MOUNT CARBON -- One borough in Schuylkill County is getting some attention for its new mayor. Mount Carbon recently appointed Brandon Wentz to lead the borough, a junior at Kutztown University.
The 22 year old was appointed Mount Carbon's mayor by borough council last week after the former mayor resigned.
"I'm old enough to recognize things in the community and the surrounding area that I would want to change and be a part of changing. It's an interesting opportunity that I have," said Wentz.
While the new Mount Carbon mayor may seem young in age, he has years of experience backing him. In the '80s, his grandmother was also once the mayor here.
"My grandmother is actually the first female mayor in Mount Carbon history. Which may not be a landmark statewide, but in a small community like this, it's kind of important," Mayor Wentz added.
"Grandma gives lots of advice! She just suggests keep your head straight, get involved, but make sure to keep your priorities," said Wentz's mother Janel Firestone.
While the newly appointed mayor is only 22, having a young mayor is actually nothing new for people in Mount Carbon. In fact, the previous mayor was elected when he was only 18.
Former Mayor Jeff Dunkel made national news when he ran for mayor of Mount Carbon and won in 2001. He was just a college freshman and served the borough for more than a decade, proving you can juggle college, and much more.
The young mayor hopes to continue in the family legacy, making his own mark in his hometown. His biggest goal in office is eliminating some of the Mount Carbon's eyesores.
He will be in office until 2018, around the same time he expects to graduate college.