Kemlin Hart said he knows some people might be skeptical of whether a 20-year-old will do a good job as mayor of Conger, population 133.

&uot;Hopefully people will see the job I do, and not think of me as some 20-year-old kid who just wants to say, ‘Hey I’m the mayor,&uot; said Hart, a native of Albert Lea.

The Mankato State University philosophy and political science major moved to town only two months ago and planned on running for mayor in the next election fifteen months, from now. But Conger’s last mayor recently resigned for personal reasons, and Hart was appointed in a 3-1 vote.

Many 20-year-olds don’t know what they want to do with their lives. But Hart said he’s wanted to be a politician since he was 16. Now, he has his chance.

&uot;It’s going to be nice to get my feet wet and deal with people and make myself a legislative vehicle,&uot; he said.

He already has a handle on what he’s going to do &045; work out a cheaper town sewage system. The current plan would charge $41 a month.

He said he’s up to the challenge. &uot;I’ve always been the youngest guy to do what I’m doing,&uot; said Hart.

On his 18th birthday, he became a Freemason, and was the youngest man ever to do so in Minnesota, the Freemasons told him. He’s also married and owns a home.

Hart’s dad, Milan, said his son has always been focused and driven.

&uot;Any father would be proud to have a son like him,&uot; he said.

But he said Kemlin deserves the credit. &uot;He practically raised himself,&uot; he said. He said while he and his oldest son were rebellious when they were younger, Kemlin has always been well-behaved. Kemlin said he doesn’t drink.

State Rep. Dan Dorman, for whom Hart has served as an intern, said Kemlin is intelligent and determined and has no problem discussing ideas and arguing with anyone.

Tim Sailor, 36, a Conger town council member, said he thought the other candidate for mayor, who lost in the last election, would have done a good job. But Hart was at the meeting where the council made the appointment, and his opponent was not. &uot;He was there wanting to tackle the task,&uot; Sailor said. He said he met Hart a few months ago and was impressed by his knowledge and people skills.

He said Hart’s education

and experience in Dorman’s office were factors in his decision. &uot;He probably knows more how the government works better than I do.&uot;

He said Hart’s age doesn’t bother him a bit. &uot;We’re an old town. Now we’ll have some young ideas.&uot;

Arles Ditlevson, 62, another council member, said he couldn’t do the job himself because of health reasons. He opposed Kemlin’s appointment.

&uot;I think he’s too young. He hasn’t been in town that long. He doesn’t know the people, doesn’t know how the town works.&uot;

But he said he’ll give him a chance. &uot;He’ll maybe do a good job. He seems to know a lot.&uot;

Hart said he’d like to run for county commissioner next. If his political career lags, he may go to law school. He said he moved to town not simply to be mayor but because he likes small towns. But he said he knew a small town would also give him the opportunity to be involved in politics.

Hart said he knows he has to proove to people that he can do the job. He said he looks forward to the job, and living in Conger.

&uot;It the kind of place where you can sit on the porch, drink a soda and nothing happens.&uot;

(Contact Tim Sturrock at tim.sturrock@albertleatribune.com or 379-3438.)