Change Master

Chapter 1

Mr. Bill Waters


Bill Waters squinted his eyes as he looked through the windshield of his tractor. He could make out the image of a black car coming through the dust. He wondered who would be crazy enough to drive way out in the boonies in a high dollar vehicle like that.

Stopping his tractor, he climbed out of the cab and watched a young man in a suit make his way over.

“Mr. Waters? Mr. Waters?”

“Yes, that’s me,” said Bill. “What can I do ya for?”

“ I’m Phillip Thomas. I was told I could find you out here. Could we talk, sir?”

Bill scratched his head and thought a bit. He was pretty sure he knew what this was about.

“Sure, I guess that wouldn’t hurt anything. What’s on your mind?”

“Well sir, I’d just like to say it is an honor to meet you. I’m a little surprised to find a man of your talents out here plowing a field. I’ve read about you in all the business magazines and state publications. You are a master at what you do. I guess that’s why I’m here. I was recently elected Mayor of the small town of Raney.”

“I’ve heard of it,” said Bill. “Just lost its big factory bout a year ago didn’t it?”

“Yes sir. Things have really taken a downfall. Some people say we are on the verge of dying out and I just can’t let that happen. I saw what you did with your home town when you were mayor, I was hoping you could help me do the same.”

“It’s been a long time since I’ve had any dealings like that,” said Bill. “I suppose there are a lot of new faces in office now.”

Phillip held his breath. He had a feeling that Bill was going to say no and he would have to return to Raney with the bad news.

Bill wiped the sweat off his forehead and looked Phillip in the eye. “Tell ya what, why don’t you come back to the house with me and we’ll talk about it over lunch. I don’t like to make decisions on an empty stomach.”

Phillip smiled excitedly and shook Bills hand. “That sounds great, Mr. Waters. Just great.”

Bill took Phillip down a dirt road and back to his home. There beside the river stood a beautiful two-story log cabin.

“This is great,” said Phillip. “Can I ask you a question, though? Why do you live way back here away from the world? I figured a guy like you would be in some mansion in the city. I’ve seen you in publications with congressmen, senators and even on vacation with the Governor.”

Bill laughed and slapped Phillip on the shoulder. “Sometimes a man just has to get off by himself and think. As far as dining with the Officials and living uptown, I’ve been there and done that. Its time to move on to other things.”

Phillip knew he was going to be in for an interesting adventure. Mr. Bill Waters was defiantly a man who though outside of the box.

“Hope you like cornbread and beans,” said Bill. “That’s what I call brain food.”

Phillip watched in amazement as Bill tore into the food like a chainsaw.

“So, tell me more about this town of yours.”

“Well, it’s a very nice little town. We’ve got a lot of activity going on, its just that we can’t get anyone to come into our factory. We’ve contacted so many people, but they keep turning down our offers. For some reason I don’t think price is the factor, either.”

“Tell you what,” said Bill. I’m going to take a drive up there and we’ll see what happens. Sound good to you?”

“Yes sir, Mr. Waters, any advice you could give us would be more than welcome.”

“Fine, now that that is settled, you’d better finish up those beans before they get cold.”

Phillip smiled and dug in.

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Chapter 2

U of HK


It was early Wednesday morning and Mayor Phillip Thomas was waiting outside of Raney City Hall. Mr. Bill Waters would soon be arriving and he couldn’t wait to get started.

Expecting to see a four wheel drive coming up the road with a man in overalls, Mayor Thomas was surprised when a Cadillac pulled in, carrying a man in a business suit.

“Hello there Mayor,” said Bill. “You ready to get started?”

Phillip took Bill inside his office and had his secretary pour them some coffee. “So, Mr. Waters, I want to show you around today so you can give me your honest opinion on the town. When I was elected I took on a whole lot of headaches and troubles and I just want to make this town thrive again.”

“Well, it looks like you are a man who is willing to work and has an honest interest in the town. That’s a good start.”

Phillip smiled and took a sip of his coffee. “Mr. Waters, I know you’ve probably had a lot of education in your life. Do you hold any degrees? What universities did you attend to acquire your knowledge?”

“I’ve only been to one university in my life and that’s the U of HK. Ever heard of it?”

“No sir, is that down South somewhere?”

“No, that’s where ever you happen to be at the time. It’s the University of Hard Knocks. That’s where you will receive your real education and by calling me, you’ve just enrolled.”

Phillip and Bill loaded up and took a drive through town. Bill studied the buildings in detail as they passed by.

“Do you have a ball field?” Bill asked.

“Yeah, its on the edge of town, but its been neglected and grown over.”

“Take me there. I want to take a look at it.”

When they arrived Bill stepped out of the car and looked around.

“I’m really ashamed to show you this place,” said Phillip. “The grass is knee high. The fences need mending, and the playground equipment is in terrible shape.”

“What are you talking about?” asked Bill. “This is a wonderful place. The grass is well groomed, the fences are straight and shiny and there are kids playing all over the equipment.”

Phillip squinted his eyes. Was Bill crazy? “Sir, what are you talking about?”

“Can’t you see that?”

“No, sir. This place is a total mess.”

“Until you can see what I see, this town will never survive. I’m going to teach you how to do that.”

Phillip was starting to understand what he was getting at.

“So you will help the town?”

“ I will on the condition that when I make a decision, no questions are asked. You will have to trust me 100% and do what I ask.”

“I’m willing to do that sir. I will just have to ok this with the city council.”

“Ah yes, the city council. Now I remember why I used to get such migraines,” laughed Bill. “When’s the next meeting?”

“Monday night?” said Phillip

“I’ll be there. Just get me a place to stay for a while and I’ll be back with my stuff. You’ve got yourself a Change Master, Mayor.”

“A Change Master?” asked Phillip

“That’s right, that’s what I am and that’s what I will soon train you to be.”

“A change master, I like that,” said Phillip, as he and Bill climbed back into the car. “Kind of reminds me of Star Wars or something.”


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Chapter 3

City Council

The city council meeting had been called to order by Mayor Thomas and tonight the building was packed with citizens. They had all heard about the famous Bill Waters and how he had come to help the town. There was an excitement in the air.

There were, however, a few council members that had their britches in a wad over the arrival of Mr. Waters. Two in particular, and they were determined to nip this thing in the bud before it even started.

“The Meeting will be called to order,” said Mayor Thomas. “We have a visitor tonight and I know everyone is anxious to hear what he has to say. You’ve probably all read about him or saw him on television at one time or another and we are glad to have him here in our city. I’d like to welcome Mr. Bill Waters.”

Bill stood up and approached the council bench. He was very confident and thanked the citizens for coming to hear what he had to say.

“The citizens of Raney are very fortunate to have a mayor that is willing to make a difference in the town. He cares about each and every one of you, not to mention your future generations. I am here to assist him and help make the plans of this city a reality. I have studied the outline of your downtown. It is time to make a change. The buildings will be painted and repaired, planters and benches will be placed outside the stores, and new sidewalks will be constructed.”

One of the council members, Jack Stevens, butted in. “Mr. Thomas, that’s a fine idea, but our major employer has left the town. When we get another one in, we’ll be able to get those things. Right now we just can’t afford it. You are wasting your time.”

Bill studied the council member. He knew he was going to cause him as much trouble as he could.

“Sir, if you don’t get these things done, you will never get anyone to move their business into the factory. The reason no one is accepting your offers is the appearance of the town. Who wants to move into a place where nothing’s going on and everything is run down? The way I see it is you can’t afford not to fix it up.”

The citizens began to whisper among themselves and nod their heads yes. It seemed they were in Mr. Waters’s favor, but suddenly another member, Earl Smith, interrupted.

“Mr. Waters, how do you plan on getting all of this done? There are a million things to do in the downtown area alone. It would take years and we just don’t have that kind of time. I agree with councilman Stevens, it’s a waste. You really shouldn’t build the citizens hopes up like this. It can’t be done.”

“Can’t never could, councilman. I agree there is a lot of work to do, but if we don’t do it, who will? Its time to get started and I don’t mean next week. Good planning is what’s going to turn this town around. In a years time, this won’t even look like the same place.”

The citizens began to applaud Mr. Waters. They liked the idea of a thriving town.

“Well, councilmen,” said Mr. Waters, I have the towns support, do I have yours?”

A motion was made and seconded/ Mr. Waters won four to two.

“As Mayor of this town, I would like the citizens to welcome Mr. Bill Waters. With his instruction, I know we can turn this around.”

After the meeting, Phillip shook Bill’s hand and welcomed him to the city. He took him to a guesthouse that belonged to his family. Bill would be staying there while he was in Raney.

“We will get started early tomorrow,” said Bill.

“Can’t wait. What do we do first? Zoning? Sidewalk mapping? Make contacts with state officials?”

“Nope, I want you to meet me at the ball field. Seven O’ Clock, don’t be late.”

Phillip scratched his head and wondered what he had in store.

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Chapter 4

The Plan


Seven O’ Clock came early and Mayor Thomas stepped out of his car. He looked out across the ball field at the knee-high grass. There beside the bleachers stood Bill Waters. He was gazing at the fields with that same look he had when he was in deep thought.

“Mr. Waters?” Called Phillip

“Oh, good morning, Mayor. I see you’re ready to get things started.”

Phillip took the last drink of his coffee and tossed the cup to the ground.

“Well, there’s one habit we are going to have to break right there,” said Bill. “We can’t have a litter bug for a mayor.”

Phillip quickly bent down and picked up the cup, tossing it into a rusty garbage can.

“Mr. Waters, I’m kind of curious as to what you have in mind for today. Why are we meeting out here?”

“Well, we are going to come up with a plan for the city. I want you to do some thinking. What are the city’s major strengths? And what are the major weaknesses? This is your job for today.”

“I can do that,” said Phillip, “but why did I have to come way out to this grown up cemetery of a ball field to do that?”

“Where’s the mowers?” asked Bill.

“In that tractor shed,” Phillip said, pointing to a spay-painted metal building.

“Let’s get it out and see what it can do.”

Phillip and Bill walked over and unlocked the shed. Bill drove the mower out and checked it over. “Perfectly good mower. As your first lesson in becoming a change master, I want you to mow this entire field. Give it a good going over, too. I want it to look like a golf course when you’re done.”

“But Mr. Waters, I have men in the city that could come down and mow this. I figured you and I needed to get down to business.”

“I don’t want the city workers to mow it, I want you to do it. Now get started. I’ve got business to talk with your chief of police.”

Phillip shrugged, took off his suit coat and climbed aboard the lawn mower. As he watched Bill drive off in his car, he mumbled to himself. “This is ridiculous, I’m a mayor not a lawn mower. I have a masters, I don’t even mow my own yard. What is this guy thinking?”

Phillip took a deep breath and smelled the fresh cut grass. The morning air was sweet and the sun was shining down on his skin. “Guess I could use a little color,” he thought. “This is kind of relaxing.”

Before long Phillip was knocking the grass down and thinking up a plan. For the first time in months, his mind was clear and he could concentrate. Things were starting to come together for Mayor Phillip Thomas.


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Chapter 5

The Chief


Bill Waters made his way into city hall. “I’m looking for the chief,” he said to the clerk.

She looked up, pointed to a room down the hall, and without a word, went back to her work.

“Thanks, Peaches. I like a lady who is good with words.”

When Bill reached the office, he saw a very intimidating man in uniform sitting at a desk. The guy was about 6’4” and built like a dump truck. He looked like one bad dude. On the wall were several plaques and certificates from the Police academies and the Marie Corpse.

“Hello,” he said. “You must be Mr. Waters. I’m Chief Miller and it’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Bill was surprised. The chief was as friendly a guy as he had ever met. He still wouldn’t want to make him mad, so he extended his hand and greeted the chief.

“I guess you know why I’m here. I’ve been given complete charge over city affairs and I really need your help.”

“I’ll do all I can, Mr. Waters.”

“I know there are only three city workers and that’s just not going to be enough to do the kind of work that has to be done. There’s no way the city can afford to pay anyone else, but there is an alternative.”

“Do you need some of my officers to help? I can round up some of them and maybe a few of the volunteer firemen.”

“That won’t be necessary, Chief. What I need to know is how many prisoners you have sitting in jail right now?”

“About 12. Maybe a few more.”

“Chief, I need you to bring me all of them you can. There’s no need of perfectly good men sitting inside doing nothing all day when there’s work to be done.”

“I can have them for you in an hour, Mr. Waters. Do you want me to leave an officer with you to help watch them?”

“ That’s ok, Chief. I know your men have a lot of work to do. If you’ll just grab a stick of bologna, some bread and cokes, you can leave them with me. I think we’ll all get along just fine.”

Within the hour, there were black and white stripes lined up in front of city hall. Some men were smoking, some were clowning with each other, but when Bill Waters walked up, there was a hush.

“Good morning men, I’m Mr. Bill Waters and I have an important job for you to do. Not only will you be making the town look it’s best, but you will be taking part in history. I believe each of you were put in the position you are in right now for this very purpose, now lets get started.”

Bill led them out and gave them each a task. Some edged sidewalks, while others mowed and cleared vacant lots. As they worked, Bill talked with each man and found out a little about him. Some were there for minor offences and some were repeat offenders who were down on their luck. No matter what the charge, Bill knew each man had a need, and that was to have a purpose.

When lunch rolled around, Bill loaded the guys up into the back of a pickup. The town was already looking different. People were driving by, cranking their necks out their car windows, wondering what was going on. They had never seen anything like this before.

Bill drove the pickup down to the ball field; by this time Phillip was standing up on his mower and talking out loud to himself. He was whipping that plan into shape and motivation was just rolling off of him, not to mention sweat. Suddenly, he was startled by the sound of the pickup truck.

“What the heck?” he said, looking at the truckload of inmates.

“Lunch time!” yelled Bill. “Come and get it!”

Phillip walked over and Bill handed him a bologna sandwich and a coke. “I know you are going to fill me in on this later,” said Phillip, “ but I have great news. I’ve just come up with a plan for the city. It was like my mind was free and the thoughts just kept coming. Why, I don’t know if I’ll be able to turn them off. I need to write this stuff down.”

“Always keep a notebook with you,” said Bill. “Even when you’re sleeping, keep it right there on the bed stand. Thoughts come and go, so you need to write everything down.”

Phillip sat back with the inmates as they wolfed their bologna sandwiches down. There was something about being outside and the air that really did wonders for his creativity. He would not question Bill Waters again. He was ready to learn.

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Chapter 6

Money Matters


It had been two weeks and the town of Raney was almost unrecognizable. It was beginning to look like a bright new penny, but there was still one thing that was on Bill Waters mind. He wanted new sidewalks. The old ones were cracked and uprooted. It really took away from the natural beauty of the historic downtown buildings.

Bill picked up his cell phone and called Phillip. “Mayor, I’m standing here in front of Pop’s Pizza and I don’t like what I see. We have to do something about these sidewalks. I’ll bet they’ve been here since the First World War. I’m calling in some people tomorrow for an estimate.”

“We’ve looked into it before,” said Phillip. “It would cost the city almost $200,000 to put in new sidewalks. As much as I would like to get them in, I’m afraid that would just about break the general fund.”

“I know you can’t afford $200,000, but could you afford $20,000?”

“Yeah, that wouldn’t be a problem. That is if you can convince the city council of it. You know how that goes.”

“Mayor, meet me tomorrow at city hall. We’re going on a little trip.”

“What kind of trip? Should I be prepared to mow another field?”

Bill laughed at the mayor’s comment and shook his head. “No, there will be no mowing involved. Just throw on a suit and get ready to go get some money.”

Phillip was wondering what Bill had in store this time. He did like the sound of bringing back some money.

The next morning Phillip was adjusting his tie when he heard someone laying on the horn outside in his driveway. It was Bill and he was ready to go. Phillip grabbed his jacket and rushed outside.

“Come on Mayor, the early bird gets the money.”

“So where are we headed?”

“Johnsonville. You ever get up that way much?”

“Isn’t Johnsonville a little hick town up in the hills?”
“Yep, but those little hicks know how to get the money. You be nice to them and they’ll be nice to you.”

Bill made his way through the twist and turns of the old country highways. Phillip was starting to get a little car sick and his ears popped on every hilltop. The scenery was beautiful, though. There were clear water creeks, old barns, and plenty of unusual rocks.

After about a two-hour drive, they pulled into Johnsonville. The little town was in wonderful shape. New sidewalks, painted buildings, banners and light poles everywhere.

“Take notes, Mayor. Soon Raney won’t look much different than this.”

Phillip’s mind began to race. He pulled out his notebook and began to jot down ideas. Bill whipped his Cadillac into the parking lot of a small rock building.

“Get ready to be treated like you’ve never been treated before,” said Bill. They walked up the entranceway and were greeted by three women in business outfits.

“Mr. Waters, it is so good to see you,” they said, hugging Bill. “Why haven’t you been up to visit us?”

“Well, I’ve kind of been on a vacation for a few years. Just had to get away for a while, but I didn’t forget about my girls in Johnsonville. Mayor, I want you to meet the three best money getters in the state. This is Belinda, Anna, and Jen. They are part of the states planning and development department.”

“Nice to meet you ladies,” said Phillip, shaking their hands. “Bill tells me you are some real go getters.”

The ladies showed them into a conference room filled with pastries and coffee. “Help yourselves guys, then we can get down to business.”

Phillip took a pastry and a small cup of coffee. Bill, as usual, took several and tore into them like a hungry hound dog. The guy was amazing; he ate like a horse and never gained a pound. He looked like a husky lumberjack.

“Well, girls, like I was telling you on the phone yesterday, we have to get funding for some new sidewalks. Raney is a small town and can’t afford to pay for the whole shebang. I want to know what funding is available.”

“There is a grant through the state,” said Anna. “The deadline for it is tomorrow. If you could get it faxed today I’m sure with a few phone calls from us, you’d be able to get 80% of the money.”

“Can you girls take care of it for us?” asked Bill.
“Mayor, if you’ll just fill out the forms, I’ll get this faxed in no time” said Anna passing him a stack of papers.

Phillip began the paperwork, but was suddenly interrupted when a catering service entered the room and began to set up.

“Can’t work on an empty stomach,” said Jen. “I hope you like Barbeque, Mayor.”

“Some of the best in the state,” said Bill, filling his plate to the top.

By the end of the hour, Phillip had finished the paperwork and handed Belinda the forms. He looked over at Bill, who was sopping up the remaining Barbeque sauce on his plate with a roll.

“Well, ladies, you always treat me good and I love you.”

The girls gave Bill and Phillip a big hug, fixed them a to go plate, and saw them to the car.

“I see what you mean about being treated good in Johnsonville,” said Phillip. “I’m so stuffed I can hardly move.”

“I just hope that stomach of your can take these hills and curves with all that barbeque in you,” said Bill, laughing and slapping Phillip on the arm. “Always remember this, making good contacts is very important. Consider everyone you meet as a friend. You help them if you can and they’ll help you. It is your job to help others. When you help people, everything else will fall into place.”

Two days later, Mayor Phillip Thomas received a call notifying him that he just received the grant. The town of Raney would now have new sidewalks.


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Chapter 7

History

The Development conference had arrived and Bill Waters and Mayor Phillip Thomas were on their way. It was a four-hour drive and the two started to discuss their past. Phillip told of his college days and why he had never married.

“ A young man needs a good woman to settle down with,” said Bill. “Now take me, I’m too old to settle down. I’ve been married twice, but they just couldn’t keep up with me. I don’t want to go putting anyone else through that so I just stick to my business.”

“I don’t know, maybe I’ll find the right woman one of these days,” said Phillip. “Its not like I’m really looking, but if it happens, it happens. I’ve got too much on my plate right now to even think about it.”

“I know what you mean, Mayor.”

“Let me ask you a question, Mr. Waters. Why did you go back to farming? You were one of the most famous faces in the state for years.”

Bill smiled and sat back in his leather seat. “Well, since you’re so interested, I’ll tell ya. I grew up in a small farming community. My family was about as pour as you can get. We were good people, but times were hard. What little money we made we spent on food; that included what the kids made, too. It was very rare that I had any money for spending on what I wanted, but I had a grandfather that ran an old store in the nearby town. I used to walk the two miles to the store every Saturday. I sat around and listen to all the old men come in and talk about the problems of the city and what they would do if they were in office. Some of them were just shooting the bull, but some of them were very wise. I listened to everything they said and took it to heart.”

Bill pulled off the road into a fast food restaurant. “Want a cheeseburger?” he asked.

“Oh, no, that’s ok. I just had breakfast.” Phillip watched in amazement as Bill ordered up a full meal. They had only eaten an hour ago.

“Well, like I was saying, I listened to everything these guys had to say. They always told my grandpa that I was the quietest kid they’d ever seen. He’d just laugh and tell them I had a good head on my shoulders. I guess the good Lord gave me the ability to solve problems. I think now days they call it ‘Thinking outside of the box.”

“Yeah, we had a class on that in college. It was very informative.”

Bill paused and gulped down a cheeseburger in four bites. “They teach that stuff in school now? Glad to see they’re offering something worth wile.”

Soon Bill and Phillip arrived at the convention center; there were many cars with government licenses plates parked out front.

“Get ready to take mental notes,” said Bill. “You’ll learn more today than you ever would in a class.”

“Bill Waters!” shouted a man from the front hallway of the convention center. “Come on over here!”

“Hey there Jack. They still letting you hold office?”

Phillip recognized the man. It was Congressman Jack Pritcher, he and Bill must have been good friends.

“Come on over here Mayor,” said Bill. “ I want you to meet someone.”

Phillip introduced himself to Congressman Pritcher and soon a crowd began to gather around them. As Bill and the Phillip discussed the problems the city faced, Congressman Pritcher offered to lend his help and support.

“Well, you give me a call and I’ll make some calls, Mayor,” Said congressman Pritcher.

“I’ll defiantly be in touch,” said Phillip, shaking his hand.

As Bill and Phillip started to walk away, one of the other men tried to get their attention. “Excuse me, sirs.” Bill turned around and quickly shook his hand.

“Hi there, I’m Bill Waters.”

“Hi, I’m Larry Cunningham with the Dept. of Recycling and waste management. I couldn’t help but overhear your conversation with the congressman. Do you have a recycling program in your town?”

“No, we’ve never checked into it. Sounds interesting,” said Phillip.

“Well, it would cut down on the amount of trash your town puts out for the garbage companies. They charge by the pound now and it would defiantly save your town money. Let me give you my card and you can give me a call if you’d like.”

Phillip put the card in his wallet and thanked Larry for his help.

“Now you’re going in the right direction, Mayor,” said Bill. “Remember this, always make good contacts. I can never stress that to you enough. It is who you know.”

Phillip smiled and headed off into the crowd. He knew what Bill was getting at and he was determined to make all the contacts he could.

On the way home from the conference, Phillip’s head was still up in the clouds as he excitedly looked through all the business cards he acquired.

“We’ve got it made now, Mr. Waters. I have to say I’m glad you brought me to this meeting.”

“Glad you had a good day. Just be ready for tomorrow. We’ve got some important business to tend to, then we’re going to set up that recycling program.”


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Chapter 8

Art Class

At 8:30 am, Thursday morning, Mayor Phillip Thomas and Mr. Bill Waters walked into Mrs. Jensen’s senior high art class. The kids were all busy painting and drawing in different corners of the room. Some of them stopped what they were doing and stared at the guest.

“Hello there gentlemen,” sang the voice of Mrs. Jensen. She was a very short lady wearing a red dress with white poke a dots. She had jet-black hair that was up in a bun, and she swung her arms as she walked.

“It is a pleasure to have you in our class today.”

Mrs. Jensen clapped her hands to get her student’s full attention. “Class! Class! I want everyone to listen up. We have two special visitors today, Mr. Bill Waters and our very own Mayor Thomas. They will be speaking to you today and they also have a special surprise.”

Bill stepped to the front of the class and sat on the corner of Mrs. Jensen’s desk. Mayor Thomas could see him eying the bright red apple that was sitting there, but he fought temptation and began to speak. “Class, the town is in desperate need of help. Two of the buildings downtown have been neglected for years. They are weather worn and frankly, just plain ugly to look at.”

The kids began to laugh at Bills remark, but he defiantly had their attention.

“I am convinced that there is only one group of people anywhere in the entire state that can make these buildings come to life, and that’s you. Mrs. Jensen tells me you are a fine group of artist, one of the best classes she’s had in years. Are you up to the challenge of painting some murals?”

One of the boys in the class raised his hand and began to speak. “What sort of murals? We’ve never done anything that big before. Are you sure we’re the right people to do this?”

“If I didn’t think you were absolutely the right people and that you could defiantly do this, I wouldn’t be here right now. I can feel the life flowing in this room along with the creativity that all of you possess. I want to hire you for the job.”

“What do we get out of this?” asked one of the girls in the back of the room.

“You will get credit in class for your work and a beautiful downtown,” said Mrs. Jensen.

Bill smiled at the class and said, “I think I can sweeten the pot a little more. A worker is worthy of his meat. Make the mayor and I a list of what you like to drink and eat and we’ll make sure you have enough snacks to keep your energy up while you work.”

The class began to whisper excitedly among themselves. “You’ve got my support,” said a young man. “Me too, me too,” said the others.

“Its settled then. I’ll get the supplies and you’ll start first thing Monday morning,” said Bill, picking up the apple on Mrs. Jensen’s desk and taking a big bite. “ You’re hired.”

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Chapter 9

Gone Fishing



Mayor Phillip Thomas was shuffling papers around his desk when the phone rang. It was Bill Waters and he was in a great mood. “Good morning Mayor! I’ve got some wonderful news!”

“Well, lets hear it. I need some great news, I’m swamped with paperwork and complaints.”

“I’ve got a pretty lady from Johnsonville coming into Raney to bring you a new recycling trailer this morning. I want you to meet her at the city shop, then take her uptown for a nice lunch.”

“Mr. Waters, I’m too busy. I really can’t break away from the office today.” Couldn’t you meet her for me?

“Can’t,” said Bill. “I’m going fishing today.”

“Fishing? There’s no time for fishing. I’ve got contractors here, people are coming in complaining about all the construction work going on uptown and there is a mountain of paperwork on my desk.”

“When you hired me we agreed that things would be done just as I asked right?”

Phillip paused for a second then agreed. “Yes, I suppose you are right, but sometimes I just don’t get you.”

“Now that that is settled,” said Bill, “I’m telling you to take that lady out to dinner today.”

“Ok, then,” said Phillip with a sigh. “Is there anything else I can add to my growing list of things to do?”

“As a matter of fact, the grass is getting a little high at the ball field. Give it a good mowing.”

Phillip shook his head and hung up the phone. Bill was off for a day of fun and he was going to be stuck playing tour guide. He closed his office door and headed down to the city shop.

When he arrived, he saw a big green trailer sitting off to the side. “That’s pretty nice,” thought Phillip. Just then, a young lady stepped around from the other side. It was Anna, from Johnsonville. Phillip climbed out of his car and shook her hand.

“Hello, Mayor. It is good to see you again. I’m here to help you get your recycling program started. If you’d like, we can go somewhere and talk. I brought all my material with me.”

“That’d be great. I know just the place.”

Anna climbed into Phillip’s car and they headed down to the city park. “We’ve just had a new gazebo put in and it’s the perfect place to talk.

Anna began to blush as Phillip made the comment.

“Oh, I’m sorry,” he said. “That was probably too forward of me. Of course we could go back and meet in my office. That would be more formal. Its just that the fresh air always makes me think clearer.”

“No, that’s not too forward. I think it’s a great idea.”

Phillip looked at Anna’s left hand. He noticed she wasn’t wearing a ring. She was available. Suddenly he shook his head a little. “I have to concentrate on work,” he thought. “I really don’t have time for these feelings.”

Anna explained the recycling process, but Phillip found his thoughts drifting to Anna’s blonde hair and blue eyes. “Maybe it’s just the setting or the nice weather,” he thought, “but she has got to be the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen.”

“Mayor? Are you listening?”

“Oh, sorry. I, Uh, kind of drifted off there. Um, why don’t we go get a bite to eat.”
“Know what sounds good to me?” Asked Anna. “ A picnic. We could eat right out here in the park. Its too nice to be inside.”

Phillip and Anna had their picnic lunch in the town park. They discussed the recycling program, but soon the conversation drifted and they were laughing like they had known each other forever.

When the meeting was over, Phillip drove Anna back to her vehicle. “I had a really nice time today, Mayor. You should come up to Johnsonville sometime and let me show you around our park.”

Phillip blushed.

“Oh, Mayor, I guess I’m being too forward now.”

“No, not at all. As you would say, ‘That sounds like a great idea.’ Lets do it soon.”

“I’ll get things set up then.”

Anna hugged Phillip and walked to her vehicle.

Mayor Phillip Thomas waved goodbye as he stood with a flushed face and his heart beating 100 miles per hour. There was no doubt about it; he would defiantly be making a trip back to Johnsonville.


*Please stay tuned for chapter 10*