Indian Head, MD – There was a new energy in the room on the Village Green in Indian Head Monday, June 1 when the town council met with new mayor Brandon Paulin conducting his first meeting. There were so many people in attendance that more chairs were needed.

All came to see their new mayor in action. Paulin did bring a fresh approach to the proceedings, and his youthfulness—Paulin at 19 is the youngest mayor elected in Maryland history—came in handy when fourth and fifth graders assembled to read essays of “What I Would Do If I Were Mayor” and their thoughts on bike safety.

And from the mouths of babes came reflections of what the adults have been saying all along.

“We need a new grocery store,” said Jeremy. “Dollar General does not have everything you need.”

“We need a grocery store, a police station and community center,” Aaron told the town’s leaders. “We should have a grocery store, not have to drive a long way to buy groceries.

“A community center would allow adults and kids to have a place to have fun,” he added, “and would help teenagers have a place to play and stay out of trouble.”

“I think our community needs more businesses,” said Treasure Harvey. “How can we be a town with so any empty stores? No town should have empty stores. This town looks like a ghost town.

“What you can do to make these things happen?” she asked.

Colin said that while Indian Head “is not a perfect place, there are things that could make this town a better place: a bigger hospital and more businesses.

“Despite the fact we have a clinic, we have to transport someone if they are critical,” he said. “We need to occupy those vacant buildings and ask businesses to come to the town. We also need a bigger recreational center. I know this would be hard to pull off but it could be done. It could turn Indian Head from horrific into gorgeous.”

In other business, residents were informed that the work on the connector trail is almost complete, with only signage and a crosswalk left to be finished.

Resident Curtis Pickett drew some chuckles when he asked the council, “Can we have a soul food restaurant in Indian Head?”

The new mayor said, “It’s possible.”

All things appear possible in Indian Head right now.

Contact Joseph Norris at joe.norris@thebaynet.com