In conjunction with Georgia Cities Week, the Georgia Municipal Association sponsored a statewide writing contest, inviting sixth-graders to share their thoughts on what they would do as mayor.
More than 4,800 entries were received and GMA chose 12 winners, one from each Georgia district.
While a Richmond Hill student was chosen for the District 12 winner, Liberty County designated the top three winners from the entries received. They were Jackson Chandler, Johari Hall and Harmony Wallace from Lewis Frasier Middle School.
The students read their essays for the mayor and council during the Hinesville City Council meeting on April 17.
Chandler advocated for more attention to completing road construction projects. He also voiced concern about air pollution.
Wallace wanted to see more community centers for children to play sports and develop interests in performance art.
Along with a city public transportation system, Hall would also build another recreation center, if she were mayor.
Hinesville Mayor Jim Thomas called the essays "thoughtful," and said they were "already winners."
"Sometimes sixth graders see things better than old people," Thomas said.
Thomas and City Manager Billy Edwards gave city of Hinesville coins, T-shirts and caps to the students.