MAYOR'S MESSAGE Inspiring the Next Generation Through the "If I Were Mayor..." Contest One of the most rewarding parts of serving as Mayor is seeing the creativity, thoughtfulness, and civic spirit of our young people. At the May 5, 2026 City Council meeting, the City of Coos Bay had the pleasure of recognizing students who participated in the Oregon Mayors Association’s annual “If I Were Mayor…” contest. This year marked Coos Bay’s first participation in the program in many years, and I could not have been more impressed by the ideas and enthusiasm shown by the students who entered. The contest encourages young people to think about local government, leadership, and the future of their community by answering one simple but important question: “If I were mayor…” The students submitted thoughtful essays that reflected creativity, civic understanding, and a genuine desire to make Coos Bay an even better place to live. Their ideas reminded all of us on the Council why community involvement matters and why it is so important to encourage future leaders. During the May 5 meeting, City Manager Nichole Rutherford and I had the honor of presenting certificates and prizes to the students in front of the City Council and community members. The students recognized included: 1. Faith England – 1st Place 2. Mirra Cantrell – 2nd Place 3. Elias El Youssef – 3rd Place 4. Lucy Seedborg – Honorable Mention The City was also grateful for the support of NW Natural, whose $500 donation helped provide prizes and recognition for the participating students. I shared with the students during the meeting that they are the future of our city, and I truly believe that. It was inspiring to hear their ideas and see their willingness to step forward and engage in their community at such a young age. Civic participation starts with conversations like these, and I hope this experience encourages them to stay involved for years to come. I also want to extend a special thank you to teacher Sydney Zeeryp, whose leadership class participated in the contest and helped make this opportunity possible. Community partnerships between educators, students, local organizations, and city government are invaluable. Congratulations again to all of the students who participated. Coos Bay has a bright future ahead. -Joe Benetti, Mayor of Coos Bay