Squamish's mayor's seat is up for grabs.
The District of Squamish is launching its second annual Mayor for a Day contest. The initiative, which is a part of the Local Government Awareness Week (May 19-25), is open to students in Grades 5, 6 and 7.
Looking back last year, I was really pleased to be part of [the initiative], Mayor Rob Kirkham said. I am looking forward to doing it again this year.
To enter, youth must write a letter to Kirkham indicating what he or she would do if named to his position. The winner will fill Kirkham's shoes on Tuesday, May 21, from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The winner will join us at council, Kirkham added.
The new mayor will receive a private tour of municipal hall, have lunch with officials and co-chair a Committee of the Whole meeting with Kirkham. The Mayor for a Day will also be interviewed by local media, including The Chief and Mountain FM, with the participants' letters being published in the newspaper.
The entry letter must be no longer than one page. It should be emailed to [email protected] by Thursday, May 16 and should include the writer's name, age, email address and the name of the school he or she attends.
Kirkham will pick his favourite letter and the winner will be announced on Friday, May 17. When asked for tips on being mayor, Kirkham had one word listen.
You have to be a good listener, he said.
During Local Government Awareness Week, Kirkham and fellow councillors will visit Squamish schools to speak about running the municipality. It's a critical part of bringing about awareness and youth involvement in politics, Kirkham said.
Kirkham said he was pleased to see the Howe Sound Secondary School's debating club lead the provincial all-candidates debate on May 2 at the Eagle Eye Theatre.
Learn more about the program -
