Airmont "Mayors for a Day" Take Over Village Hall

Two students from Cherry Lane Elementary recently joined Airmont Mayor Philip Gigante at Village Hall to serve as honorary Mayors For A Day. Second-grader Sarina Mahmud and third-grader Matthew Budnar were the winners of a contest where K-5 students were asked to create a poster or personal essay on what they would do if they could be mayor for the day.

Upon arrival, the students were greeted by Mayor Gigante and shown to "their" office for a Mayors Meeting. Mayor Mahmud and Mayor Budnar were given an overview of the agenda for the day, which included a meet and greet with Village staff, including the Clerk and Deputy Clerk, Code Officials, Planning & Zoning Clerk, Justice Court Judge, and several others. The students asked questions to better understand the role that each staffer fulfills, and how the village operates on a daily basis.

The co-Mayors also hosted a special Work Session with members of the public, where they reviewed the status of Village Road Paving projects, approved upcoming Village communications, and discussed highlights of the 2019 Airmont Budget. Afterwards, they visited with the Airmont Seniors Club, and talked about their ideas for the Village, including a public park, affordable housing, and attracting new businesses to Airmont such as a Wawa and an ice cream shop.

Mayor Mahmud and Mayor Budnar were presented with Certificates of Distinction by Mayor Gigante, and then set to work signing nearly two dozen Certificates of Honor for all of the Cherry Lane students who submitted entries. All of the essays and posters submitted by students are currently on display at Village Hall. Mayor Gigante thanked Cherry Lane Principal Angela Aguilar for allowing the students to participate in this fun and educational event, and hopes to host a similar program at other schools that serve students from Airmont.