Blairsville student wins 'If I Were Mayor' Essay Contest

James Rowe, a 6th grader at Union County Middle School, would bring more businesses and tourists to the downtown by improving traffic and improving the water/sewer system if he were mayor. James's ideas, expressed in an essay to the Georgia Municipal Association, made him one of 12 winners in GMA's statewide "If I Were Mayor, I Would . . ." essay contest.

James's essay was one of 331 received from students in GMA's 2nd district. James, his parents and teacher Denise Driskell will be honored in Atlanta Wednesday, April 25, along with the 11 other winners. This is the fifth year Ms. Driskell has had a winning student in this competition.

"We are always so impressed by the students' ideas," said GMA Executive Director Jim Higdon. "They have great insight into their communities and clear plans for their futures. Many express the need for clean, economically stable, safe cities. We commend James for his wellwritten, thoughtful essay."

A panel of city officials who are also educators or involved in youth programs selected the winning essays based upon creativity, clarity, sincerity of thought and proper use of grammar.

Based in Atlanta, GMA is a voluntary, non-profit organization providing legislative advocacy, educational, employee benefit and consulting services to its 500 member cities.