The Town of Cobourg’s mayor is offering to share his chair with a young person — for a day anyway — as part of a contest this fall aimed at stimulating interest in local leadership and public service.
Mayor Lucas Cleveland is inviting Cobourg children and teens in grades 7 to 10 to apply for the “Mayor for the Day” contest, with applications being accepted now until Friday, October 17.
The contest is returning to the municipality as part of a “local government week” initiative, according to a media release, and is an opportunity for young people to submit an idea to council on how to make Cobourg a better place in which to live.
“I am excited to bring back the Mayor for the Day contest and look forward to reviewing all the submissions,” Cleveland shared with kawarthaNOW.
“One of my reasons for running to be mayor was to engage different demographics of residents and this contest is a great opportunity to help youth learn how local government works and how they can make a difference in our community. It’s also a wonderful way to inspire future leaders and encourage an interest in public service.”
Students who live in the Town of Cobourg are encouraged to apply. Applicants can choose to submit written responses or provide a video.
Cleveland himself will review all the entries and select the winner.
The winner of the contest will receive a tour of the municipal facilities, spend time with the mayor, and attend official meetings — including the chance to open a council meeting on Wednesday, October 29.
The winner will also be recognized with a temporary ceremonial street name placed on Second Street for a one-week period. In addition, the winner can also arrange for the mayor to visit their class and answer questions on municipal government. Lunch will be provided.
Application forms are available online at www.cobourg.ca/MayorForTheDay or can be picked up at the customer service desk at Victoria Hall, which is located at 55 King St. W. For questions or to submit a video, email htodd@cobourg.ca.
“I look forward to welcoming the contest winner to Town Hall and visiting their classroom,” Cleveland said. “These conversations will bring fresh perspectives and inspire meaningful dialogue about the future of our community,” he added.
Cleveland is the 48th mayor of the Town of Cobourg. He moved to Cobourg from Alberta in 2016 and subsequently opened The Market & Smør, a “zero food waste” green grocer business at 39 King Street East. Cleveland was elected mayor in October 2022 with no previous political experience.
