On Monday (August 21), Cruise Jackson had the chance to spend the day in the mayor's seat.

Cruise was this year's middle school winner of the Mayor for a Day Challenge and he spent the day learning all about what the mayor does.

"I learnt you have to talk to lots of people, shake lots of hands, and I learned that being mayor is a very tough job and never ends."

Cruise spent the day with Mayor Peter Brown and with City staff touring City Hall. He also met Deputy Fire Chief Garth Rabel and spent time at the Fire Department where he got to see trucks and try on equipment. Later in the day, he officiated over the first City Council meeting of the month.

Cruise was also given a jacket from the City of Airdrie and a belt buckle from Airdrie Fire that is normally reserved for firefighters.

Cruise's winning idea is to have students from all Airdrie schools make thank-you cards for local first responders, and to have an annual thank you event at an Airdrie park for the RCMP, Fire Department, EMS and Municipal Enforcement. He explained why he thinks it's important to thank our first responders.

"They do lots of stuff for the community and we need to say thank you."

Cruise was very appreciative of everyone that showed him around while he was Mayor for A Day, and expressed gratitude for the experience.

 

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