Page 85 of Inferno
Chapter 22
“This is Heather McNulty reporting to you live from the Coronado Central Fire Station on Braun Road, the polling station for today’s special bond election. I’m joined by Coronado School District Superintendent Priscilla Wolf.” The attractive brunette turned and smiled at Prissy, who stood beside her in front of the redbrick firehouse. “Dr. Wolf, I know you’ve been actively campaigning for the passage of the $17.4 million bond initiative ever since it was unanimously approved by the school board back in May. Now that Election Day is finally here, what would you like to say to any of our viewers who may be on the fence about voting in favor of the proposed bond? What can you tell anyone who may not be familiar with what’s at stake here?”
Prissy smiled warmly at the reporter. “Well, Heather, anyone who has lived here for a while can attest to the fact that Coronado is a growing community. Over the past five years alone, the district’s enrollment has more than doubled, creating a need to build more schools in which to educate our students. The proposed $17.4 million bond will help the district build a new junior high school and renovate existing schools by adding several classrooms to Coronado High and Cedar Creek Junior High. Additionally, the bond funds will be used to help the district maintain our current infrastructure by replacing roofs, boilers and waterlines, and upgrading parking lots, technology systems and fire alarms.”
“Speaking of fire alarms,” the reporter teasingly interrupted, “I understand that your husband was named Coronado’s Firefighter of the Year at Saturday’s ball, and at the end of his acceptance speech, he petitioned attendees to vote yes on the bond initiative. Did you put him up to that?”
Prissy laughed. “I wish I could take credit, but no, he did that all on his own.”
Heather grinned broadly. “Good man.”
“Yes.” Prissy smiled. “He is.”
“So getting back to the matter at hand,” Heather continued, “you’ve made a strong case for why the $17.4 million bond funds are necessary. But what do you say to residents who are worried about paying higher taxes if the bond proposal passes?”
“I’m so glad you asked, Heather. Let me take this opportunity to remind or inform viewers of the school board’s stated pledge that no tax rate increase will occur if voters approve the bond proposal. Let me repeat that, because it’s very important. The current tax rate willnotchange if the bond initiative is approved.”
“Sounds wonderful, but skeptics may be wondering how the school board can make such apromise?”
“Well, first of all, new homes and businesses are broadening the tax base in Coronado County. So that means that others who move into the county, as well as businesses that grow, will help share the load of the bond debt in years to come. Second, the funds will be issued over a period of five years, which spreads out the debt and ensures that taxpayers won’t be overburdened.”
Heather nodded approvingly.“Makes perfect sense to me.Okay, Dr. Wolf, I’m going to ask you to put on your prognosticator hat. Since the certified election results won’t be available until tomorrow morning, what’s your sense of the way things are going?”
Prissy smiled. “Well, I’ve been in and out of here all day, and I’m really pleased with the turnout we’ve had,” she said, gesturing to the steady flow of people filing into the fire station. “I’ve had the pleasure of speaking to many citizens who understand the important goals we’re trying to achieve through this bond initiative. I’d like to encourage everyone who hasn’t already voted to come out tonight and cast your ballot. The passage of this bond will support our school district’s academic progress and foster a better learning environment for our youth, who are our future leaders. So please come out tonight and show them your support.”
When she’d finished her earnest plea to viewers, Heather turned to the camera and said, “Well, folks, you heard it here from Superintendent Wolf. Your votes will determine the outcome of this crucial bond election, so come on down and exercise your civic duty—and enjoy some delicious refreshments while you’re at it. The polls will be open until eight, so you still have time to get here.” She flashed her sunny reporter’s smile. “Reporting to you live from the Coronado Central Fire Station on Braun Road, I’m Heather McNulty for KDCI News.”
After signing off and removing the microphone clipped to her lapel, Heather smiled warmly at Prissy and shook her hand. “Thank you so much for taking the time to talk to me, Dr. Wolf. I just want to say what a pleasure it is to meet you. I grew up in this county and graduated from Coronado High School, and since you took over as superintendent, I’ve heard nothing but great things about the improvements you’ve already made, and the work you’re doing for the school district and the community. Thanks for your vision and leadership.”
Prissy smiled, touched by the reporter’s heartfelt words. “Thank you so much, Heather. I really appreciate hearing that.”
Heather grinned. “I always strive to be objective in my reporting, but I’m sure it was pretty obvious that I support the bond proposal. So on that note, I’m heading inside to enthusiastically cast my yes vote.”
Prissy beamed with pleasure. “Wonderful. Thank you, Heather.”
As they headed inside the building together, Prissy was soon detained by several school board members who exuberantly congratulated her for all the hard work and effort she’d put into campaigning for the bond election. She was all but promised a raise if the $17.4 million bond proposal passed.
After conversing with the board members for a while, Prissy continued moving through the crowd, greeting school administrators, teachers, parents, neighbors and people from all walks of the community who’d come out to vote.
She made her way to a table near the back of the hall, where Gayle and Roxanne were serving refreshments that had been generously donated by the wives of the firefighters whose husbands were assigned to this station, which had been chosen because it was the largest in town.
When Prissy reached the refreshment table, she saw that it was laden with even more food than before—homemade cakes, cookies, pumpkin pies and banana bread, as well as coffee, hot apple cider and hot chocolate.
Gayle beamed at her. “Isn’t this a great turnout?”
“Yes,” Prissy smilingly agreed, turning to watch as more people streamed through the main doors and were directed to the area that had been cordoned off for the voting booths. “It’s a wonderful turnout.”
“It sure is,” Roxanne pronounced, surveying the crowd. “I have to admit that I had my doubts when you first told me that you’d persuaded the school board to schedule the bond election for the week before Thanksgiving. Since most folks would have just voted in the presidential election two weeks earlier”—Sherolled her eyes at the reminder of Ronald Reagan’s recent landslide victory —“I just figured they’d be less inclined to come out to the polls again so soon. But,boy,was I wrong. Holding the election this week was a stroke of genius, Prissy. Your bond issues didn’t get lost in the shuffle of national politics, and since people feel more relaxed and charitable around the holidays, they’re more likely to vote in favor of the initiative.” She grinned at Prissy.“Brilliant strategy, woman.”
“It was also her idea to serve refreshments and bring Sparky the Fire Dog for the kids.” Gayle gestured around the crowded hall. “These people look like they’re at a holiday social instead of a polling station. I’m betting that some folks who might have shown up to vote against the bond probably took one look at this festive atmosphere, saw the children playing with Sparky the Fire Dog, and changed their votes to yes.” Gayle grinned proudly. “Is my boss awesome or what?”
Prissy laughed, shaking her head at the two women. “Thanks for the accolades, but if you ladies heap any more praise on me, my head’s gonna get so inflated that I’ll float up, up, up and away from here.”
Gayle and Roxanne laughed.
For the next half hour, Prissy helped serve refreshments while chatting with voters and answering more questions.When Sparky the Fire Dog wandered over—Jake had graciously consented to don the costume on his day off—Prissy posed for pictures with him,thensnapped photos of him with grinning children and their parents.
About the time she was feeling totally relaxed, she looked up and saw Stan sauntering through the entrance.
