By Ty Hillson
On November 21st, Josh Olson, Junior Class President, spent an entire day as the mayor of Delavan.
Mayor Schroeder’s “Mayor for the Day” program is an initiative designed to let students experience the duties and responsibilities associated with being mayor. Throughout the day student mayors complete a multitude of tasks such as touring buildings, meeting staff, and observing government on a local scale.
Stepping onto the scene in a dashing 3-piece suit, Josh Olson’s day began with English College Prep in Ms. Guilliens’s class in the Northeast corner of the building. He left second-period physics with Mr. Jacques, at 8:50 where he then was driven to the Town Hall by Ms. Huerta. Josh was greeted at the entrance by Mayor Schroeder and brought to his office. After discussing their backgrounds, Josh and Mayor Schroeder toured the town hall to see what was happening behind the scenes. Josh then sat in on a confidential town hall meeting. In this meeting, Josh met with town staff and representatives and learned more about what it means to be a local government employee.
After lots of meetings and greetings, Josh and Mayor Schroeder walked to Boxed and Burlap to get coffee. Josh chose hot chocolate over coffee, evidently a mayor in training. Over their steaming drinks, they talked further about the role of a mayor and the means necessary to attain such a role. As the pair re-entered the Town Hall, tracking in snow, they had lunch from Ol’ Wisco delivered to them. Josh got a plain burger and fries. After dining, the mayor in training toured the neighboring building, the Police Department. Inside the establishment, Josh met with officers and specialists and was taught the secrets of police technology such as aerial drones. Subsequently, Josh rode across town in the passenger seat of a police car to visit the Fire Department, Waterworks Building, and Aram Public Library to receive private tours of the inner workings of these buildings.
Josh’s day concluded with a final photoshoot at the town hall, thanking all the workers and representatives. Josh especially thanked Mayor Schroeder for the opportunity. Returning at around 2:30, Josh hastily returned to his eighth-period class, AP Chemistry, to tell of his grandiose adventures.
Josh Olson reports the experience as very helpful and fun, he is very gracious and thankful for the opportunity. “10/10 would definitely be mayor again,” says Josh cheerfully.
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