May 14th, 2008
Whatever Happened to Flipping Burgers? College Freshman Elected Mayor
Not your typical after-school internship. A college freshman who would otherwise be chillin’ on summer break is instead reviewing a city budget of over $28 million.
No, he’s not a business major working on a summer project. He’s a 19-year-old political science major who’s just been elected mayor of Muskogee, Oklahoma.
The media jokes are endless. And John Tyler Hammons isn’t making it hard by describing his election win as “the most awesome experience I’ve ever had in my life.” NPR started their filler with a line about the lack of a champagne toast at the celebration rally. MTV chides at some of the cheezy campaign slogans: “Proud to be an Okie from Muskogee.”
But, in truth, isn’t this the direction of American politics? New faces, new ideas, and, most importantly – the promise of change. The presidential election brings a time of breaking through traditional barriers of race, gender, and age. And at 19 years old, Hammons walked away from election day with almost 70% of the vote in a town of almost 38,000 people – all the while, living over two hours away. Not your usual small-town candidate.
Hammons is planning on transferring from University of OK to a college closer to Muskogee. There are thirteen choices within an hour’s drive (not including the local beauty school). Well, at least he won’t have to worry about what fraternity to join.
[...] (not to mention pretty much a guaranteed foot in the door to the communications industry for a job after graduation). And with an economy as sour as it is, interning while you’re still in college just makes [...]
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