Transcript Slide 1

2013 Media & Marketing Log
“If I Were Mayor”
By Van Eperen & Company
March 2013
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March 1, 2013; Patch.com – Maryland; Fourth Graders throughout Maryland Invited to
Submit Essays in Maryland Municipal League’s 2013 ‘If I Were Mayor’ Contest; Unique
Visitors Per Month: 117,711; Aberdeen, Annapolis, Anne Arundel, Arbutus, Bel Air, Bethesda,
Bowie, Broadneck, Catonsville, Chevy Chase, Colesville, College Park, Columbia, Crofton,
Dundalk, Edgewater-Davidsonville, Eldersburg, Elkridge, Ellicott City, Essex-Middle River,
Gaithersburg, Germantown, Glen Burnie, Greenbelt, Havre de Grace, Hunt ValleyCockeysville, Hyattsville, Kensington, Laurel, Lutherville-Timonium, Montgomery Village,
North Baltimore, North Potomac-Darnestown, Odenton-Severn, Owings Mills-Reisterstown,
Parkville-Overlea, Perry Hall, Pikesville, Potomac, Riverdale Park-University Park, Rockville,
Savage-Guilford, Severna Park, Silver Spring, Takoma Park, Towson, Upper Marlboro,
Westminster, Wheaton
March 2013; Rockville Reports Online; Students Have the Chance to be Mayor for a Day
March 13, 2013; The Gazette Online; Maryland Municipal League launches “If I Were Mayor”
essay contest; Unique Visitors Per Month: 150,741
April 2013
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April 23, 2013; Baltimore Brew Online; What a 4th grader would do if she were mayor
April 24, 2013; Chesapeake Family Online; Winners of Maryland’s “If I were Mayor…” essay
contest announced
April 25, 2013; Patch.com – Maryland; Maryland Municipal League Names 11 Fourth Grade
Winners in Statewide 2013 ‘If I Were Mayor’ Essay Contest; Unique Visitors Per Month:
117,711; Aberdeen, Annapolis, Anne Arundel, Arbutus, Bel Air, Bethesda-Chevy Chase, Bowie,
Broadneck, Catonsville, College Park, Columbia, Crofton, Dundalk, Edgewater-Davidsonville,
Eldersburg, Elkridge, Ellicott City, Essex-Middle River, Fallston, Gaithersburg, Germantown,
Glen Burnie, Greenbelt, Havre de Grace, Hunt Valley-Cockeysville, Hyattsville, Kensington,
Laurel, Lutherville-Timonium, Montgomery Village, North Baltimore, North PotomacDarnestown, Odenton-Severn, Owings Mills-Reistertown, Parkville-Overlea, Perry Hall,
Perryville, Pikesville, Potomac, Riverdale Park-University Park, Rockville, Severna Park, Silver
Spring, Takoma Park, Towson, Upper Marlboro, Westminster, Wheaton
May 2013
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May 1, 2013; Cumberland Times-News Online; Area girl wins essay contest; Unique Visitors
Per Month: 328,692
May 2, 2013; Cumberland Times-News In Print; Area girl wins essay contest; Circulation
23,804; Ad Equivalency: $2,181
May 2, 2013; The Gazette Online; Banner School student wins If I Were Mayor contest;
Unique Visitors Per Month: 150,741
May 2, 2013; The Gazette In Print; Banner School student wins If I Were Mayor contest
May 8, 2013; WNEW-FM 99.1 On Air; Kimberly Suiters discusses “If I Were Mayor” essay
contest and local Gaithersburg winner; Gaithersburg winner reads her essay
May 9, 2013; The Star Democrat Online; Ridgely student is winner in statewide essay contest;
Unique Visitors Per Month: 71,321
May 9, 2013; CBS News Online; Gaithersburg 4th-Grader Wins ‘If I Were Mayor’ Essay Contest
May 13, 2013; Carroll County Times Online; Ina Rill, 10, discusses winning the 'If I Were
Mayor, I would...' contest; Unique Visitors Per Month: 100,000
May 15, 2013; The Gazette Online; Gaithersburg student wins Maryland essay contest;
Unique Visitors Per Month: 150,741
May 18, 2013; The Baltimore Times Online; Fourth grade student has recommendations for
Baltimore City Mayor
May 20, 2013; Patch.com – Maryland; Infographic: If I Were Mayor ... ; Unique Visitors Per
Month: 117,711; Rockville
May 2013 Cont.
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May 26, 2013; The Frederick News-Post Online; Fourth-grader has big plans if she were
mayor; Unique Visitors Per Month: 113,127
Fourth Graders throughout Maryland Invited to Submit Essays in Maryland
Municipal League’s 2013 ‘If I Were Mayor’ Contest
Entries Must Be Received by Friday, March 30; 11 Regional Winners to Be Honored in Annapolis;
Participating Students Asked to Address Contest’s 2013 Time of Their ‘Vision for the Future’
Annapolis, Md. (February 28, 2013)— Fourth graders throughout Maryland are invited to participate in
the Maryland Municipal League’s (MML) annual “If I Were Mayor” essay contest, which challenges
fourth graders across the state to share their thoughts on how they would lead their local, municipal
government if they had the opportunity to be mayor. Essays must be received by MML no later than
March 30.
Since 2001, MML’s “If I were Mayor…” essay contest has challenged students to learn about municipal government through
creatively sharing their thoughts on being a mayor. Each 275-word essay must open with the line: “If I were Mayor, I
would….” and answer three questions revolved around the 2013 theme, which is “Vision for the Future.” Any Maryland
student enrolled in the fourth grade during the 2012-2013 school year may participate. All entries must be submitted by the
student’s teacher. Eleven regional winners will be presented with a $100 cash prize and the Governor’s Citation at a special
ceremony in Annapolis on May 21.
“This contest is a fun, yet important way to help students from all over Maryland learn more about the importance of
municipalities and inspire them to become our next generation of local leadership,” said Scott A. Hancock, executive director
of the Maryland Municipal League. “This year’s theme is especially exciting, as it will give these young students the chance
to share their vision of what they would like to see for the future of their city of town.”
The contest is sponsored by Maryland Municipal League, in partnership with the Maryland Mayors’ Association, Local
Government Insurance Trust, and Injured Workers’ Insurance Fund. Essays are judged based on: essay relation to contest
topic; displayed knowledge about municipal government and the role of a mayor; creativity; and proper use of grammar. To
apply, visit www.mdmunicipal.org/essay.
March 1, 2013
Patch.com - Maryland; Unique Visitors Per Month: 117,711; All Maryland Patches
(Continued)
About The Maryland Municipal League:
Located at the Phipps Municipal Center in the state capital of Annapolis, The Maryland Municipal League (MML) was
founded in 1936 and represents 157 municipal governments and 2 special taxing districts throughout the state of Maryland.
A voluntary, non-profit, nonpartisan association controlled and maintained by city and town governments, MML works to
strengthen and support municipal government through advocacy and the development of effective leadership. Through its
membership in the National League of Cities MML offers legislative representation in Washington, urban research programs,
and a national municipal government information exchange. MML is the only statewide organization in Maryland composed
solely of municipal officials and devoted to the promotion of all branches of municipal administration.
March 1, 2013
Patch.com - Maryland; Unique Visitors Per Month: 117,711; All Maryland Patches
Students Have the Chance to be Mayor for a Day
Calling all fourth graders! The City of Rockville wants to know what you would do if you
were mayor. Students can participate in the annual Maryland Municipal League (MML)
and the Maryland Mayors’ Association (MMA) “If I Were Mayor” essay contest.
This year’s essay theme is “Vision for the Future.” Write a 275-word essay and submit to
MML (1212 West St., Annapolis, MD 21401) by March 30.
One winning essay will be selected from each of the MML’s 11 regional districts
throughout the state. The 11 winners will be recognized at a ceremony in May in
Annapolis.
MML will then send the entries from schools located in the City of Rockville to the City Clerk’s Office to select a local winner
and honorable mentions. The winner will be the mayor of Rockville for a day. The honor of serving as Mayor for a Day
includes lunch with Mayor Phyllis Marcuccio, a tour of City Hall, and participation in the Memorial Day parade.
Fourth graders can explore the following questions in their essay: If I were Mayor,
•What changes would I need to make?
•How would I make these changes?
•How would I involve citizens to help make my community a better place to live in the future?
For more information, go to www.mdmunicipal.org and click on Mayor’s Essay Contest under Programs and Services or call
the City Clerk’s office at 240-314-8280.
March 2013
Rockville Reports
Maryland Municipal League launches “If I Were Mayor” essay contest
by Peggy McEwan Staff writer
Fourth-graders throughout Maryland are invited to participate in the Maryland Municipal League’s annual “If I Were Mayor”
essay contest, which challenges fourth-graders to share their thoughts on how they would lead their local government if they
had the opportunity to be mayor.
“This contest is a fun yet important way to help students from all over Maryland learn more about the importance of
municipalities and inspire them to become our next generation of local leadership,” Scott A. Hancock, executive director of the
Maryland Municipal League, said in a news release. “This year’s theme is especially exciting, as it will give these young
students the chance to share their vision of what they would like to see for the future of their city of town.”
Each 275-word essay must open with the line: “If I were Mayor, I would ... ” and answer three questions relevant to the theme
“Vision for the Future.” Entries must be submitted by the student’s teacher.
Essays are judged on their relation to the contest topic, displayed knowledge about municipal government and the role of a
mayor, creativity and proper grammar. Eleven regional winners will each win $100 and a Governor’s Citation at a ceremony
May 21 in Annapolis. Entries are due March 30.
Applications and more information are online at mdmunicipal.org/essay.
March 13, 2013
The Gazette Online; Unique Visitors Per Month: 150,741
What a 4th grader would do if she were mayor
Prize-winning essay lays out top priorities, a plan to raise taxes and strategies for community buy-in, including cash
rewards!
Brew Editors April 23, 2013 at 4:14 pm
A student imagines what it would be like if she were mayor and called the plays for Baltimore.
Photo by: Youtube video Mayor Rawlings-Blake had to make in 2011 after the Ravens lost
to Pittsburgh
Keep an eye on this kid.
East Baltimore fourth grader Kiyia Johnson won top honors in the Maryland Municipal League’s “If I were mayor” essay writing
contest with her thoughts on what she would if she were in charge of the city.
Johnson would fix the “not very nice” schools, install more “street cameras” to make the streets “safe for everybody” and make
the place more “green.”
Walkability is apparently important for the Commodore John Rodgers Elementary student too, judging by her explanation for
prioritizing more malls for the city.
April 23, 2013
Baltimore Brew Online
(Continued)
“This will make it easier for people to go shopping because cars and sedans are expensive,” Johnson wrote. “If they were able
to walk it wouldn’t cost people anything.”
The text of Kiyia’s essay, released by the League today, shows she’s thought about more than just spending money. She’s got
nods to the notion of transparency (“I would involve citizens by explaining to them why they would be doing things”) and the
need to get along with the legislative branch (“I would meet with the City Council”).
As for fiscal realities, Kiyia’s thought about them too. “I could also raise taxes,” she notes, in the section about mall-building. As
for incentivizing community service she’s got a plan for that as well: “I would give them a reward, such as money, a car and
more.”
Kiyia and the other winners will be recognized by Lieutenant Governor Anthony Brown, presented with a $100 cash prize and
the Governor’s Citation in Annapolis on Tuesday, May 14.
KIYIA’s ESSAY
If I were mayor I would remodel schools. I would do this because some schools in Baltimore City are not very nice. Some of
them do not have any security cameras, desks, book shelfs and no computers. If schools had these things the students would
receive a better education. I would also build more malls. This will make it easier for people to go shopping because cars and
sedans are expensive. If they were able to walk it wouldn’t cost people anything. I would put in more street cameras. Then the
streets will be same for everybody. Finally I would plant more green for the community. This is what I would do if I were mayor.
As mayor, I would go around Baltimore city and have people sign a petition. That way people can agree or disagree if they
would like to remodel schools. I could also raise taxes so I could [have] more money for the city to build malls. Next, I could
have more people to do community service to plant more green. Also, I could have a meeting with the council to discuss
whether they think it’s a good idea to install more street cameras and then create a buget. This is how I would make these
changes.
April 23, 2013
Baltimore Brew Online
(Continued)
As a mayor I would involve citizens by explaining to them why they would be doing things in the community. I would tell them
they are doing this so they can have a safer and better place to live in the future. Also I would give them a reward, such as
money, a car and more if they help out with the community. That is how I would involve the citizens to help make our community
a better place.
A list, with excerpts, of all the other winners
• Steven Bass, Hancock Elementary (Hancock)
“…we need more farms. So this way we would have more farmers so they can provide food locally to all the people in
Hancock.”
• Abbie Joyce, Tome School (North East)
“…set up a program where people can donate used household items and food, so people who need help can get some use out
of them. This would help people who need it and get citizens more involved in the community.”
• Ella Keaton, Ridgely Elementary School (Ridgely)
“…I would do the best to make my town a better place…build more businesses…recycle the trash…have people come to the
schools and help the kids out.”
• Madeline Oliver, The Banner School (Frederick)
“…encourage new businesses to come to my city. This is a good idea because it will bring in more people, bring in more tax
money and create new jobs.”
• Ina Rill, Hampstead Elementary School (Hampstead)
“…build more parks and playgrounds…have a meeting in the town and convince everyone in the city to go so I could tell
everyone about the changes once they were done.”
• Pedro Rolim, Pemberton Elementary (Salisbury)
“…bring more tourists to Salisbury…these initiatives would create new jobs for the city and create a better economy.”
April 23, 2013
Baltimore Brew Online
(Continued)
• Caitlin Rosenberger, Cresaptown Elementary (Cumberland)
“…develop a committee comprised of local business representatives as well as representatives from the educational staff of our
community…to obtain grants to increase the quality of education for our children.”
• Bianca Sanchez, St. Martin’s School (Gaithersburg)
“I would be supportive of all neighborhoods and communities in my city…put everybody’s problems and needs before mine, and
I would make sure the people that need help get that before I added fun things into the community.”
• Amelia Talbot, Cardinal Hickey Academy (Chesapeake Beach)
“…start by proposing oyster beds in public parks on the Bay. The oysters would remove pollutants from the Bay…I would also
propose an ordinance to control noise pollution.”
• Yomyra Villatoro, Hollywood Elementary (College Park)
“…make better transportation…have more sidewalks and streets that are safer to walk/ride bikes on, and more use of bikes
instead of cars.”
April 23, 2013
Baltimore Brew Online
Winners of Maryland’s “If I were Mayor…” essay contest announced
Eleven winners have been announced in the Maryland Municipal League's 2013 "If I were Mayor, I
would..." statewide essay contest.
The contest challenges fourth graders across Maryland to think like a mayor and share their vision
for the future of their local municipal government. The district winners will be recognized by
Lieutenant Governor Anthony G. Brown, receive a Governor's Citation, an award plaque and $100
cash in a private ceremony on May 14, at the Maryland State House. Following the ceremony, the
students along with their parents and teachers, will enjoy a boat ride on the Harbor Queen.
11 contest winners announced
Below are the 2013 winners with excerpts from their essays:
Steven Bass, Hancock Elementary (Hancock) "...we need more farms. So this way we would have more farmers so they can
provide food locally to all the people in Hancock."
Kiyia Johnson, Commodore John Rodgers Elementary/Middle School (Baltimore) "...remodel schools...put in more street
cameras. Then the streets will be safer for everybody." Also... "...I would involve citizens by explaining to them why they would
be doing things in the community.“
Abbie Joyce, Tome School (North East) "...set up a program where people can donate used household items and food, so
people who need help can get some use out of them. This would help people who need it and get citizens more involved in the
community.“
Ella Keaton, Ridgely Elementary School (Ridgely) "...I would do the best to make my town a better place...build more
businesses...recycle the trash...have people come to the schools and help the kids out.“
April 24, 2013
Chesapeake Family Online
(Continued)
Madeline Oliver, The Banner School (Frederick) "...encourage new businesses to come to my city. This is a good idea
because it will bring in more people, bring in more tax money and create new jobs.“
Ina Rill, Hampstead Elementary School (Hampstead) "...build more parks and playgrounds...have a meeting in the town and
convince everyone in the city to go so I could tell everyone about the changes once they were done.“
Pedro Rolim, Pemberton Elementary (Salisbury) "...bring more tourists to Salisbury...these initiatives would create new jobs
for the city and create a better economy.“
Caitlin Rosenberger, Cresaptown Elementary (Cumberland) "...develop a committee comprised of local business
representatives as well as representatives from the educational staff of our community...to obtain grants to increase the quality
of education for our children.“
Bianca Sanchez, St. Martin's School (Gaithersburg) "I would be supportive of all neighborhoods and communities in my
city...put everybody's problems and needs before mine, and I would make sure the people that need help get that before I
added fun things into the community.“
Amelia Talbot, Cardinal Hickey Academy (Chesapeake Beach) "...start by proposing oyster beds in public parks on the Bay.
The oysters would remove pollutants from the Bay...I would also propose an ordinance to control noise pollution.“
Yomyra Villatoro, Hollywood Elementary (College Park) "...make better transportation...have more sidewalks and streets that
are safer to walk/ride bikes on, and more use of bikes instead of cars.“
Students learn about government
Since 2001, MML's "If I were Mayor, I would..." essay contest has challenged students to learn about municipal government
through creatively sharing their thoughts on being a mayor. Each 275-word essay had to open with the line 'If I were Mayor, I
would..." and answer three questions based around the 2013 theme, "Vision for the Future." The contest was open to any
Maryland student enrolled in the fourth grade during the 2012-2013 school year. Each municipality decides if and how they
would like to honor local participants.
April 24, 2013
Chesapeake Family Online
(Continued)
"This contest challenges students to creatively share their thoughts on being mayor and engages them in civic duty from a
young age, which is incredibly important as we look toward the future of our cities and towns," said Scott A. Hancock, executive
director of the Maryland Municipal League. "The contest's theme, 'Vision for the Future,' empowers young students to dream
big, make a difference and think about their city or town's future from the perspective of a public servant.“
The contest was sponsored by the Maryland Municipal League, in partnership with the Maryland Mayors' Association, Injured
Worker's Insurance Fund and Local Government Insurance Trust. Essays were judged based on: essay relation to contest
topic; displayed knowledge about municipal government and the role of a mayor; creativity; and proper use of grammar. For
more information, visit the Maryland Municipal League website.
April 24, 2013
Chesapeake Family Online
Maryland Municipal League Names 11 Fourth Grade Winners in Statewide 2013
‘If I Were Mayor’ Essay Contest
Maryland Students Will be Honored by Lt. Governor Brown on May 14 at State House
Annapolis, Md. (April 25, 2013) — Eleven Maryland fourth graders have been
selected as regional winners of the Maryland Municipal League’s 2013 “If I were
Mayor, I would…” statewide essay contest. The contest challenges fourth graders
across Maryland to think like a mayor and share their vision for the future of their
local municipal government. The district winners will be recognized by Lieutenant
Governor Anthony G. Brown, receive a Governor’s Citation, an award plaque and $100 cash in a private ceremony on Tuesday,
May 14, at the Maryland State House. Following the ceremony, the students along with their parents and teachers, will enjoy a
boat ride on the Harbor Queen.
The 2013 winners are listed below, by school and municipality, with excerpts from their essays:
• Steven Bass, Hancock Elementary (Hancock)
• “…we need more farms. So this way we would have more farmers so they can provide food locally to all the people in
Hancock.”
• Kiyia Johnson, Commodore John Rodgers Elementary/Middle School (Baltimore)
• “…remodel schools…put in more street cameras. Then the streets will be safer for everybody.” Also… “…I would
involve citizens by explaining to them why they would be doing things in the community.”
•Abbie Joyce, Tome School (North East)
• ”…set up a program where people can donate used household items and food, so people who need help can get some
use out of them. This would help people who need it and get citizens more involved in the community.”
• Ella Keaton, Ridgely Elementary School (Ridgely)
• “…I would do the best to make my town a better place…build more businesses…recycle the trash…have people come
to the schools and help the kids out.”
April 25, 2013
Patch.com - Maryland; Unique Visitors Per Month: 117,711; All Maryland Patches
(Continued)
• Madeline Oliver, The Banner School (Frederick)
• “…encourage new businesses to come to my city. This is a good idea because it will bring in more people, bring in
more tax money and create new jobs.”
• Ina Rill, Hampstead Elementary School (Hampstead)
• “…build more parks and playgrounds…have a meeting in the town and convince everyone in the city to go so I could
tell everyone about the changes once they were done.”
• Pedro Rolim, Pemberton Elementary (Salisbury)
• “…bring more tourists to Salisbury…these initiatives would create new jobs for the city and create a better economy.”
• Caitlin Rosenberger, Cresaptown Elementary (Cumberland)
• “…develop a committee comprised of local business representatives as well as representatives from the educational
staff of our community…to obtain grants to increase the quality of education for our children.”
• Bianca Sanchez, St. Martin’s School (Gaithersburg)
• “I would be supportive of all neighborhoods and communities in my city…put everybody’s problems and needs before
mine, and I would make sure the people that need help get that before I added fun things into the community.”
• Amelia Talbot, Cardinal Hickey Academy (Chesapeake Beach)
• “…start by proposing oyster beds in public parks on the Bay. The oysters would remove pollutants from the Bay…I
would also propose an ordinance to control noise pollution.”
• Yomyra Villatoro, Hollywood Elementary (College Park)
• “…make better transportation…have more sidewalks and streets that are safer to walk/ride bikes on, and more use of
bikes instead of cars.”
April 25, 2013
Patch.com - Maryland; Unique Visitors Per Month: 117,711; All Maryland Patches
(Continued)
Since 2001, MML’s “If I were Mayor, I would…” essay contest has challenged students to learn about municipal government
through creatively sharing their thoughts on being a mayor. Each 275-word essay had to open with the line 'If I were Mayor, I
would...” and answer three questions based around the 2013 theme, “Vision for the Future.” The contest was open to any
Maryland student enrolled in the fourth grade during the 2012-2013 school year. Each municipality decides if and how they
would like to honor local participants.
“This contest challenges students to creatively share their thoughts on being mayor and engages them in civic duty from a
young age, which is incredibly important as we look toward the future of our cities and towns,” said Scott A. Hancock, executive
director of the Maryland Municipal League. “The contest’s theme, ‘Vision for the Future,’ empowers young students to dream
big, make a difference and think about their city or town’s future from the perspective of a public servant.”
The contest was sponsored by the Maryland Municipal League, in partnership with the Maryland Mayors’ Association, Injured
Worker’s Insurance Fund and Local Government Insurance Trust. Essays were judge based on: essay relation to contest topic;
displayed knowledge about municipal government and the role of a mayor; creativity; and proper use of grammar. For more
information, visit www.mdmunicipal.org/winners.
###
About The Maryland Municipal League:
Located at the Phipps Municipal Center in the state capital of Annapolis, The Maryland Municipal League (MML) was founded in
1936 and represents 157 municipal governments and two special taxing districts throughout the state of Maryland. A voluntary,
non-profit, nonpartisan association controlled and maintained by city and town governments, MML works to strengthen and
support municipal government through advocacy and the development of effective leadership. Through its membership in the
National League of Cities MML offers legislative representation in Washington, urban research programs, and a national
municipal government information exchange. MML is the only statewide organization in Maryland composed solely of municipal
officials and devoted to the promotion of all branches of municipal administration.
April 25, 2013
Patch.com - Maryland; Unique Visitors Per Month: 117,711; All Maryland Patches
Area girl wins essay contest
May 1, 2013
Greg Larry Cumberland Times-News
CRESAPTOWN — Fourth grade students at Cresaptown Elementary School made a strong
showing in a Maryland Municipal League writing contest, including first place winner 10-year-old
Caitlin Rosenberger.
Rosenberger, the daughter of Jeffrey and Amanda Rosenberger of Cresaptown, will travel to
Annapolis on May 14, where she will get to meet either Gov. Martin O’Malley or Lt. Gov. Anthony
Brown.
Shown from left are
Cresaptown Elementary
School Principal Roxanne
Reuse, fourth grade student
Caitlin Rosenberger and
teacher Tania Pressman.
Rosenberger placed first in
her district in a statewide
essay contest conducted by
the Maryland Municipal
League.
Rosenberger will receive a $100 prize and get to enjoy a boat ride on the Chesapeake Bay.
Greg Larry/Times-News
Rosenberger took the top spot in District Seven, made up of Allegany and Garrett counties, in the
statewide essay writing contest called, “If I Were Mayor, I Would ...”
“We’re thrilled. This young lady is a great writer,” said Roxanne Reuse, principal of Cresaptown
Elementary.
“I’m so excited. My teacher called me over and told me, and I’m like ‘Oh my gosh, I won and I’m getting a trip to Annapolis.’ I’m
so happy,” said Rosenberger.
Rosenberger’s teacher is Tania Pressman.
“I’m really proud of her. Her writing has gotten even better since she did the essay. It seemed like it gave her a lot of
confidence,” said Pressman.
May 1, 2013
Cumberland Times-News Online; Unique Visitors Per Month: 328,692
(Continued)
In class they got to talk about the role of a mayor, a governor and a president, said Pressman. They really had to think about
realistic things that they could do within their community to make it better.
“The focus was on being realistic. What are some changes we could make in the local community,” said Pressman.
Rosenberger’s five-paragraph essay encouraged politicians to work together, favored attracting new businesses by lowering
taxes and called for the holding of town meetings with citizens.
The Maryland Municipal League said it seeks to empower children to dream big, make a difference and think about a future as
a public servant through the writing contest.
The contest’s second and third place finishers in District Seven were also from Cresaptown Elementary. Janna Barton from
teacher Misty Dotson’s class finished second while Dylan Meader of Mandy Abe’s class finished third.
“The first, second and third place awards went to boys and girls of Cresaptown school. We are proud of all three of them,” said
Reuse.
“They are thinking outside of themselves, they’re thinking about the people around them, and that is so important,” said
Pressman.
Increasing police enforcement at schools and community events with the goal of making the community safe for children and
families was another desire Rosenberger included in her essay.
She also called for politicians to work together as a team.
“We are always trying to improve their writing skills. It’s nice when they take it seriously and know enough about what they are
writing about to write a good essay,” said Reuse.
Rosenberger said the boat ride will be her favorite part of the trip.
May 1, 2013
Cumberland Times-News Online; Unique Visitors Per Month: 328,692
(Continued)
“The coolest thing will be looking out over the boat,” said Rosenberger.
Rosenberger said she hopes to be an author when she grows up.
Greg Larry can be contacted a [email protected].
May 1, 2013
Cumberland Times-News Online; Unique Visitors Per Month: 328,692
May 2, 2013
Cumberland Times-News In Print; Circulation: 23,804
May 2, 2013
Cumberland Times-News In Print; Circulation: 23,804
Banner School student wins If I Were Mayor contest
Thursday, May 02, 2013
by Tripp Laino Staff writer
Banner School fourth-grade student Madeline Oliver of Frederick was one of 11 winners of the Maryland Municipal League’s
2013 “If I were Mayor, I would ...” statewide essay contest.
The contest challenges fourth graders across Maryland to think like a mayor and share their vision for the future of their local
municipal governments.
Oliver’s essay was in part to “encourage new businesses to come to my city. This is a good idea because it will bring in more
people, bring in more tax money, and create new jobs.”
She and the other district winners will be recognized by Lt. Gov. Anthony G. Brown, receive a Governor’s Citation, an award
plaque, and $100 cash in a private ceremony on May 14 at the Maryland State House in Annapolis.
Since 2001, MML’s “If I were Mayor, I would ...” essay contest has challenged students to learn about municipal government
through creatively sharing their thoughts on being a mayor. Each 275-word essay had to open with the line “If I were Mayor, I
would ...” and answer three questions based around the 2013 theme, “Vision for the Future.” The contest was open to any
Maryland student enrolled in the fourth grade during the 2012-2013 school year. Each municipality decides if and how they
would like to honor local participants.
Essays were judge based on: essay relation to contest topic; displayed knowledge about municipal government and the role of
a mayor; creativity; and proper use of grammar. For more information, visit www.mdmunicipal.org/winners.
May 2, 2013
The Gazette Online; Unique Visitors Per Month: 150,741
Kimberly Suiters discusses “If I Were Mayor” essay contest and
local Gaithersburg winner; Gaithersburg winner reads her essay.
If I Were Mayor – Clip 1
May 8, 2013
If I Were Mayor – Clip 2
WNEW-FM 99.1 On Air
If I Were Mayor – Clip 3
Ridgely student is winner in statewide essay contest
Posted: Thursday, May 9, 2013 11:00 am
By ABBY ANDREWS Staff Writer
RIDGELY - A Ridgely Elementary School fourth-grader was one of 11 statewide winners in
the Maryland Municipal League's annual “If I were Mayor, I would ...,” essay contest.
Ella Keaton, 9, of Ridgely, won a $100 cash prize for her essay, and will be recognized with
the other district winners by Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown in a private ceremony May 14 at the
Maryland State House, where she will also receive a governor's citation and an award
plaque. She and her guests, including her parents, Amanda and Chris Keaton, her brother,
Avery, and her teacher, will then enjoy a boat ride on the Harbor Queen.
PHOTO BY ABBY ANDREWS
Ella Keaton
Ella Keaton, 9, of Ridgely, was
one of 11 winners in a
statewide essay contest.
The annual essay contest challenges fourth-graders across Maryland to think like a mayor
and share their vision for the future of their local municipal government.
In her winning essay, Keaton said she would create a program at her school, inviting
people to sign up to help the town by picking up trash.
“The people who help around town will always be ready,” Keaton said in an interview May 2.
Keaton wrote the essay for a class assignment, and said she was surprised to learn she won, after her teacher got an email
with the news.
“I was really surprised,” Keaton said.
Keaton said this was the first time she entered an essay contest, but she has always enjoyed writing.
Keaton's mother said she was proud of her daughter, and excited her talent was recognized.
May 9, 2013
The Star Democrat Online; Unique Visitors Per Month: 71,321
(Continued)
“She's always liked to write,” Amanda Keaton said. “She has more notebooks than anyone I know.” Ella Keaton said she prefers
creative writing, and fills her notebooks with stories she makes up.
In addition to writing, Ella Keaton performs in her school's chorus and plays the piano.
May 9, 2013
The Star Democrat Online; Unique Visitors Per Month: 71,321
Gaithersburg 4th-Grader Wins ‘If I Were Mayor’ Essay Contest
GAITHERSBURG, Md. (CBSDC) – A Montgomery County fourth-grader has been selected as a winner of a statewide essay
contest that asked students to put themselves in the mayor’s shoes.
Bianca Sanchez, 10, of St. Martin of Tours School in Gaithersburg, was named one of the state’s winners of the “If I Were
Mayor, I Would … ” essay contest, a competition sponsored by the Maryland Municipal League to inspire children to consider
public service involvement.
Sanchez’s essay was selected as one of 11 winners in a pool of more than 2,500 fourth-graders from around the state who
submitted entries.
Gaithersburg Mayor Sidney Katz met with Sanchez on Wednesday to congratulate her on becoming the city’s first statewide
winner.
The contest, according to the MML, is designed to give students a chance to creatively use grade-specific language arts skills
and social studies knowledge.
Sanchez and the other 10 winners will receive a Governor’s Citation presented by Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown at the 2013 Essay
Award Ceremony on Tuesday at the State House in Annapolis. In addition, the winners will receive $100 cash and a boat cruise
of Annapolis on the Harbor Queen.
WNEW’s Kimberly Suiters contributed to this report.
May 9, 2013
Washington.cbslocal.com
Ina Rill, 10, discusses winning the 'If I Were Mayor, I would...' contest
Posted: Monday, May 13, 2013 12:00 am
By Alisha George Times Staff Writer | 0 comments
Ina Rill, a fourth-grader at Hampstead Elementary School, is one of 11 Maryland fourth-graders selected as regional winners
of the Maryland Municipal League’s 2013 “If I were Mayor, I would…” statewide essay contest. The contest challenges fourthgraders across Maryland to think like a mayor and share their vision for the future of their local municipal government.
Ina and the other district winners will be recognized by Lt. Governor Anthony G. Brown, receive a Governor’s Citation, an
award plaque and $100 cash in a private ceremony Tuesday at the Maryland State House. Following the ceremony, the
students along with their parents and teachers, will enjoy a boat ride on the Harbor Queen.
In June, Ina will be recognized at a Hampstead Town Council meeting. While her classmates got to meet Hampstead’s Mayor
Chris Nevin and talk to him about his job before writing the essay, Ina did not get a chance to because she was out of school
sick that day.
Ina sat down with the Times and talked about what it’s been like to win the contest.
Q: When did you enter the “If I were mayor, I would...” essay contest?
A: It was a little while ago, I don’t remember exactly what month. I didn’t really think it would be worth it, none of my friends
really did. But we kind of went with it.
Q: What did you think about the contest? Was it a challenge to write the essay?
A: Not really because my other friends and I just thought about what to write and what to do. [We thought of] things that are
bad and what to do to make them better.
Q: Did you learn about the job of mayor before you wrote the essay?
A: Not really. I knew that mayors are in charge. I know that you have to take care of the town or place that you’re in charge of
and certain things like prices of stuff and the community.
May 13, 2013
Carroll County Times Online; Unique Visitors Per Month: 100,000
(Continued)
Q: Where did you get the idea to do such things as lowering taxes, lowering gas prices, making alcohol illegal and
building more parks and playgrounds?
A: Taxes are really high for a lot of things. For gas prices, for one gallon it’s pretty ridiculous for the amount of the price. For
playgrounds, there’s only one or two playgrounds in Hampstead. There’s not many and kids really don’t have anywhere else to
play. For alcohol, it’s a bad thing to actually have so it’s not really good for you and your health. So I think it should just be
illegal.
Q: Why did you think it would be important to involve citizens when making changes to the community?
A: I said that we would all have a meeting to discuss the changes, [such as] the new things and the illegal things, so everyone
would know about it. If people didn’t really know about it, they wouldn’t care and they probably wouldn’t discover it.
Q: What gave you the idea to build signs and encourage recycling?
A: Not a lot of people actually recycle and it’s really better to. It’s better for our environment instead of just putting it in a big
trash pile and it pollutes the air.
Q: What did you think when you found out that you were a district contest winner?
A: I was really surprised, I thought, “It’s me?” I thought it wasn’t that good at all. I thought someone else would win, like my
friend Madison. I just think she really has good writing.
Q: What do you plan to do with your $100 cash prize?
A: Probably buy American Girl stuff like beds, I want this doll named Kit’s bed because it’s really pretty and it’s only $95 and it
comes with a lot of stuff. American Girl is actually pretty expensive.
Q: What’s the best part of being a winner?
A: Probably the boat ride. I’ve never been on a boat before and I just want to have the experience. It’s actually something I
want to do in life, be on a boat.
Q: What do you think about being recognized in front of the Hampstead Town Council?
A: I think it will be kind of good because I really want to be kind of noticed by a lot of people.
May 13, 2013
Carroll County Times Online; Unique Visitors Per Month: 100,000
(Continued)
Q: What do you think of the job of mayor? Do you think it would be easy or difficult?
A: Difficult because you have to do a lot of things to make the town or city better and worth living in. It’s kind of hard to actually
do prices of things and find people to build things like parks and a store or something.
Q: Do you think you’d want to be mayor one day?
A: Maybe because it would be hard but I could be in charge of some people.
Q: If you’re not mayor, what would you like to do?
A: I kind of want to be a veterinarian or assistant veterinarian because I love animals. I like to take care of them because
they’re cute and fluffy.
May 13, 2013
Carroll County Times Online; Unique Visitors Per Month: 100,000
Gaithersburg student wins Maryland essay contest
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
by Sylvia Carignan
Bianca Sanchez, a fourth-grader at St. Martin’s School in Gaithersburg, was a winner in the Maryland Municipal League’s “If I
Were Mayor” essay contest.
The statewide competition awards winners with a $100 cash prize and a meeting in Annapolis with Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown (D)
that was to be held Tuesday.
Bianca, 10, focused her essay on helping the poor and homeless. If she were mayor of Gaithersburg, she said, she would repair
buildings and homes, recycle and keep the city clean.
May 15, 2013
The Gazette Online; Unique Visitors Per Month: 150,741
Fourth grade student has recommendations for Baltimore City Mayor
Saturday, 18 May 2013 06:16 | By Ursula V. Battle
“If I were mayor, I would remodel schools. I would do this because some schools in
Baltimore City are not very nice. Some of them do not have any security cameras,
desks, bookshelves, and no computers. If schools had these things, the students
would receive a better education. I would also build more malls. This will make it
easier for people to go shopping because cars and sedans are expensive. If they
were able to walk, it wouldn’t cost people anything. I would put in more street
cameras. Then the streets would be safer for everybody. Finally, I would plant more
green for the environment. This is what I would do if I were mayor.” —An excerpt
from Winning Essay by 4th grader Kiyia Johnson
Fourth grade Commodore John Rodgers
Elementary/Middle School student Kiyia Johnson is
one of the regional winners of the Maryland Municipal
League’s 2013 “If I were Mayor, I would…” statewide
essay contest. Contest winners were recognized by Lt.
Governor Anthony G. Brown, received a Governor’s
Citation, an award plaque and $100 cash in a private
ceremony on Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at the Maryland
State House. Courtesy Photo
Kiyia Johnson is interested in one-day becoming mayor. The fourth-grade
Commodore John Rodgers Elementary/Middle School student has clear and simple
ideas of what she would do if she sat in the city’s highest elected position.
Those ideas, which included having citizens sign petitions, remodeling schools,
raising taxes, planting to promote a greener environment, and installing street
cameras, resulted in her selection as one of the regional winners of the Maryland
Municipal League’s 2013 “If I were Mayor, I would…” statewide essay contest.
Kiyia, along with the other winners were recognized by Lt. Governor Anthony G. Brown, received a Governor’s Citation, an
award plaque and $100 cash in a private ceremony on Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at the Maryland State House. Following the
ceremony, the students along with their parents and teachers enjoyed a boat ride on the Harbor Queen.
“I just thought about what would be best and better for Baltimore City,” said Kiyia. “It took me about a week to write it.”
The essay contest challenges fourth graders across Maryland to think like a mayor and share their vision for the future of their
local municipal government. The contest was open to any Maryland student enrolled in the fourth grade during the 2012-2013
school year.
May 18, 2013
The Baltimore Times Online
(Continued)
“I was surprised that I won,” said Kiyia. “At first, I thought I had gotten into trouble.”
The contest was sponsored by the Maryland Municipal League in partnership with the Maryland Mayors’ Association; the
Injured Worker’s Insurance Fund and the Local Government Insurance Trust.
Essays were judged on: essay relation to contest topic; displayed knowledge about municipal government and the role of a
mayor; creativity; and proper use of grammar.
“When I was writing the essay, I was thinking about [how] long it takes to take a cab or sedan to the mall because it’s so far and
my parents don’t have a car,” said Kiyia. “That’s why I said I would build more malls in the city. There’s also not as much green
in the city as there is in the county. That’s why I would plant more grass and plants. It would make the city look much better.”
Megan Jacobson is Kiyia’s social studies teacher. “This was our first time entering a contest,” said Jacobson who also teaches
English and language arts. “Kiyia’s win has created a sense of encouragement in the classroom. All of the kids are now
extremely interested in participating in writing contests in the future. I wanted the students to walk away with sense of
community and the city.”
Jacobson continued, “They don’t have as many malls and supermarkets as you see in the county. Kiyia got deeper into
meaning and importance of community and city. Everything she put in the essay she applied to her own life, and why it was
important to her.”
The Maryland Municipal League is a voluntary, non-profit, nonpartisan association that works to strengthen and support
municipal government through advocacy and the development of effective leadership.
Scott A. Hancock, who is the executive director of the Maryland Municipal League said, “This contest challenges students to
creatively share their thoughts on being mayor and engages them in civic duty from a young age, which is incredibly important
as we look toward the future of our cities and towns.”
May 18, 2013
The Baltimore Times Online
Infographic: If I Were Mayor ...
A visual representation of fourth-grade essay contest winner Young-A Kim's vision for Rockville's future.
By Tiffany Arnold
This Wordle infographic depicts Fallsmead Elementary School fourth-grader
Young-A Kim's winning "If I Were Mayor" essay. Credit Wordle.net
If Fallsmead Elementary School fourth-grader Young-A Kim was the mayor of Rockville, communal tree plantings, a cook out
and plenty of brand new playgrounds would be in the city’s future.
May 20, 2013
Patch.com - Maryland; Unique Visitors Per Month: 117,711; Rockville
(Continued)
Kim outlined her vision in the one-page essay she submitted to this year’s “If I were Mayor” contest, sponsored by the Maryland
Municipal League and the Maryland Mayors’ Association.
We’ve created a Wordle infographic of her essay (above).
As this year’s winner, Kim will go behind the scenes at City Hall on Thursday and will get to ride along with city police and have
lunch with Mayor Phyllis Marcuccio.
The mayor and Council will formally recognizer Kim during its June 17 Council meeting. But you can see Kim in Rockville's 69th
Annual Memorial Day Parade, 10:30 a.m. Monday, May 27 in Town Square.
Related Topics: City of Rockville, If I Were Mayor, Maryland Mayors’ Association, and Maryland Municipal League
May 20, 2013
Patch.com - Maryland; Unique Visitors Per Month: 117,711; Rockville
Fourth-grader has big plans if she were mayor
Posted: Sunday, May 26, 2013 2:00 am
By Pete McCarthy News-Post Staff | 3 comments
Maddie Oliver could barely see over the dais as she read her essay about what she would do
as mayor.
Staff photo by Sam Yu With Frederick
Mayor Randy McClement, standing, and
the Frederick Aldermen looking on Maddie
Oliver, 9, of Rocky Ridge and a Banner
School fourth grader who is a winner of the
Maryland Municipal League's "If I Were
Mayor, I Would ...." contest uses
McClement's gavel to open a recent Board
of Aldermen meeting.
But that didn't stop Maddie, a fourth grader at The Banner School, from presenting to a
crowded room at Frederick City Hall during a recent meeting of the mayor and aldermen.
“I would think about what is good for my city,” Maddie read. “I would encourage new
businesses to come to my city. This is a good idea because it will bring in more people, bring
in more tax money and create new jobs. This idea will help people in Frederick that do not
have jobs to get one.”
Maddie, 9, was one of 11 winners in the statewide contest sponsored by the Maryland
Municipal League. Not only did she get to kick off the May 16 meeting of the mayor and
aldermen, she also met Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown, received numerous proclamations and got a
$100 prize.
“I just thought about what did my city need the most,” Maddie said in a follow-up interview.
Maddie, who lives in Rocky Ridge, said she could have promised that ice cream would be
served every day or half-day Fridays, but she wanted to take the question seriously.
Staff photo by Sam Yu Maddie Oliver, 9, of
Rocky Ridge and a Banner School fourth
grader who is a winner of the Maryland
Municipal League's "If I Were Mayor, I
Would ...." contest looks on as Frederick
Mayor Randy McClement coaches her on
opening a recent Board of Aldermen
meeting for him because of her win.
May 26, 2013
Maddie had three ideas in mind for her essay, but she decided to focus on business.
“If we didn't have businesses, we wouldn't have jobs,” she said. “We wouldn't really have a
whole city.”
The Frederick News-Post Online; Unique Visitors Per Month: 113,197
(Continued)
She kept seeing help wanted signs and figured the best way to create more jobs would be to
encourage new businesses to come to Frederick.
She sent an email to Mayor Randy McClement for ideas about what is important. And got a
response.
“It said budget,” Maddie said. “I decided if we have businesses, you get tax money and then
you have a budget.”
The aldermen were all impressed with what they heard from Maddie.
Staff photo by Sam Yu Frederick Mayor
Randy McClement demonstrates the use
of his gavel to Maddie Oliver, 9, of Rocky
Ridge and a Banner School fourth grader
who is a winner of the Maryland Municipal
League's "If I Were Mayor, I Would ...."
contest. Because of her win Mayor
McClement let Oliver open a recent
Frederick Board of Aldermen meeting in
his place.
“I think you've got yourself a new executive assistant,” Alderwoman Karen Young told the
mayor — referring to the city worker who serves as his confidant.
McClement's thoughts on Maddie's presentation?
“She did a great job,” McClement said. “It does show that our future is in good hands.”
Maddie admitted she is not sure about politics.
“They're confusing,” she said. “I could understand why you have to take politics so seriously. If you mess up, something might
happen badly.”
Still, she appreciated the opportunity.
Her favorite part?
“Learning about government and learning about what you have to do, and a little bit about politics,” Maddie said. “All of it.”
Know of a person who would make a good Slice? If so, please send your suggestions to [email protected] or call us at
301-662-1178 and ask for a city editor.
May 26, 2013
The Frederick News-Post Online; Unique Visitors Per Month: 113,197