Being Mayor?

Question

I have a few questions about mayor. I have a freind in sterling heights michigan who is 16 years old. She wants to run for mayor either this year or next year. What is the age requirement of running for mayor? Do you need to have a college education?

What do mayors do exactly? Can they make laws of the city and change areas of the city. Can they lower taxes and bring more money towards the city and can they change the cities schools in a better way. Tell me what mayors have the right to do. Also how can you run for mayor and be elected. Thanks for answering these questions.

Answer 1

It depends on the size of the town. In a very small town, the mayor may preside over city council meetings a few nights a week. In a larger town or a city, the mayor has a full time job.

The requirements and what the mayor can do in the job should be found either in your state constitution or your local laws. There may or may not be an age requirement, but a 16 year old may not be able to have the job if the hours interfere with school. A college degree is never a requirement for public office, but it helps you get elected, and it makes you more knowledgable about how governement works.

A small town mayor will be working with the city council on issues like zoning laws, funding various projects, and organizing big festivals. Education will probably be covered by the board of education instead, and taxes may or may not be covered (here in CA taxes are almost always decided on the ballot, not by the city council).

To run for mayor, you would probably contact the county election board about starting a petition, and you will need to collect enough signatures to get on the ballot. If being a mayor isn't right for your friend right now, she should contact the city council to see if they have any youth in government programs, so she can get experience in the system.

Answer 2

depends per city because each city has its own ordinances and regulations you would have to check with the city's laws