Many of you may not know our mayor, Lewis Key. Fortunately for you, I have decided to do some political profiles. My first is on Mr. Key.
I asked the mayor to tell me some things about what jobs are available and what we can do to get there. Sadly, there are no regular internships. However, Mr. Key said, “We have had in the past a student council representative.” Now seniors, listen. Listen very carefully! Not just seniors, everyone needs to pay attention to this. This student representative “sits at the city council table during the meetings and enters into the discussion at hand.” They vote; however, the vote is not recorded as they are not an elected representative. At the end of the year, the city provides a scholarship to help with college costs. The city has had a hard time the past couple of years getting a volunteer for this position. Mr. Key said, “It is a good place to learn about how government works.” Hint, hint. Use this, you guys! It’s such a great opportunity to go and get involved!
If you’re not really into law, that is okay. Mr. Key has some other things that are just as important. The city has several specialized jobs, and if a student has a goal of pursuing one of them, they should consider some of the following paths. He said, “We have employees in the public works department that are equipment operators,” (truck driver, backhoe operators, etc.) grounds keepers, and workers at the sewer plant, (who need to know about keeping bacteria and chemicals in balance). And it’s not just that. There are so many things you can do to get involved in your community later in life to have fun while making money.
Floriculture! Science! Welding and Woods! If you ever have trouble figuring out what you want to do, this should help you, says Mr. Key. There’s the electrical department. In City Hall, there is finance, billing, collections, planning, and working as a City Manager (for which you would need a college degree in business).
If you are thinking about running for city government yourself, “Go for it!” he says. No one can tell you what you can and can’t do, and the mayor wants to help you. “ If someone wants to run for a council spot or even mayor, the first step is to turn in an application with the city clerk. Then your name will appear on the ballot as a choice for the voters to choose from. The term is for four years. There are six council positions, three of which are elected every two years.”
The mayor said, “This January first I will complete my fourth term, I will have been mayor for sixteen years. I did run this past election and was reelected for a fifth term. My Job is to promote and lead the city. I sometimes meet with the State Senator or Representative to work with issues concerning the city.” Doesn’t that sound like an amazing job?
He continued, “After I am no longer mayor, I still will have an interest in the welfare of Milton Freewater and plan to stay busy promoting new business or housing projects.” So many things and so little time! I hope that this gives you a better idea of the town and some ideas of jobs. Even if you don’t like law, that is okay. There are many things listed above. Go out. Have fun. Live life.
Finally, Mayor Key and I talked about the fact that Christmas is coming and the lit up snowflakes that are hung on street lights all around town, decorating our little place we call home. But they’re not just for decoration. Mr. Key said, “The City's function is to install the Christmas lights around the city and provide traffic control for the Christmas parade.” How cool is that?
The people in the parade are also what makes it amazing! “The city fire department also usually has a fire truck in the parade. The parade is sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce,” said Mr. Key. I know you must be thinking, isn’t there more to this parade? Oh, you little smart ones. Yes. There is more.
I have four little sisters aging from three to twelve. And they love what happens next. “At the end of the parade route, the chamber and some city employees encourage everyone to enjoy some hot chocolate and cookies while they visit with Santa.
The parade starts at north Main and ends at the Gathering Place.” Everyone should know where the Gathering Place is, right? Hope you went! It was amazing, as usual. ☆
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