Chapter 12: Mayor of Sunset Valley

The family has settled down into its normal routine.  Tammy is very busy as a state representative, but she starts becoming frustrated with the legislative branch.  She has a long conversation with her old friend, Blair Wainwright, about just how hard it is to make an impact as one of a hundred representatives.

Talking politics with Blair

“It’s all well and good to propose and even help write legislation,” Tammy grumbles. “But there are a lot of things that need doing in this town, and it’s hard to address them by being in the legislature.”

Blair thinks about it for a minute, and then says, “Well there is a mayoral race this fall. Why don’t you run for mayor? That would get you into the executive branch.”

“Mayor, huh?” Tammy ponders. “I’d need to raise a lot of money.”

“I have some I can contribute, if you’re going to run,” Blair answers.

“Oh, I couldn’t ask my friends for money!” Tammy exclaims.

“You’d make a great mayor, Tam…. if you’re willing to run, I’ll write you a check right now.”

Tammy agrees, and Blair starts her campaign war chest off right with a check for $800.  Of course, this means that Tammy is going to be busier than ever, but she’s still a mom, if a working mom, and she makes sure to find time to spend with her family on important things, like dinner each evening.

Family Dinner

While Tammy is out working at the state house each day, Birch remains at home. He has never liked the idea of working, and he’s made out pretty well as a gardener/fisher.  His love of the outdoors, he has passed along to his son and heir, Ash.  You can see that Ash is enjoying it, both out in the garden…

Father/Son Gardening

… and at the fishing hole across the street from the house…

Father/Son Fishing

In the mean time, Tammy starts inviting over some of the politically active folks around town and soliciting advice and the occasional campaign contribution.  Her friend Dorothy DeMayo donates $1000 to the “Alder for Mayor” fund, for example.

Dorothy Donates some money

As time goes by, and election day nears, Ash continues to grow.  The autumn arrives, and it is time for him to start grammar school.  Right before Labor Day, Ash has his birthday.

Ash grows into a child

Things get busy in the fall… Ash goes to school; Tammy spends a lot of time campaigning. Birch, of course, continues to be a life-long slacker, but the family is happy with mom working and dad at home.  They always manage to find a little time together, as a family, even if it’s just an hour or two in front of the TV.

Family time

The campaign season gets into full swing as November approaches, and Tammy pulls ahead in the polls. When the smoke clears and the votes are counted, it’s not even close… Tamara Alder is declared Mayor of Sunset Valley.  She rushes home from campaign headquarters to tell her husband.

Tammy wins the election

Birch is thrilled. He knows how much Tammy wanted this.

“And the best thing is, you can make sure our fishing spots are protected and don’t get damaged by polluters!” Birch exclaims.  He gives his wife a congratulatory kiss.

Kissing the new mayor

Being mayor has a lot of perks. One of them is that it pays a lot better than a being state representative does. In short order, the Alders are able to afford a slight upgrade to their living room.

Living room upgrade

A window, an end table, and a lamp may not seem like that much, but it’s a far cry from living on the grass, the way things started out, now, isn’t it?  What will come of the Alders now that they are the city’s “first family?” Only time (and this blog) will tell…