the work I am doing is for the good of our city, then I will do the best job I can.

To start, I would plan extraordinary events to honor our veterans for the hometown heroes they are. I would host a weekly club where teachers take their students to visit the veterans. It is important for veterans to talk about their experience and why they were fighting for our country; I would arrange for veterans to be guest speakers in schools. Our city needs to help our veterans to keep their legacy alive.

If I were Mayor, I would organize a Cooper City Night Out, a monthly event that donates a percentage of the bill to charity when you eat at certain restaurants. The benefits of Cooper City Night Out would be to support small businesses in Cooper City and give to charities. The restaurants and charities would be changed each month so that people could experience all that Cooper City has to offer. Cooper City’s Commissioners would meet and greet the people as well.

Home rule is important to our city because it lets us decide how to fix local problems if it doesn’t go against the federal law. It also gives us the power to have freedom in our city and fix local problems without the state’s interference.