18-year-old Jaylen Smith has become the youngest Black mayor in the United States after being elected in a runoff election.
According to reports, the history maker defeated Nemi Matthews Sr. in a runoff election to emerge the mayor of Earle, Arkansas.
The election body said Smith garnered 218 votes, as against his opponent, Matthews who scored 139.
In post victory post on Facebook, Smith wrote: “Citizens of Earle, Arkansas, it’s official!! I am your newly elected Mayor of Earle, Arkansas… ‘It’s Time to Build a Better Chapter of Earle, Arkansas.’ I would like to thank all my supporters for stepping up getting people to the polls. I am truly grateful for you all.”
It could be recalled that Jaylen Smith finished high school in May. The American state of Arkansas includes Earle as a city in Crittenden County. There were 1,831 people there as of the 2020 census.
In his Facebook post, the history maker averred that it’s time to create a better chapter for Earle, Arkansas.
As a newcomer, “I have what it takes. At this point in time, I want to do a lot. I wish to make all the necessary improvements to Earle, Arkansas,” Smith told newsmen in August.
Smith ran on a programme that included strengthening the local police force, fixing the drainage system, dealing with vacant homes, and increasing community involvement.
It was gathered that he held executive positions in school groups while in high school and served as president of the student government association.
While noting that you really do need to start someplace, he said “When I could become mayor straight away, I preferred not to wait until I was 30 or 40.”
Smith intends to one day practice law and has plans to balance his studies at Arkansas State University Mid-South with his obligations as mayor.
SUPPORT NIGERIAN CANADIAN NEWS
If you like our work and want to keep enjoying what we offer, kindly support us by donating to the Nigerian Canadian News through the button below
Share your thoughts in the comments section below
Do you want to share any news or information with us? If yes, contact the publisher at publisher@test1.nascitest.club
