LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — Lima Mayor Sharetta Smith fielded questions from some of the city’s youngest residents Tuesday during a visit to Freedom Elementary School.
The mayor met with fourth-grade students from Lima City Schools, who asked about her role in city government and what she and her administration are doing to make Lima a place where people want to live, work and play. Smith explained that providing safety services, maintaining good roads and ensuring safe parks are among the city’s top priorities.
Student Maggie Bridgewater said she learned about the importance of listening and helping others.
“That she likes listening to the community, helping the community and making Lima a better place for everybody to have fun,” Bridgewater said.
Smith encouraged the students to see themselves as leaders, regardless of their age.
“The core message in saying to the young people is that you don’t have to wait until you’re an adult to be a leader, because the core of leadership is about caring for people and working with other people to help make lives better,” Smith said.
The mayor was invited to speak as part of a hands-on learning experience designed to give students insight into local government beyond what they read in textbooks.
Smith said she was impressed by the thoughtful questions the students presented and encouraged them to continue finding ways to help others and make a positive difference in their community.
