Prince for Council

I passed my boards and I got hired as an intern. 

Oh please. 

Wait, that’s awesome! We should get a drink or something, celebrate.

That’s what I’m trying to tell you. I’m already having a good day. 

Very persistent I see. I’ll acknoledge you, just this once. 

Ok, ok.

“I want to invest in your campaign. But, to do so, I need something of an… agreement. I do something for you, you do something for me.”

Thank you for the offer, but I’m not interested in that sort of politics. 

Exactly. ‘Cause there will be plenty more if you get in office.

How much press have you actually done so far? November is right around the corner and I feel like I’ve heard your name but haven’t seen your face nearly as much as I should.

There was a brief in the local section of the Times when I first announced, and a local paper did a profile of me too. Then I was also mentioned when my opponent announced, but aside from that, not much. A quote or two in some city council coverage too. I try to go to all the council meetings, sometimes speaking up during the public comment section.

I like you, Eric. You’re a real catch. Sorry I came at you kinda strong.

Thanks, Maddie.

Off the record, I’ve seen firsthand myself what politics can do to an entire nation. To be perfectly honest, I believe most institutions are corrupt and inefficient, ours included. But I get why they’re necessary. I spent several weeks in Sudan. Politics kill people. Politics strip people.

But. People… people like you can help build other people up. I just hope that the politics doesn’t flip you in the midst of it all. Happens to the best of them.

A lot of people think about a career in politics, and they want to go national, and, yes, that work has an impact, but the local level has a much more immediate impact. And I think to a certain extent, it’s on us to take care of each other and take care of our home.

Woah there, no need to break out the campaign speech on me. You’re going to rain on my parade. 

I don’t know, just seems like the right thing. 

Sounds more like maybe shine some sunlight through those clouds.

“So cold. If you can apply this wit to some of your public speaking you might actually stand a chance.”

“I actually came here to talk to you, to offer some advice, if I could be so bold.”

You may find my cold, Mr. Saltman, for speaking truth, but according to these, and every poll I’ve seen so far, the voters have no problem connecting with me.

Color me impressed, Mr. Prince. I’m used to most candidates being a lot more vague and broad than that. No one ever actually wants to commit to action items. Maybe you’ll actually be good to us.

I’ve seen firsthand what worked, what didn’t, and what people have been asking for. This ward is my home and I care about it and its people.

“No, no, please carry on, pretend I’m not here laughing at your minor success. Please.”

You can laugh but at least one of the two politicians in this room is electable.

Good, good. That must be nice to have a red carpet rolled out for you. What exactly are you planning on doing to fix your “predecessor’s” mistakes? They left quite a few gaps. We know your general campaign droll, but what’s your actual plan?

Well, of course I have a few ideas of my own. I believe the last council gave way too much to developers, so affordable housing is a high priority for me, as are green initiatives. But I think it’s important to stay in touch with the ward residents. I’ve already held a town hall this summer and I plan to make that a regular occurrence to ensure resident needs are being met, and voters are adequately represented.

I don’t know why you even want to run for office for this city, it’s a mess. I would just give up and go someplace better if I was you. 

You see, I also live, work, and go to school in this area. I guess we can pretend we don’t know eachother. 

Every city, every town, has its problems. I believe in this city, or more, I believe in its people. Especially at the local level, there’s so much going on here that matters. I want to make sure the good work that’s already happening keeps going and gets amplified.

Can I help you?

Getting nervous, Prince? 

Why am I running into you all over this city? 

No, but it’s good not to be overconfident.

Well, congratulations, Eric. Mind if I call you Eric? And mind if I smoke?

Maddison Coleman. New York Times. How’s campaigning been going overall?

Sure, and.....sure.

How’s it looking?

You have a second for a quick interview, Mr. Prince?

Still in the lead, though honestly.....not by as much as I’d hoped. But it’s not as bad as I’d feared either. I have a feeling November will be a good month.