By Jolie Jackson
Friendswood’s mayor Mike Foreman has a new shadow for the day, as an honorary Mayor was sworn in to Friendswood’s City Council the morning of July 23 for the day.
Soon to be sixth grader Allison Williams was the chosen winner after her family gave the highest bid in an auction hosted by the Friendswood ISD Education Foundation to help fundraise for teacher grants.
“This fundraiser is important because it raises money for the hardworking teachers in our area,” Mayor Mike Foreman said. “The money is pooled into grant programs to help in the classrooms.”
Allison was given a long itinerary at the start of the day, filled with visits to public departments such as the Police and Fire Departments. According to Allison, she is most excited to visit the Friendswood Summer Camp. She will be accompanied by Mayor Mike Foreman the entire time.
“I enjoy building close relationships with the people who work here in Friendswood,” Foreman said. “As Mayor, it’s important to know what’s going on around you so you know where to help.”
As a way to push fundraising even further, Foreman will pay for all of the expenses required to ensure Allison has the best experience possible.
“I’m definitely losing some money here, especially with our lunch at Perry’s Steakhouse, but it’s worth it,” Foreman said.
According to Allison, she may want a career in politics after her experience. One of her passions is making more accessible parks to accommodate wheelchairs.
“My aunt is in a wheelchair and we have a hard time finding parks to go to because they are all so far away,” Allison said. “It would be nice to have one closer.”
Both mayors, Allison and Foreman, will continue the day together and hopefully create lasting memories.
