Colleyville’s young mayor for a day dreams of holding the post for real

As winner of the annual mayor for a day contest, Coleman Elam spent Jan. 5 touring his beloved city and discussing his winning ideas of how to make Colleyville “an even better place to live.”

The 12-year-old’s vision included a day to celebrate the city’s older citizens with a Seniors Day celebration, where volunteers visit with seniors and help them with chores such as yard work.

“When we honor those who are older than us we can gain insights from their life experiences and also make them feel appreciated. Our schools could be involved and encouraged to write letters to a senior citizen in their neighborhood or street,” Elam wrote in his essay.

He also proposed initiatives to encourage water conservation and the planting of trees and gardens.

As he toured the central fire station with Fire Chief Brian Riley as his guide, the sixth-grader was asked what he wanted to be when he grew up.

“I think being mayor would be cool,” he said.

City Manager Jennifer Fadden laughed appreciatively at his response, saying that “Mayor Elam’s” essay was chosen from submissions from 83 Colleyville residents in grades two to seven.

“This is our 11th year sponsoring the contest and this is the most submissions we have received,” Fadden said.

During his afternoon visit to the fire station, Coleman donned firefighting gear, put out a small simulated fire and was lifted into the sky in a ladder truck.

Coleman spent the day touring the city, learning what it takes to run Colleyville and co-presiding with Mayor David Kelly at a City Council meeting that evening.

His day included visiting the city’s public works facility, the Colleyville Justice Center and McPherson Park.

Before the City Council meeting, Coleman was treated to a Mayor for a Day pizza reception. He then “helped” the mayor preside over the first City Council meeting of the year.

Kelly announced the sixth-grader’s accomplishment during the school day on Dec. 15. City employees “searched” the lunchroom at Colleyville Middle School and surprised Coleman with the good news.

Coleman’s letter said, in part: “I am thankful that I get to grow up in the amazing city of Colleyville. Our community is one of the best places to live in the Metroplex. The caring and involved people are what makes Colleyville such a great place to live.”

Ideas he put forth included adding more sidewalks, walking trails and bike trails “so every citizen and student that walks or rides their bike or scooter can have a safe place to ride.”

This story was originally published January 12, 2016 at 10:08 AM with the headline "Colleyville’s young mayor for a day dreams of holding the post for real."