Rhiannon Ingram – City of Ocotillo

     Today was the day in which we at Girls State truly realized that this is where it really starts. “It” being independent in many of our decisions and ideas for running our county/city, and in our decisions to run for different positions in office. 

      Earlier in today’s chat, the delegates and I were taught about the symbolism of the Poppy flower and why it represents what it does. We listened while learning how to build our own tiny Poppy paper structure from a bag of a few materials. I’m sure it struck a chord with those who have active military members in their families.

       Next we all broke out into our counties. Mine is Cocopah. It was here in which every single one of us determined our roles and positions on a county level. Those of us interested in obtaining a county government position essentially entered a raffle in which they would have to guess the closest number to the admin who was running the county. Personally, I tried for four different positions on a county level, as did many others, and obtained zero spots. However, after county breakout sessions, I got to meet with the members of my city and we have determined those of us who will be working on zoning and planning, and those of us who will be working on the city budget (like me!). Lastly, we discussed things we could do to reform our cities, like the paving of roads and other things. 

     After experiencing a small portion of the types of activities that will be done for the rest of Girls State, I am looking forward to seeing the elections for Governor and Secretary of State as well as discussions regarding how to improve the state as a whole. I personally am interested in helping to keep track of the budget, but I am also looking forward to seeing what my fellow constituents will achieve, as well.

County elections and more city planning for Ocotillo