A local youth had a chance to wield the gavel at a township council meeting during a recent turn as honorary deputy mayor.
Matt Metzger joined Mapleton council at its Nov. 24 meeting.
Mayor Neil Driscoll explained he invited the youth to attend the meeting after receiving a letter from Metzger asking if Metzger could join him in the office “and can you show me the job of being a good mayor.”
Driscoll quipped he was glad for the help “as the budget won’t allow me to have an assistant.”
Metzger joined Driscoll at the council table and officially opened and closed the Nov. 24 council meeting. He also assisted Driscoll by passing motions on to deputy clerk Barb Schellenberger. He was presented with an official Mapleton toque, pin and pen.
Afterward Metzger, who noted he especially enjoyed the report from Fire Chief Rick Richardson, was given a tour of municipal facilities by business development and marketing coordinator Crystal Ellis.
“I want to get a job, working for the township,” he stated.
Driscoll said he hopes to start a new tradition and offer the same opportunity to other young people in the future.
