Before last month's municipal elections, Focus@4 introduced you to several young politicians.
Each spoke of having a stake in their community.
In Gardendale, a 19-year-old was elected to a seat on the city council. His name is Blake Guinn, and he has a passion for politics.
"I just love it and care what's going on because it affects us and will affect my generation with what's going on now in Washington D.C. and even here at the local level," says Guinn.
The desire to be involved, is what inspired the 19-year-old to run for elected office.
Guinn says, "People in my district wanted a change and after 16 years with the same person, it felt like they wanted someone new and I figured I could be that guy."
Convincing voters that he was ready proved challenging for Guinn. However, he never tried to hide his age and believes he used it to his advantage.
"It was hard everyday, just talking about my age and being open about it. But, I went out to convince people I could do it and I knew I could," says Guinn. "I went out there and talked openly about it and basically told people, 'I know I'm young' but sometimes having all that experience isn't necessarily a good thing."
Guinn defeated incumbent Gary Morris in a tight race for Council District 2.
The recent high school graduate now becomes the youngest council member in Gardendale history.
"I think we'll have a very diverse city council and one of the most diverse in opinions in this council," says Guinn.
Guinn says he's ready to get to work and looks forward to his relationship with the other council members.
He names his top priorities.
The success of the Gardendale City Center and better fire protection for the city.
"If I just help people and serve them over the next four years, that's my main goal," Guinn says.
As for future political ambitions... "I've always said I want to be president some day so we'll see," says a smiling Guinn.
Guinn officially takes his seat for Gardendale City Council on November 5. He says he plans to enroll at UAB in the spring to study political science.
