America’s youngest mayor has hit back at critics who have voiced disapproval of her historic win as she reveals how she is managing her studies while running the city.
Brooke Huckaby, 21, a student at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, has became the youngest female mayor in US history after she was elected to be the mayor of Arabi, Georgia on November 7.
The young Republican is also a student and part-time employee at the Georgia Department of Agriculture.
Despite her incredible achievements, town locals have questioned her ability to lead at such a young age.
Brooke Huckaby, 21, a student at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, has became the youngest female mayor in US history after she was elected to be the mayor of Arabi, Georgia on November 7
But this has not deterred her away from her goals as instead she ‘believes this is the best way to learn more about government’.
‘How is someone supposed to gain any experience without putting themselves into the ring?’ she told WALB.
When asked about what inspired her to run for office, Huckaby explained: ‘I’d say that one thing that really inspired me, it was just the lack of interest in all the people my age, they don’t really care about politics and it really inspired me to take the jump in and get a head start on it.
‘The older generation is not always going to be around to handle things for us.
‘It’s just really concerning to me how people my age aren’t involved in our economy or politics or any real thing going on in the world, and I just wanted to be the one to be able to make that change and take that step forward where other people aren’t.’
The young Republican is also a student and part-time employee at the Georgia Department of Agriculture.
Since taking office, Brooke’s day are normally spent studying, signing off on work orders for the city, working at the Department of Agriculture and assisting scientists in agriculture research.
‘I feel like I’m living three different lives sometimes because I’m bouncing from an interview like this to going to class and then I’m going to work balancing all that has, not I would say been a struggle but it has been challenge, one that I feel like I’m up to’, the young lawmaker said.
Her father, Craig Huckaby, who was the mayor of the town for 12 years has also been acting as her mentor since she undertook the role.
Recently, he praised his daughter’s efforts, telling Abacstallion he was caught off guard by her decision to run.
Her father, Craig Huckaby, who was the mayor of the town for 12 years has also been acting as her mentor since she undertook the role
Since taking office, Brooke’s usual day involves doing schoolwork, signing off on work orders for the city, working at the Department of Agriculture and by the end of the day, assisting scientists in agriculture research
Brooke said she was initially hesitant to inform her father of her political aspirations, keeping her candidacy under wraps for several days before letting it out.
‘On a Tuesday, I think she signed up, and it was Thursday before I found out from my secretary at City Hall,’ he said.
‘I thought maybe I talked her out of running. I was a little shocked then, but I’m glad, and she’s a smart girl. She’ll do well,’ he added.
Brooke replied, ‘I think I wanted it to kind of be able to sneak up on him.’
Despite her incredible laurels, town locals have questioned her ability to lead at such a young age
The young mayor is tackling several key issues, including road construction, community conflict resolution, and improving internet connectivity.
The young mayor says she is focused on tackling several key issues, including road construction, community conflict resolution, and improving internet connectivity.
Huckaby has initiated a partnership with Southern Fireworks to enhance FiberOptics in Arabi.
Following in her father’s footsteps, Huckaby is also working to establish a police department in Arabi.
‘When Brooke came in there, she made some connections and had some people to come talk to the council, then they were persuaded to move forward with it.’
Her father advised her to ‘Be cautious and hear out both sides.’
In the past, Brooke has also posted photos of herself on social media sporting merchandise supporting former President Donald Trump.
‘I really do [hope more young people become leaders],’ she said
‘It’s really time we start caring about the world that we’re making for our children and their future and, right now, I don’t think too many people are worried about that.’