Mayor Mills teaches River View fifth-graders about leadership and civic duty

River View Intermediate School fifth-graders are being challenged with the task of picking a mayor for their trip to JA BizTown. Coshocton Mayor Mark Mills helped prepare them for that task by explaining the process of being put on a ballot, campaigning, traits of a good mayor and what some of their duties are.

During his visit to the school Oct. 31, Mills said that prior to becoming mayor, he was working in the restaurant industry.

“No matter what you do or where you start, you are an important part of the process,” he said.

Mills didn’t go to college until he was 35 and chose to earn degrees in criminal justice and accounting but always had the thought of being mayor in the back of his mind.

“When I was young, I said I wanted to run for mayor,” he said. “I like to say I talked it into existence. I didn’t really like where we were going, but instead of complaining, I decided to get up and do something about it.”

Mills explained the paperwork needed to get on the ballot, the process of collecting signatures for his petition and campaigning.

“You have to convince people you are the right person for the job,” he said.

If you are elected by the voters, you are faced with many duties. Just a few of the areas Mills oversees are parks, water, sewer, trash, fire, policing and roads.

“I love what I do and feel like I am where I need to be,” he said. “It takes a lot of people working together to make things better. It’s not about me; it’s about we. It’s about working together with people and coming together for common goals.”

Mills joked with the students and asked them who their loudest classmates were but then quickly reminded them that being a leader isn’t just about being loud.

“It’s about what comes out of your mouth,” he said. “You have to be kind and diplomatic too.”

Mills encouraged the students to have fun on their trip to JA BizTown, make sure they listen to their parents and teachers, and work hard.

“You can be anything you want to be,” he said. “Don’t let anyone hold you back. I wish you all luck and success.”

JA BizTown is a Junior Achievement program that allows students to experience life in the working world. For more information visit centralohio.ja.org.