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Character Education LessonsBible Edition

Mayor For A Day

Contents

� God Gives Us Rules� Civic Virtue—Accepting Rules� Learning to Work� Fulfilling Our Vows� Listening to Parents� The Golden Rule� Citizenship—Obeying Rules� Respect for Law—Not Stealing� Eating Properly� The Law of Sowing and Reaping� A School Without Rules� Questions

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Summary

As a reward for winning the soccer championship, Davy is

chosen mayor for a day. The band and the whole town assem-

ble together for this great event. Tired of his parents’ rules,

Davy’s first official announcement as mayor is to eliminate all

rules. The parents’ groan, but the children jump up and down

for joy. But the day without rules was a disaster for everyone.

The whole town becomes angry, but Davy finally saves the day.

In this graphically illustrated and fascinating story, Carl

Sommer shows the importance of citizenship, rules for main-

taining civic virtue, and respect for the law.

Main VirtuesCitizenship/Civic Virtue/Respect for Law

Other Virtues Appreciation, Caring, Cheerfulness, Community Service, Compassion, Cooperation, Courtesy,Fairness, Justice, Kindness, Obedience to Parents, Peacefulness, Respect for Humankind, ResponsibleCitizenship, Self-Discipline, Sportsmanship, and Unity

God Gives Us Rules

Davy’s dad and mom had rules in their home, but to Davy there were too many. These were some ofthe rules:

Look both ways before crossing the street.Go to bed on time.Sit up straight.Eat your food.Brush your teeth.Clean your room.Make your bed.Do your homework.

“Whew!” Davy mumbled to himself. “I hate rules!”But God gives us rules or commands; the wise obey all of them and receive His blessings.

Exodus 20:1-17 (short version of the Ten Commandments) KJVAnd God spake all these words, saying,[3] Thou shalt have no other gods before me. [7] Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless

that taketh his name in vain.[8] Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy [12] Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy

God giveth thee.[13] Thou shalt not kill.[14] Thou shalt not commit adultery. [15] Thou shalt not steal.[16] Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.[17] Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his

manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s.

Deuteronomy 4:13 So He declared to you His covenant which He commanded you to perform, the Ten Commandments;

and He wrote them on two tablets of stone.

Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the

Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

√* John 14:21 He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be

loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.

Acts 17:30 Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent.

Additional verses: Genesis 3:17; Genesis 6:22; Genesis 26:4-5; Deuteronomy 4:40, 5:29; Ecclesiastes12:13; Isaiah 48:18; Matthew 28:18-20; John 14:15; John 15:10-14

√* The check is a recommended scripture to teach the particular lesson.All verses are from the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

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Mayor For A Day

Civic Virtue—Accepting Rules

When Dad heard Davy mumbling, he said, “A family without rules will never be happy.”But Davy thought, “I don’t think so. If we didn’t have rules, then we’d really be happy.”All families, nations, businesses, schools, or whatever institution there are, have to have rules in order to

be peaceful, safe, and successful.

Proverbs 8:32-36 “Now therefore, listen to me, my children,for blessed are those who keep my ways. [33] Hear instruction and be wise,and do not disdain it. [34] Blessed is the man who listens to me,watching daily at my gates,waiting at the posts of my doors. [35] For whoever finds me finds life,and obtains favor from the Lord; [36] But he who sins against me wrongs his own soul;all those who hate me love death.”

Proverbs 10:8 The wise in heart will receive commands,but a prating fool will fall.

Proverbs 12:1 Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge,but he who hates correction is stupid.

√ Proverbs 13:13 He who despises the word will be destroyed,but he who fears the commandment will be rewarded.

2 Thessalonians 2:9-10 The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying

wonders, [10] and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive thelove of the truth, that they might be saved.

Additional verses: Proverbs 6:20, John 3:19-21; Romans 13: 1-7

Learning to Work

Instead of doing his homework right away, Davy watched his friends play. Then he groaned, “Ohhhhh!How I wish I didn’t have to do my homework.”

Davy didn’t like to work; he wanted to play. There is a time for play, but to become successful oneneeds to learn to work.

Proverbs 14:23 In all labor there is profit,but idle chatter leads only to poverty.


Mayor For A Day

Proverbs 21:25 The desire of the lazy man kills him,for his hands refuse to labor.

Acts 20:34-35 Yes, you yourselves know that these hands have provided for my necessities, and for those who were

with me. [35] I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. Andremember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ “

1 Thessalonians 4:10-12 But we urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more; [11] that you also aspire to lead a quiet

life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, [12] that youmay walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing.

√ 2 Thessalonians 3:10 For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he

eat.

Additional verses: Genesis 3:19, Proverbs 20:4, 1 Corinthians 4:12, Ephesians 4:28

Fulfilling Our Vows

The mayor now realized how foolish he had been for making such a promise to let someone become amayor for a day and choose whatever he wanted to do. But he had given his word, and a promise is apromise.

We should fulfill our vows. When we say something, we should do what we say. We should be verycareful in what we promise to do. It is better not to make a vow than to make a vow and break it.

√ Numbers 30:2 If a man makes a vow to the Lord, or swears an oath to bind himself by some agreement, he shall not

break his word; he shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth.

Deuteronomy 23:21-23 “When you make a vow to the Lord your God, you shall not delay to pay it; for the Lord your God will

surely require it of you, and it would be sin to you. [22] But if you abstain from vowing, it shall not be sinto you. [23] That which has gone from your lips you shall keep and perform, for you voluntarily vowed tothe Lord your God what you have promised with your mouth.

Psalm 76:11 Make vows to the Lord your God, and pay them;let all who are around Him bring presents to Him who ought to be feared.

Ecclesiastes 5:4-6 When you make a vow to God, do not delay to pay it; for He has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you

have vowed—[5] Better not to vow than to vow and not pay. [6] Do not let your mouth cause your flesh tosin, nor say before the messenger of God that it was an error. Why should God be angry at your excuseand destroy the work of your hands?

Additional verses: Psalm 66:13-14, Ezekiel 33:31, Titus 1:16


Mayor For A Day

Listening to Parents

Since Davy was Mayor for the Day, he did not listen to his mom and dad. Davy said, “This is how itshould always be. I can do whatever I want.”

Immature Davy will soon learn that doing whatever he wants for the present, does not bring lasting hap-piness. Wise children listen to their parents. The Bible tells children that they should listen and obey theirparents. Those who do will be blessed.

Proverbs 1:8-9 My son, hear the instruction of your father,and do not forsake the law of your mother; [9] for they will be a graceful ornament on your head,and chains about your neck.

Proverbs 3:1-2 My son, do not forget my law,but let your heart keep my commands; [2] for length of days and long lifeand peace they will add to you.

Proverbs 13:1 A wise son heeds his father’s instruction,but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.

√ Ephesians 6:1-3 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. [2] “Honor your father and mother,” which is

the first commandment with promise: [3] “that it may be well with you and you may live long on theearth.”

Colossians 3:20 Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord.

Additional verses: Exodus 20:12; Proverbs 4:1-15; Proverbs 6:20-21; Proverbs 15:5; 1 Timothy 3:4

The Golden Rule

While Davy stood in the lunch line, a group of boys jumped in front of him. “Hey!” complained Davy.“Why don’t you guys go to the back of the line?”

“Because we don’t have to,” said the big kid.“That’s not fair,” said Davy.“Try to stop me,” the big kid snapped back.The big kids were bullies. Bullies pick on weaker and smaller children. Kind people think of others.

The Bible teaches in the Golden Rule that we should do to others what we want others to do to us.

√ Matthew 7:12 Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.


Mayor For A Day

Mark 12:29-31 Jesus answered him, “The first of all the commandments is: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord

is one. [30] And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all yourmind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. [31] And the second, like it, is this: ‘Youshall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”

Philippians 2:3-4 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others

better than himself. [4] Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests ofothers.

Colossians 3:12-14 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness,

longsuffering; [13] bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint againstanother; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. [14] But above all these things put on love,which is the bond of perfection.

Additional verses: Leviticus 19:18; Micah 6:8; Romans 13:8-10; 1 Corinthians 13:4; Galatians 5:13;Galatians 5:22-23; 1 Timothy 1:5; 2 Peter 1:5-8

Citizenship—Obeying Rules

When Davy left school he said to a friend, “That was the worst day ever! A school without rules is ter-rible!”

God want us to obey our rulers and to pray for them. Rules are made to protect us. Imagine what yourschool would be like without rules.

Romans 13:1-3 Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and

the authorities that exist are appointed by God. [2] Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordi-nance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. [3] For rulers are not a terror togood works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will havepraise from the same.

√ Titus 3:1 Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work.

1 Peter 2:13-17 Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as

supreme, [14] or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for thepraise of those who do good. [15] For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silencethe ignorance of foolish men— [16] as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants ofGod. [17] Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.

Jude 1:8 Likewise also these dreamers defile the flesh, reject authority, and speak evil of dignitaries.

Additional verses: Proverbs 8:15-16, Ephesians 5:21, 1 Timothy 2:1-2, 2 Peter 2:10


Mayor For A Day

Respect for Law—Not Stealing

To some people, “no rules” meant they could do—and have—whatever they wanted.In stores, sales people were selling, but buyers were not buying. They were taking items off the shelves

and walking out of the store.In restaurants, cooks were cooking, but people were not paying for the food they ate! Things were get-

ting worse and worse.Since there were no rules, people around town were disobeying the former rules and stealing.

√ Exodus 20:15 You shall not steal.

Proverbs 11:1 Dishonest scales are an abomination to the Lord,but a just weight is His delight.

Matthew 15:19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blas-

phemies.

Mark 10:19 You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not bear

false witness,’ ‘Do not defraud,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother.’ “

Ephesians 4:28 Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he

may have something to give him who has need.

Additional verses: Exodus 22:1; Leviticus 19:11; Matthew 21:13; John 10:10; John 12:4-6; Romans 13:9;1 Corinthians 6:9-11

Eating Properly

When Davy came home from playing soccer, he looked into the pot of food that Mom was cooking, andgroaned, “I don’t want to eat that.”

“But it’s good for you,” said Mom.“Remember?” said Davy. “No rules today.”“What do you want?” asked Dad.Davy rubbed his stomach. “I want a large bowl of ice cream with lots of fudge topping covered with

cherries!”Davy did not want to eat the healthy food that his mom had prepared; he only wanted to eat a large

bowl of ice cream with lots of fudge topping covered with cherries. Our bodies are a temple of the HolySpirit. God wants us to eat properly so we can have a healthy body in order to honor and serve him.

Proverbs 23:20-21 Do not mix with winebibbers,or with gluttonous eaters of meat; [21] for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty,and drowsiness will clothe a man with rags.


Mayor For A Day

Proverbs 31:4-5 It is not for kings, O Lemuel,it is not for kings to drink wine,nor for princes intoxicating drink; [5] lest they drink and forget the law,and pervert the justice of all the afflicted.

Luke 21:34 But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares

of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly.

√ 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from

God, and you are not your own? [20] For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your bodyand in your spirit, which are God’s.

1 Timothy 4:8 For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life

that now is and of that which is to come.

Additional verses: Proverbs 28:7, Ecclesiastes 10:17, Ephesians 5:18, Philippians 3:19

The Law of Sowing and Reaping

Dad warned Davy, “You won’t feel good if you eat only that.”“I’ll be all right,” said Davy with a big grin.“Okay,” said Dad.“Mmmmmmm!!!! Mmmmmmm!!!!” mumbled Davy. He ate and ate and ate. It was his best meal

ever! “This is the way we should always eat!”Davy became sick because he didn’t listen to his parents about eating properly. There is the law of sow-

ing and reaping—one reaps what one sows. When we eat properly, we become healthy; when we eatimproperly, we become sick. Be wise—take care of your body.

Proverbs 1:28-33 “Then they will call on me, but I will not answer;they will seek me diligently, but they will not find me. [29] Because they hated knowledgeand did not choose the fear of the Lord, [30] they would have none of my counseland despised my every rebuke. [31] Therefore they shall eat the fruit of their own way,and be filled to the full with their own fancies. [32] For the turning away of the simple will slay them,and the complacency of fools will destroy them; [33] but whoever listens to me will dwell safely,and will be secure, without fear of evil.”


Mayor For A Day

Luke 6:38 Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will

be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.

2 Corinthians 9:6 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also

reap bountifully.

√ Galatians 6:7-8 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. [8] For he who

sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reapeverlasting life.

Additional verses: Job 4:8; Proverbs 11:18, Proverbs 19:17; Proverbs 22:8-9; Romans 2:6-10

A School Without Rules

Disorderly classroomsFightingRunning in the hallsNo one is safeChildren roaming the schoolMany absenteesNoisyFearfulAngerDisrespect for teachers, principal, students, and all othersEveryone is miserableNo one is learning

A School with Rules

Orderly classroomsHarmonyNo running in the hallsEveryone is safeChildren do not roam in the schoolFewer absenteesCalmDelightfulPeaceRespect for teacher, principals, students, and all othersEveryone is happyEveryone is learning


Mayor For A Day

Questions

1. What did the mayor of Springdale promise he would do for the players if they won the soccer champi-onship?The mayor promised, “If the Cougars win the championship, the team’s best player will become mayor fora day.”

2. How many winning teams did Springdale have?Small, peaceful Springdale never had a winning team.

3. How many goals did Davy make against the Lions?Davy made three goals.

4. Who was chosen “Most Valuable Player”?Davy was chosen “Most Valuable Player.”

5. What did Mom say to Davy because he played a great game?Mom said, “I’ve cooked a special meal and baked your favorite dessert.”

6. When Davy saw the cake, what did he say?Davy said, “Mmmmmm! Mmmmmm! I just want to eat dessert.”

7. What rule did Davy’s family have about eating meals?Davy’s family had this rule, “No dessert until you eat your meat and vegetables.”

8. What were some of the rules that Davy hated?Go to bed on time.Sit up straight.Eat your food.Brush your teeth.Clean your room.Make your bed.Do your homework.

9. What did Davy mumble to himself about rules?Davy mumbled to himself, “I hate rules!”

But God gives us rules or commands; the wise obey all of them and receive His blessings. Some of themost famous rules are the Ten Commandments found in Exodus 20.

10. When Davy’s dad heard him mumbling about the rules, what did his dad tell him?Davy’s dad said, “A family without rules will never be happy.”

11. What did Davy say about rules?Davy said, “If we didn’t have rules, then we’d really be happy.”

Families, nations, businesses, schools, or whatever institution one has, they all need rules in order to bepeaceful, safe, and successful. The Bible says, “He who despises the word will be destroyed, but he whofears the commandment will be rewarded” (Proverbs 13:13).


Mayor For A Day

12. What was the rule Davy had about doing homework?After supper, Davy always had to do his homework. If he finished early, he could go outside and play.

13. What did Davy groan for as he sat at his desk watching his friends play instead of doing his home-work?Davy groaned, “Ohhhhhh! How I wish I didn’t have to do my homework.”

Davy didn’t like to work; he wanted to play. There is a time for play, but one needs to learn how towork in order to become successful. The Bible says, “That you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mindyour own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, that you may walk properlytoward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing” (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12).

14. What did Davy announce when the mayor said, “You can do whatever you want”?Davy announced, “On Monday—there will be no rules!”

15. What did all the boys and girls shout?All the boys and girls shouted, “Hoorayyyyy!!!”

16. What did all the dads and moms groan?All the dads and moms groaned, “Ohhhhhh!!!”

17. What did all the dads and moms know that a day without rules would be like?They knew that a day without rules would be a great disaster.

18. What did the mayor do when he realized how foolish he had been for making such a promise?The mayor bowed his head and said, “I must honor my word. On Monday, we will have no rules.”

We should fulfill our vows. When we say something, we should do what we say. But we should be verycareful in what we promise to do. It is better not to make a vow than to make a vow and break it. TheBible says, “If a man makes a vow to the Lord, or swears an oath to bind himself by some agreement, heshall not break his word; he shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth” (Numbers 30:2).

19. What did Davy’s mom warn Davy as he walked into the kitchen Monday morning and announced thathe did not want to eat breakfast?Davy’s mom warned him, “But you’re going to be hungry.”

20. What did Davy’s dad tell him about wearing his jacket? Davy’s dad said, “You better wear it. You’ll be cold.”

21. What did Davy say when his dad said it was okay for him not to wear his jacket?Davy said, “This is how it should always be. I can do whatever I want.”

Davy was Mayor for the Day. So when his mom and dad told him what to do, he didn’t listen to them.However, the Bible tells children that they should listen and obey their parents. Those who obey and listenwill be blessed. Ephesians 6:1-3 says, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ‘Honoryour father and mother,’ which is the first commandment with promise: ‘that it may be well with you andyou may live long on the earth.’”

22. What happened to Davy as he waited at the bus stop?Davy felt cold—so cold he began to shiver.


Mayor For A Day

23. What did Davy say when his classmate said, “It’s two hours before lunchtime”?Davy said, “I wish I had eaten breakfast.”

24. What kind of day did Davy say it would be when the teacher reminded him, “Today, we have no rulesin our school”?Davy said, “This is going to be a g-r-e-a-t day.”

25. When Davy hit his head against a wall because a boy was running in the halls, what did he say aboutrules?Davy said, “I should have kept one rule—‘No running in the halls.’”

26. What did some bigger boys do as Davy stood in the lunch line?A group of boys jumped in front of him.

27. Why did Davy know he could not stop the big kid?The boy was bigger and stronger than he was.

The big boys were bullies. Bullies pick on weaker and smaller children. As Christians, we should bedoing things to help all people. The Bible says in the Golden Rule, “Therefore, whatever you want men todo to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 7:12).

28. What did Davy say to the girl behind him in the lunch line about cutting in line?Davy said, “I should have kept the rule—‘No cutting in line.’”

29. When a shoe hit Davy in the head, what did he say about school rules?Davy said, “I should have kept all the school rules.”

30. What did Davy say about a school without rules?Davy said, “A school without rules is terrible!”

Rules are made to protect us. God wants us to obey our rulers and to pray for them. The Bible says,“Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work” (Titus 3:1).

31. What thought did Davy have when his mom told him, “Look both ways before you cross the street”?Davy thought, “Mom must have forgotten. That’s a rule, and today there are no rules.”

32. What did the driver yell to Davy when he said he was going too fast?The driver yelled, “No rules today!”

33. What did Davy say about the driving rules to his friend?Davy said, “I should have kept the driving rules.”

34. When the other boys began breaking the soccer rules, what kind of game was it for Davy?It was the worst game of soccer that Davy had ever played.

35. What was happening in the stores?In stores, sales people were selling, but buyers were not buying. They were taking items off the shelvesand walking out of the store.


Mayor For A Day

36. What was happening in the restaurants?Cooks were cooking, but people were not paying for the food they ate.

Since there were no rules, people around town were disobeying the former rules and stealing. In the TenCommandments, God states, “You shall not steal” (Exodus 20:15).

37. What were angry men and women and boys and girls beginning to do?Angry men and women and boys and girls began gathering in the town square.

38. Instead of eating the food that Mom had cooked, what did Davy say he wanted to eat?Davy said, “I want a large bowl of ice cream with lots of fudge topping covered with cherries!”

Davy did not want to eat the healthy food that his mom had prepared. Our bodies are a temple of theHoly Spirit. God wants us to eat properly so we can have a healthy body in order to honor Him. TheBible says, “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom youhave from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in yourbody and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

39. What happened to Davy soon after he finished eating?His stomach began to hurt very badly.

Davy became sick because he didn’t listen to his parents about eating properly. There is the law of sow-ing and reaping—one reaps what one sows. When we eat properly, we become healthy; when we eatimproperly, we become sick. The Bible says, “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever aman sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but hewho sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life” (Galatians 6:7-8).

40. Davy said to the crowd that gathered in front of his house, “I’m sorry.” What did Davy say to themabout rules?Davy said, “I thought a day without rules would be the happiest day of my life—but this has been theWORST day of my life! Now I know that rules are very, very important!”

41. What did Davy tell the mayor about rules?Davy said, “Mr. Mayor, you are right. You cannot have a town without rules.”

42. What did Davy tell his dad about rules?Davy said, “And Dad, you are right, too. A family without rules will never be happy.”

43. What did Davy say that made the crowd happy?Davy said, “From this moment on, I am no longer the mayor. I resign!”

44. What did the crowd and Davy do when the mayor announced, “As mayor of this fine community, Ideclare that from now on—we have rules”?The crowd shouted, “Hooray!!!”

45. Who shouted the loudest of all?Davy shouted the loudest of all.


Mayor For A Day

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