Kids ‘Swear In’ Mayor Mike Wiza
By Lisa Pett
In a second inauguration ceremony for some of his youngest constituents, Mayor Mike Wiza took another oath of office and listened to expectations developed by some local students.
Maggie Keneen, director of the Central Wisconsin Children’s Museum conceived the idea while attending the mayor’s first swearing in.
“His first ceremony was not exactly kid-friendly,” said Keneen. “We decided that since he is everyone’s mayor, that [the] kids should get a chance to express themselves and give the mayor some of their expectations.”
The ceremony was held in the new “Mayor’s Annex” room at the Central Wisconsin Children’s Museum. Keneen said the room was designed to look similar to the actual mayor’s office to help kids learn about local government.
Wiza was “sworn in” on a book selected by students- Dr. Suess’ Oh, the Thinks You Can Think” and given a list of the expectations that included, “Remember to play every day. Grow more trees. And protect parks, lakes and rivers.”
“My main priority with these young people is to make sure they know who I am, what I do, and that I am approachable,” Wiza said of his participation.
Following the ceremony Wiza explained the major’s job and the three branches of government, as well as the process of making laws on the local level.
He also encouraged the children to contact his office with questions, but he also told the kids their request to make ice cream mandatory on Thursdays “would not make it through the City Council.”
When asked what the mayor does following the ceremony, 4-year-old Henry Przybylski said, “He’s basically the boss of the city.”