Sarah Leininger Second in Region

Sixth grader Sarah Leininger tied for second in the north region of the Indiana Association of Cities and Towns "If I Were Mayor" essay contest that engages sixth graders throughout the state to consider municipal government and the issues that affect them and their community.

Mayor Allan Kauffman's office in Goshen notified the school of her selection and invited her to attend the June 7 City Council meeting to read her essay. Following is the text of her essay:

If I were mayor, I would want to help make our town cleaner and greener. I would place more trash cans and recycling bins around town so people won't litter as much. Goshen should also use more alternative energy sources. We could have some solar homes, wind farms, and water powered factories. These alternative energy sources would help reduce the pollution we make. Another thing our town needs is trees. We could plant some trees and gardens to reduce the carbon dioxide in the air.

When people drive cars, it pollutes the air and it costs a lot of money for gas. IF I were mayor, I would encourage people to buy electric cars because they don't cause as much pollution. We should also add some bike paths around town. When people are riding their bikes, they are not driving their cars and polluting the air. Also, biking is better for you because you are getting exercise.

I would also organize cook outs, parties, and picnics for neighborhoods so that they neighbors can get to know one another better. When neighbors don't know each other, they can't care for and help each other out. Goshen should have more activities for all ages. We could have some summer day camps for kids. They could also have sports clubs in the summer time.

Being mayor would be a hard job, but it would give you an opportunity to make a difference. If I were mayor, I would make Goshen a better place to live.