Mayor for the Day Essay Contest

Each year the 4th graders at St. Michael Elementary have the opportunity to enter an essay contest in which the prize is to be Mayor for the Day. Students are asked, "If you were Mayor for a day, what would you do to make your community a better place?" This prompt encourages students to think about local issues and propose solutions that would benefit their city, from a child's perspective.

Key points about the Mayor for the Day essay contest:

• Students should focus on local issues. What problems do they see in their community?
• Students should propose solutions relevant to their town.
• Creative thinking is encouraged. Practical ideas are valued, but students should also express their unique vision for their city.

Kinsley Dick | 2026 Mayor for the Day

This year's essay contest winner was Kinsley Dick. Kinsley attended the Feb. 10, 2026, City Council meeting where she officially took on her role as acting Mayor. She ran the meeting which included introducing agenda items, recognizing staff who provided background information, calling for discussion, motions, and votes. Mayor Joe Hagerty was at her side guiding the way. 

Kinsley's Mayor for the Day Essay

If I were mayor of the day I would go to all the schools and talk about safety requirements. I would also give donuts to the police officers as a thank you for all of their hard work. I would also hold a local competition of talents because I would want to see everyone's talents. I would also go to the bank and check the locks just in case. I would also go to all the shops and talk to the shop owners about what they sell and why they sell it.

I would make sure every city council member is a good speaker and good listener. Here's why every city council member should be able to listen to other members' ideas as well as share his or her ideas. They should also understand municipal law, budgeting, and legislation. And should also have good teamwork skills.

I'd make sure the city clerk had strong organizational skills, excellent communication skills, and a keen eye for detail to manage records, meetings, and public interactions and. should also be able to manage multiple tasks.

I'd let anyone speak to me about any problems they have. I'd make sure all the houses were safe, make sure schools were safe and any new health problems were in notice. I would go to the hospital and nursing home and say hi to all the residents. I would try to make the best decisions about people in our community.

In summary I think I should be mayor for the day. I think it would be a fun experience. It would be fun to get to know the townspeople and businesses.