Sunday, September 17, 2006

A New Mayor Is Needed to Maintain the Status Quo
by Mayoral candidate Gary Smith

I’ve been on the campaign trail for almost four hours now, and I keep hearing the same thing. “Gee, Mr. Smith. I’ve been reading your campaign literature and it seems you have a lot in common with our incumbent Mayor Allenbach. Why are you even running for mayor?”

That’s a good question, Mary Jane. And the answer is simple. Sure, Mayor Allenbach is doing a great job meeting the challenges of running a bustling little town like Chesterfield Ridge. In fact, if pressed, I wouldn’t ask him to change a thing. But there’s one thing Mayor Allenbach isn’t, and that’s me. And I want to be mayor!

When it comes to policy, Mayor Allenbach and I are almost identical. In fact, we’re completely identical. It’s uncanny, really. Compare our policies. Everything from parks and rec (more funding) to income tax (deep cuts) to favorite soda (Diet Pepsi). We’re identical, except in one respect. He’s him and I’m me. And he’s been mayor already and it’s my turn!

But, of course, this begs the question. “If you’re really identical, Gary, and since Mayor Allenbach’s been doing such a bang-up job, why should we elect you instead?” Again, a fine question, Jimothy. And I have a simple answer for that as well. As public defender, I have access to a lot of files and a lot of records. More than Mayor Allenbach even. I know a lot of bad shit, people. I knew Chuck Hassel was a pedophile before he knew it. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. John Morgan of 1414 Deerfield Way? Beats his wife. But around the stomach, so you can’t see the bruises. I can go all day people.

So in conclusion: it is vital for our wonderful town to maintain the status quo. This gives you two options. Vote for the stellar mayor you have, or vote for the guy who will reveal all your secrets if he loses (though a sizeable campaign contribution could ensure your safety in any event). Vote Gary Smith.


Man, I could be mayor
by local teen Jared Thorpe

As a sixteen year old living in a quiet suburb like Chesterfield Ridge, I know all about living with teenage angst. It can get pretty dull around here. This is especially true for those of us who have parents with disposable incomes. Sure, we’re indulged in every possible way, but where does this get us? How long can I really be entertained by an electric guitar or a Xbox or a parrot? So they break or die or simply collect dust in a corner and our existential longing continues. We’ll I’ve had enough of it.

That’s why want to run for Mayor in our upcoming election. I’ve got nothing against the guy. Hell, I don’t even know the guy’s name. This isn’t about a change in governance or an important new policy. I’m just bored as shit. And I think becoming mayor could help all that. When I heard that mystery guy was entering the race, I figured, why not? I’m better than some nobody. Plus, it’s kinda cool, like something out of the WWE.

I’m sure all of you at Stanley Tucci High can sympathize me. There are only so many games of beer pong to be played, so many mailboxes to be hit with baseball bats, so many fat girls to make fun of. I’ve done all that and I’m still stuck in this pit of a town until I can join the military. I need something more. I need a position in our town’s government. That way I can do all kinds of weird shit, like appoint my friends to cushy jobs or fine my asshole science teacher Mr. Baranski for no real reason.

I know what you’re saying. “You can’t vote. How can you be mayor?” Don’t worry. I actually researched this shit. I read the town charter. I can't get on the ballot, but I can run a write-in campaign. As long as I never committed a crime or married outside of my race, I’m fine. Look it up.

So what are my positions as mayor? I don’t know. Maybe I’ll raise taxes one day and lower them the next and raise them again the day after that. Whatever entertains me. I think I’ll make it mandatory for Kari Winchester to make out with me every morning, or face the penalty of six months in jail. And if you vote for me, I’ll give you money. Or a free hat, or something. My dad owns a sporting goods store and we sell a lot of hats, so I might be able to hook you up. I don’t know, no promises or anything, but I’ll try.

So anyway, it would be cool if you vote for me. It would be cool for me anyway. I’m gonna be honest with you; I don’t know how it would turn out for you, but I’d enjoy it. I don’t know, that’s all I got.

Holy S#@*!: TENTH NAME ADDED TO BALLOT!
Mystery Identity of 10th to be Revealed at Public Debate!

by Katherine Mills, Our Town Staff (and mother of Eric)


In an electrifying turn of events, what was once an unopposed election is now a ten-way death race! It began late last week when local handyman and 13-handicap golfer James Walker announced his entry into the election, marking the first time Mayor Allenbach has run against a living opponent in over half a decade. Then the floodgates opened.

Late this afternoon it was reported in these very pages that seven new candidates had been allowed onto the ballot despite Mayor Allenbach's frustration over the issue (the deadline was Friday evening). But a town spokesperson said today in a phone interview, "We think that this race will be good for the town. To hear issues debated, rather than dictated, will only serve the community and spark intellectual debate over our future."

Hours after the ballot was bumped up to nine, it was announced that there would be a tenth mystery name added to the list. The new unknown candidate is said to be a celebrity of decent stature with a healthy set of teeth, but no more is known. His identity will be revealed in the first public debate.

Perhaps Mayor Allenbach put it best when he commented, "This is just crazy," before closing the door to his Chesterfield Ridge home. A symbolic gesture by a man who knows his time may be up.

Slew of Mayoral Candidates Announced. A Slew!

Oh snap, y'all, get out your wrestling singlets, because it's on. Since we announced James Walkers' entry into the Mayoral Soc-Hop Thursday evening, seven new opponents have sprung up like the little political Alliaceae they are. Foregoing the mandatory five-hundred signatures in leu of some real catty fisticuffs action, Town Hall has admitted the following men (and woman) into the Mayoral Foot Race of 2007! Keep your eyes on the prize! -The Editor


Who: Gary Smith, 45

Profession: Icy public defender

Platform: "As a servant of this community for over 23 years, I bring to the table a knowledge of this town that is as wide as it is deep. Translation: I know your secrets. I appreciate your vote."

Our Town Says: Sounds great to us! Don't mind the nervous laughter!



***


Who: Stanley Tucci, 46

Profession: Exceptional actor

Platform: "If you've seen my film 'Big Night', you understand my committment to excellence and using an Italian accent. That scene where I'm with that broad? I worked out like crazy for five months before shooting even started. I'd also like to start a chain of 'Big Night' theme restaurants."

Our Town Says: As patron saint of Stanley Tucci High School, he's proven his love for Chesterfield Ridge, but his diminutive stature (only 5'8") may be a little off-putting for some.

***

Who: Horace Kvscheznowski, 71.

Profession: Our Town Techno-Watch Columnist, former Eastern European prisoner

Platform: "I am wishing to create Compute-Tors capable of such things as word processing and something I have invented called a "Powering Point." It will change the way people communicate. Also, I will banish jailers from children's sports. Children should be allowed to play without fear of prison."

Our Town Says: Horace's writing bursts with equal parts wit and wisdom and--wait, he's running for Mayor? Seriously? That is so funny! Like, for real? He's such a cute little old guy!

***

Who: Sherry Lipton, 36.

Profession: Domestic Engineer, Socialite, fundraising chairperson


Platform: "For a long time now, Chesterfield Ridge has been consuming its way towards becoming a bloated shadow of its former self. The town used to hold certain principals self-evident, things like charity, academic excellence, and friendship. Now the town is just one big parade of keeping up with the Joneses. I'd like to reverse this trend and restore the town to what it used to be before the H3s."

Our Town Says: Hm, the words sound reasonable, but it's hard to hear over the sound of her hairdryer! But seriously folks, it all comes down to this: does a woman have what it takes to sit on the marble throne of good old CR and effectively govern? Just ask ten-term Mayor Allenbach if his job is easy! [Mayor Allenbach could not be reached from his vacation home.]

***


Who: No. 6, age unknown

Profession: Resigned agent


Platform: "I am not a number! I am a free man!"

Our Town Says: We want information about this man before we make any decision, but doesn't the whole, "Freedom for everyone" thing sound a little trite by now?

***

Who: Brian Lee, 32

Profession: Civil Engineer

Platform: "As the youngest man to receive his PhD from M.I.T., I have a vision for Chesterfield Ridge as a great center of research. Under my plan, I hope to transform Chesterfield Ridge into the Blonde Trophy Wife of this great, cigar-chomping county."

Our Town Says: After being Asian-entertained by our very own Nancy Pierce, we say YES to Mr. Lee!

***




Who: Jack Habishaw, 42

Profession: Venture capitalist

Platform: "Ever since I read Anthony Michael Fall's column the other day, I just can't help but think the guy's right and that we ought to be pooling our resources in order to create his subterranean country! As such, I am donating ten million dollars of my own money to research this very important cause. I'll see YOU at the Earth's core in 2007! "

Our Town Says: A little...intense.


Weather or Not with Phil Stubbs, Cryogenically Frozen Head!

Weather Forecast for September 17th, 2006: Self-conscious!




Picture of the Day for September 17th, 2006!

A Chesterfield Ridge woman and her young lover caught getting their grind on. Sweet!

"Honey, if the sight of me swallowing a field mouse whole bothers you, look away!"

Links