Jim Diodati says it's important to teach kids about the system, while making it interesting
As part of his routine, the mayor of Niagara Falls works to maintain advise Milton's mayor gave him long ago... teach kids about politics.
Jim Diodati visits schools regularly, reminding students they live in one of the most famous cities in the world.
He tries to get past the glazed looks, and teach them. "Different levels of government, what we do. I coined a term years ago, I call it 'politi-tainment'... where I try to make politics entertaining, where people are actually interested in it. Especially kids... I explained to them, this is your city, I work for you."
He says years later he still meets people he spoke to when they were younger.
The mayor adds these kids could become a mayor, councillor, or teacher, or city worker... but be proud of their city.
He recalls the more common questions. "Are you rich? [laughs] Not at all... I don't why they think that, but that's a common question. A lot of the time, they'll ask what is the hardest part of my job? The hardest part of the job is making everybody happy, because it's impossible."
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