Ben Kloss gets behind-the-scenes look as Highland’s Mayor for the Day

By Brittany Blackwell
Reporter • Ben Kloss spent a day learning about local government with Mayor Kevin Hemann before joining the Highland City Council on July 6 as Highland’s Mayor for the Day.

Ben toured city operations, including city hall, the public safety building, parks and recreation facilities, the light and power department, public works, water and wastewater treatment, the senior center and other departments. He also attended a city staff meeting, helped operate the city’s drone and met residents throughout the day.

During the July 6 meeting, Hemann noted that Ben asked thoughtful questions as he learned about what is required to run the city of Highland. 

“Today we spent the day giving Ben a behind-the-scenes look at how our city operates,” Hemann told the council. “Along the way, Ben met many dedicated employees who work every day to serve our community.”

Hemann presented Ben with a commemorative pin during the meeting to mark the special occasion.

Ben’s parents, Josh and Amy Kloss, shared that he was excited about the opportunity.

“He’s a very special guy, very smart,” Josh Kloss said. “He reads all the time, so he’s very interested in how the city works and was very excited about taking part in today.”

The family lives in Highland and several relatives attended the meeting to show their support.

“We’ve lived here as a family all of our lives,” Amy Kloss said. “Josh and I both grew up here, too.”

As owners of Kloss Furniture, they said Ben expresses similar interest in becoming an entrepreneur or businessperson.

“Knowing what’s going on in the city is a great experience for him,” Amy Kloss said.

Hemann said that during his five years as mayor, three young people have participated in the Mayor for the Day program, which is the result of a grassroots nomination process.

“He’s a special young man, very bright,” he said. “He was funny and engaged.”