9-Year-Old Takes the Reins As Robbinsdale’s Mayor for Day
An elementary schooler took charge of Robbinsdale’s city government earlier this week.
In local government, those at the top make many decisions. That’s true in Robbinsdale, where voters elect the mayor.
But on Tuesday, the mayor looked a little different from the one voters picked—and a lot shorter.
Tuesday’s mayor was 9-year-old Mason Knudsen. He won the prize from an auction held at his school, Robbinsdale Spanish Immersion. His mom entered that auction to raise money for the school’s international intern program.
The prize included the title of mayor, and an inside look at the city. We asked Mason what his experience was like, and he kept it simple.
“Fun and crazy,” Mason said. “I did like the fire station stuff.”
He got to tour the police station, and the chance sign a proclamation. He also toured the public works department, the water treatment facility, and sat at the head of the table, making decisions.
Parks staff showed him a couple plans for a new city playground. He approved the vote on one design and shared some feedback with the team.
His mom, Tiffany Knudsen, was also along for the adventure. She watched Mason lead his council meeting with pride and said it was a great day.
“Really exciting. He’s doing a really great job,” Knudsen said.
Mayor Brad Sutton helps his Mayor for a Day lead a meeting with the parks, recreation and forestry department.
Future Goals
At the end of the day, the time came for Mason to set down the gavel, and give the duties back to Robbinsdale’s elected mayor Brad Sutton.
But Sutton said he was happy to hand over his job for the day.
“He just knocked it out of the park today,” Sutton said. “I would do this again, and again, and again.”
Sutton said all of the credit for the mini mayor’s big day goes to the staff. They orchestrated the schedule, the meetings and events throughout the day.
“It was pretty cool. You know, I hope this inspires him to get involved with the community when he gets older,” Sutton said.
Mason visited a variety of Robbinsdale city buildings. He also got to try out different pieces of equipment.
