James Eik
Jeremy Minnier is just like any other 18-year-old high school student. He plays saxophone in the school band and volunteers in various areas of his community.
Minnier is also the mayor-elect of the town of Ardeale, Iowa. Of the 32 ballots cast in last week's election, he received 24 compared to the incumbent mayor's eight.
The incumbent mayor was only running because at the time, it seemed like no one else would step up to the plate. Some neighbors and friends put together signs to help get Minnier elected.
Sure, the town only has 74 residents, but hey, you've got to start somewhere.
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There were no campaign signs, no fancy advertisements or any tickertape parade down a street. Aside from the occasional media recognition for his youthful victory, life probably didn't change too much in the town.
Minnier already holds a part-time job and is involved with his school's Future Farmers of America group. So, in the realm of speaking to a potentially packed garage, he'll do just fine.
This sort of thing, electing a youthful candidate into office, has equal upsides and downsides. But, I'm sure Minnier has some experienced people in town who know certain procedures and can help him out.
It's the sort of hopeful story that our country needed from this year's elections; that youth can take the reins and make important changes.
But, more importantly, it is the belief that one can make a difference, whether it's a city of millions or a town of 74. Most candidates say that they believe they are called to the office, many for different reasons. Some may say their spouse nudged them in a certain direction, or that they are trying to right some wrongs that exist with the current administration.
Becoming mayor of a town at 18 years old is an undertaking that requires either a large ego or a desire to seek a better life for the community. After seeing the man speak in interviews, I personally believe it's the latter.
Instead of camping out in New York's Zuccotti Park, chanting and holding up a sign, Minnier took the route that can most affect change. Regardless of his politics, that's at least proof that some youth in our country understand our system of government.
What makes our country, and coincidentally Aredale, Iowa, great, is the ability to speak and influence the current state of things with a single vote.
Or, in this case, 24 of them.
Humble beginnings and respect of the people are hallmarks in many of our political figures, more so at the local level than anywhere else. This might be my youthful optimism speaking, but I've seen that on display in cities in the West Plains. Although disagreements can arise on a council, the ultimate goal is to make the community better.
Let's face it, there isn't too much of a financial benefit that comes from being a city council member out here. Even then, some council members donate their checks to local charities.
Serving on a city council should be about serving the community.
At any rate, Aredale's 74-person town can take pride in its election turnout. While Washington figured to come in around the 30 to 40 percent range, the small Iowa town bested us. It was better than most cities in the West Plains, if not the country.
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