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A 19-year-old Pennsylvania student has been sworn in as his town's
youngest ever mayor.
Christopher Portman took his oath as mayor of Mercer and celebrated
by watching his girlfriend cheerleading at a high school basketball
game.
His previous highest office was school class vice-president. He'll
be paid around £1,300 a year as mayor.
Christopher, who still lives with his parents, took office after
winning the Republican primaries last year - defeating a 55-year-old
council member and another 19-year-old rival.
He takes over from the outgoing 78-year-old mayor. He will cast
the deciding vote at council meetings and oversee the local police.
More than 50 family, friends and dignitaries attended his swearing-in
at the Mercer County Courthouse, about 60 miles north of Pittsburgh,
reports the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
He spelled out two immediate goals: tightening conservation regulations
and setting up the Mercer Foundation, a private group he hopes will
raise regeneration cash. But he says he ultimately has eyes on the
White House.
"I'm so thrilled that Chris ran, and he's a wonderful person
- a good young man from a wonderful family," said outgoing
mayor John G 'Jerry' Johnson. "I held the Bible for him ...
was glad to. No, no, no, no, he's not too young. I think he'll be
able to work with younger people."
His girlfriend, Kimberly Lange, 17, said: "It feels great.
I'm very proud of him. I met him when I moved to the school a year
ago in December. He told me the idea about him being mayor, but
at first I was quite shocked.
"He's very conservative. I don't know how to explain it ...
he's older. He's very mature. He feels like the mayor to me."
Posted 10th January 2002
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