64 UnIT 09 | Make a change! Read the text about a young mayor. Answer the questions (1–6) using a maximum of four words. Write your answers in the spaces provided. The first one (0) has been done for you. READInG 7 The world’s youngest mayor? James Tufts is just like many three-year-olds: he tussles with his older brother and he loves to chat to strangers. But he’s also got a side job as the newest – and youngest ever – mayor of Dorset, USA. Instead of holding elections to decide on a mayor, this tiny northern Minnesota town with a population of 22 people has an unusual way of electing a leader. The position of ‘Mayor of Dorset’ is a symbolic one as the town is actually run by a group of five local business owners. There is no formal city council in Dorset. The town holds a yearly election at the ‘Taste of Dorset’ festival, with residents paying $1 to add a name of their choice to the hat and a random slip being drawn to select a mayor. Thus, no one needs to take part in an election in Dorset. James hit the campaign trail running with an experienced political adviser close at hand. His six-year-old brother, Robert, who made national headlines when he served two terms as mayor at ages 3 and 4, and who taught him how to shake hands and look voters in the eye. In his short time in office so far, James seems to have no trouble being addressed as ‘Mr. Mayor’. “I wanted to be the mayor so much. It’s pretty awesome.” “He doesn’t do too much mean stuff, and I taught him how to be nice,” Robert said of his brother. Robert used his time in office to raise money for the Salvation Army and the Ronald McDonald House; James is going to spend the year fundraising for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. James, for his part, has figured out exactly what makes for a good leader: “Being nice and no poopy talk.” “I think they’re going to be legendary as a team,” said their mom, Emma Tufts, who wonders what the future holds. “They’re going to be memorable people. You can just see it in their personality and spirit. I think that together, they’re going to be kind of unstoppable. Together with the right resources, they can use this to their advantage and go somewhere pretty awesome with it. I will encourage them to do whatever it is that they choose. If it’s politics, I guess I would have to deal with it.” As James begins his one-year term and is happy that “everybody likes me,” Robert is ready to lend a hand. But does he really think the little sibling he taught so well will need it? “Nah,” Robert said. “I think he’s got the hang of it.” And finally, despite these glory days, the Tufts boys don’t plan to stay in politics forever. When they were last asked, they had both decided they’re going to be fishermen. It seems the boys’ mother won’t have to worry too much about her sons becoming politicians! 0 What is James’ extraordinary achievement? The youngest mayor ever 1 How is the mayor chosen in Dorset, Minnesota? 2 Who helped James in his campaign? 3 What did Robert achieve during his time as mayor? 4 Which qualities does James think a good leader needs? 5 How does the boys’ mother feel about their future? 6 What activity may the boys eventually prefer to politics? Nur zu Prüfzwecken – Eigentum des Verlags öbv
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