10-Year-Old Becomes Bradenton's New Mayor (For a Day)

Who says young people don't get involved in politics?

Don't tell that to Colton Ward, a fourth-grader at who got a first-hand look Wednesday at Bradenton's political scene.

Ward served as the city's honorary "Mayor for a Day," sitting next to Mayor Wayne Poston on the dais and presiding over Wednesday's City Council meeting.

"We're old friends because when he was in second grade, I came to read to his class," Poston said. "We've known each other for some time now."

Ward got to lead attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance and bang the mayor's gavel at the start and close of the meeting. He didn't weigh in on any of the issues, but he was presented with a certificate and a key to the city and posed for photos with Poston and Bradenton Police Chief Michael Radzilowski.

"It was fun," Ward said. "It kinda went fast, but it was fun."

It probably didn't hurt that the meeting lasted only about 30 minutes, shorter than most.

Afterward, he and his parents, Kerry and Suzanne Ward, were whisked off for a tour of the city's police, fire and public works departments.

His day began with a breakfast at Peach's Restaurant with two judges, attorneys and State Rep. Jim Boyd (R-Bradenton) and wrapped up with a lunch at .

The Ward family won the "Mayor for a Day" honors during an auction at a school fundraiser. It was something Colton was looking forward to.

"I was excited," he said. "One of my friends got to do it one time."

Ward, 10, said he'll consider becoming a mayor when he grows up, but he "kind of always liked" the idea of working as a firefighter, too.

Public service runs in the family — Colton's dad, a banker with M&I Bank, is also a former chairman of the Bradenton Downtown Development Authority.

"I wanted him to get an inside look at what it's like," Kerry Ward said.

Colton's mom pointed out another perk — he got to miss a day of school.

"That's the good part," Colton said.