Mayor John Gutkuh Brings Fun and Unity to Pennell City Without Losing Focus

Federalist Mayor John Gutkuh of Pennell City in Koppin County has done a remarkable job taking on the hefty responsibilities that awaited him during his campaign. He has kept in mind some of the core principles of American Legion Buckeye Boys State (ALBBS), such as unity and fun. Gutkuh has proved this by bringing these principles to their cities through innovative ways.

Gutkuh has added a creative twist to mandated line-ups by theming them around creative debates rather than simple alphabetization or party affiliation. Some of his fun themes include pancakes vs. waffles, Christmas vs. Halloween, and soda vs. pop. These strategies have given delegates greater freedom to meet new people in their city, leading to greater engagement and a better overall experience.

Gutkuh’s ideology actually acts as a double-edged sword, with simpler lineup criteria making it easier for others to be punctual and for efficiency to ensue. In an interview with Hetuck reporter Daniel Beathard, he said: “Oftentimes, we’re late to … lineups already, and if we had an easier way of getting there, then Pennell City wouldn’t hold people up, and people would be in a better mood because we’d be getting places faster.” Gutkuh stated he is even taking charge to streamline this process by playing a large role in passing legislation that gives mayors the authority to make executive decisions regarding matters such as lineups: “We’re trying to push legislation that gives the mayor…executive decisions on [lineups].”

Other mayors are even following in his footsteps. Lucas Buheit of Bishop City said that he fostered unity using the art of music: “We’ve had a pretty united community around the music … in the building, people talking about what instruments they play, playing the piano we have provided.”

Gutkuh receives a lot of satisfaction and is motivated by the thought of bringing others joy, he said “If everyone was miserable, I don’t think I’d be having fun, and I don’t think anyone else would be having fun, and a lot of things depend on one person’s mood.” Given this, he still believes the executive role is more important and serious matters. Gutkuh said that while having fun is important, there are all other important issues and finding the balance is crucial for him, in elaboration he said “We’ve got five legislative papers…in the works…and only one has passed so far, and it’s just one of our fun bills, but we’re gonna try to keep it like fun bills and…really important, serious stuff.”

While Gutkuh is doing an excellent job making the ALBBS program enjoyable for Pennell City, he is doing an even better job being a responsible mayor and fulfilling his important duties.