Governance: An Interview with Michael Sessions

Interview With Michael Sessions

An article posted June 7, 2006. By Nancy Diaz, CRF Forum Staff.

An Interview With Michael Sessions, Recently Elected Mayor of Hillsdale, Michigan  

Michael Sessions made national headlines last year as the newly-elected mayor of a small Michigan town. Why did a mayoral election make national headlines? Because Mayor Sessions is 18 years old. CRF Forum interviewed Michael and asked about his experience as a newly-elected civic leader.  

CRF Forum: Can you briefly describe your town?  
Michael: The City of Hillsdale has 8,200 people, which doesn't include the extra 1,200 we get when college is in session. We are a pretty homogenous population, but we encourage diversity. We have a college (Hillsdale College). We also have a lake that borders the town along with hundreds of lakes throughout Hillsdale County. The City of Hillsdale has a weak mayoral system, meaning that we have a City Manager. I'm the chief executive of the city by definition of the charter, but all day-to-day operations are left to the City Manager. 

CRF Forum: What's the economy based on? Are there any interesting historical facts about Hillsdale?  
Michael: Our biggest employer is Hillsdale College, which employs roughly 500 people. We have a few factories in town such as Dow Automotive, Precision Gage, Alsons Corporation and a new mini-motorcycle company called Cobra coming to town. Hillsdale is a very historical town. We have the most popular fair on earth with the Hillsdale County Fair recently celebrating its 150th anniversary. People used to come to the fair from as far away as New York and St. Louis by taking the railroad that went through town.  

CRF Forum: What made you decide to run for mayor? 
Michael: Hillsdale had been hit hard by the recent declines in the economy. I felt that not enough emphasis was being placed on helping the folks recover from those tough times. I also witnessed it first hand with my father losing his job two years ago. I felt that I could really relate to the people who have suffered in this town. I also felt that when a person is running unopposed, not much change can occur for the better. You need competition to bring about change and new ideas. 

CRF Forum: What was your community's reaction? 
Michael: The community response has been very positive. People are excited to learn along with me. I also think it has been positive so far for me. My main goal was to increase overall awareness of the Hillsdale City Government. So far I have seen more people asking questions and wanting answers and more people engaged at City Council meetings.  

CRF Forum: Are your parents supportive? 
Michael: My parents have to be supportive. If my parents weren't supportive, then I'm pretty positive that I wouldn't be able to get through some days. I have been blessed with parents that have always stood beside me in any situation. You really need that to overcome anything. 

CRF Forum: What are some of your daily duties? 
Michael: It really depends. It could involve meeting after meeting all day long to answering phone calls and getting caught up on e-mails and letters. It could also be going from event to event. My job is random and it can be different every single day. 

CRF Forum: What problems or needs does your community have?  
Michael: Our unemployment rate is one of the highest in the state of Michigan. We have been hit hard by the loss of jobs due to the automotive industry. I feel that the awareness of the city government really needs to improve, along with the need for the city to invest in a fourth firefighter. I was endorsed by the fire department here in Hillsdale. It's quite unheard of for a person to be endorsed as a write-in candidate. But one thing I could do is talk to them. I see their need for a fourth firefighter. Those would really be the three biggest issues. 

CRF Forum: Do you have any plans to address them?  
Michael: I'm one of nine people. However, I've started to address the awareness problem. I started the Mayor's Public Service Campaign and have stuck myself out on the public access channel. I have also talked about the different things the city has to offer, such as our fire department to the police and library along with emergency preparedness. I am fighting for that fourth firefighter along with anything we can do for economic development. 

CRF Forum: How do you balance your duties as a mayor and as a student? 
Michael: Pretty easily. I am quite good with time management and managing my time, which you have to be in this situation. I really lay out what my priorities are and go and attack them daily. 

CRF Forum: What are your college plans? 
Michael: I will be attending Hillsdale College in the Fall 2006. 

CRF Forum: Do you plan on running for reelection? 
Michael: We'll have to wait and see where I am in four years. 

CRF Forum: What do you think can young people do to get more involved in their communities? 
Michael: They can do a lot. In government everything starts locally. I love to take the quote from John F. Kennedy and change it to fit what I think. I always tell young people to, "Not ask what their communities can do for them, but ask what they can do for their community." Folks, there are a ton of things that can be done in your community. Whether it is washing windows in downtown or volunteering at the Senior Center. We as young people have the power to change the world and ourselves. We must attack the problems in the world because we are the future. I urge all young people to get involved whether it is at a city council meeting or as I said before at your Senior Center.

Links

• ABC News: Good Morning America - One of three national news stories about Michael’s November, 2005 election as Mayor of Hillsdale, Michigan.
• NBC Nightly News - One of three national news stories about Michael’s November, 2005 election as Mayor of Hillsdale, Michigan.
• USA Today - One of three national news stories about Michael’s November, 2005 election as Mayor of Hillsdale, Michigan.

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