Page 90 of His Curvy Distraction

I watched her leave, knowing the article was going to be a success.

Casey White arrived a few minutes after Natalie left. Casey and the photographer set up quickly, then we jumped in, exchanging pleasantries.

“Tell me what the most important thing about this job is, Mr. Mayor,” Casey said.

“I believe my job is to make every situation best for as many people as possible. To use the town’s funds to support the residents and find ways to bring more money into the town to help support it.”

“The articles lately have been pretty hard on your position to help out with the new summer camp. Can you comment on that?”

“The new summer camp will be on land that was donated to the town by a very generous family who wanted it to be used for the town. The original idea was to use the property for summer camp. It was the owners’ suggestion, and I agreed that it was excellent.”

“But it is taking money to fix it up,” Casey prompted.

“Of course. We had a very small amount of money in surplus that I directed toward that project because we’re getting toward the end of our fiscal year and the money didn’t have any other uses. Putting that money into the new summer camp and having the ability to open it up to more students will be a huge benefit to the parents of MacKellar Cove.”

“It will be, yes. It’ll also bring in some jobs, won’t it?”

“Yes. Amelia Rucker, the director of the community center, has some amazing ideas about what can be done with the property. We intend to use it for more than just summer camp. It’s going to be an asset to the town, and it’s easily going to pay for itself. But first it has to be functional.”

“What other projects do you have going on right now?” Casey asked, a gleam of approval in her eyes.

“We are working to get the gazebo in Catherine Park repaired. The River Walk needs some small repairs after the storm a year ago. And our tourism budget expanded this year to help bring more people into town. Goldie Spear is amazing at coming up with events that draw guests to town.”

“But doesn’t that put a strain on local resources?”

“There is a balance, yes. Always. MacKellar Cove Inn is almost completely booked through summer, from what I hear, and the hotels just out of town are getting close. The other towns in the area are seeing the boost from our town as well, with more of their hotels filling up and more money going into their towns.”

“Is that a good thing? Money going to these other towns?” Casey asked.

“Absolutely. As we elevate the overall awareness of the area, people come to all the towns and see the variety. Each of the towns along the Saint Lawrence River has something a little different to offer. We don’t compete with each other. We work together and support each other. Goldie has reached out to the other towns and a few of her events this year include visitors traveling the whole length of the Saint Lawrence River from Lake Ontario up to Canada. Everything we do is beneficial for MacKellar Cove and all the other towns.”

Casey’s grin widened. “That sounds like a lot of fun. Family friendly but not exclusive to families. You’ve created an amazing team, Mr. Mayor.”

“I’m very fortunate. The people who dedicate their time to this town are truly special people. They work hard to make MacKellar Cove not just an amazing place to live, but a great place to visit. And it shows. It’s because of that we’ve not had to raise taxes since I became interim mayor, and I don’t see any reason to do so going into next year, either. It’s all a team effort, and I am able to do all the things I do because of the team around me.”

Casey nodded. “Thank you for your time today, Mr. Mayor. I think I have everything I need. It was a true pleasure to meet you. And I will say I will be voting for you.”

“Thank you, Ms. White. That means a lot.”

“You mean a lot, Mr. Mayor. Thank you.”

“Thank you.”

They cleaned up their things and headed out. Jane gave me a thumbs up after they left. I couldn’t stop smiling.

If the article was as good as the interview, I was feeling good about my chances at election.

20

Three weeks after my interview with Casey White, I had my last meeting with Natalie and Amelia before the fundraiser. Everything was set, everyone was ready, and I had to admit they’d pulled together an amazing event.

“I think we’re going to hit our goal, Omar,” Amelia said before we ended the meeting.

“I think you might, too. It was a great idea to have the baskets for people to bid on. It’s very generous of Hudson to provide food and drinks at cost, too. I know that’s a lot of money he’s losing, especially on a weekend,” I said.

“He was happy to help. He’s paying his staff their regular salaries, but everyone who comes gets a drink ticket and a food ticket,” Amelia explained.

“He’s really looking forward to it. He was talking about it last week. Everyone is ready.”

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