Sara Mumolo at Back Room Live

Sara Mumolo is always worth reading. You will like this when you read it.

Cassandra Smith at Glitter Pony

Check out Cassandra Smith at Glitter Pony. Quite good.

My Opening Statement to Council

This was my opening statement to Council on Wednesday:

I'd like to thank Council and the people of Staunton for allowing me to be heard and to apply to the position.

Every decision City Council makes affects no other generation more than my own. The young people who want to start businesses and families in Staunton are the future of this community, and I think it's time that more of us start taking an active role in shaping that future.

I love this city, and I hope that when my hair is gray and my beard is long I'll still be as active in the community here as I am today. But today, I am young. I am full of energy and fresh ideas and perhaps more hope and idealism than most of those who are more advanced in age and have applied for this job. But I'm not by any means alone, and I think that it's time my demographic, the builders and makers of things, and the risk-takers and investors in our future are more directly represented by City Council.

I think City Council has done a great job in several areas about which I care a great deal. But what better way to prove that Staunton City Council continues to look toward a brighter future even during trying times? What better way to advertise their commitment to progress and their duty to represent those whom are most affected by their decisions than to invite someone like me to serve with them?

I may have never worked on the school board or headed a controversial political organization, but I'm a quick study, and I would not let you down, if appointed, and I'll work my hardest toward a brighter tomorrow while addressing the difficult decisions of today.

My Night at City Hall

Last Wednesday, I was interviewed by Staunton City Council at City Hall. It was a grilling session much like Jim Carey faced during the pivotal scene of The Majestic. It was rather exhilarating.

Over all, it was an educational and interesting experience, and though I lost, I'm not sorry I applied. The winner of the position was the second youngest person to apply, the nearly twice my age James Harrington. He's 59, and I'm 30. The others were all over 70, I think.

From the day he applied, I suspected James would take the seat, as he seems reasonable and rational, and he has some experience. But can I tell you what bothers me? He isn't a business owner or a businessman of any kind; he's a professor who's served on the school board. So, as a young business person, I feel underrepresented by Council. True, getting young people involved in local politics is like herding cats, and I often seem to be the youngest person at most political events around here, but there are plenty of young business people that should be represented by their local officials. Choosing a 60-year-old professor does not accomplish that, and that bothers me quite a bit.

Our City Council is pretty good. I like all of the people currently on it, and I would have liked the opportunity to work with them. James Harrington seems like a good man, and by all reports he is one. But in a city where the old guard is already so well represented and so powerful, it would have been nice if City Council would have strengthened its commitment to the generation its decisions affect more than any other by picking, well, me.

Thanks to all of you wrote to Council with your recommendations. Council was impressed by this outpouring of support. There were close to 100, and that's huge for a special appointment. I'm not sure what the next step for us is, but I'd love to hear your suggestions, and a bird told me that I'd be receiving suggestions from the Mayor himself(!). There's sure to be much more fun in 2010, friends. I hope to earn your support in the next year.

Thanks also to Council and all Stauntonians for the opportunity to embark on such a worthy adventure.

Ubon Thai ftw!!!

Staunton snow

City Hall

This is Councilman Bruce Elder. He’s the tallest person to ever serve on Staunton City Council, maybe on any City Council anywhere. He is a no-nonsense kind of guy who sees both sides of every issue and wants to make the city a better place for everyone.

I like Bruce Elder.

If I’m appointed to City Council tonight, I will be the youngest person to ever serve. I will be the second tallest person to ever serve, too.

You can tell Bruce and the other members of Council to appoint me as often as you’d like. You can come see me get interviews at City Hall at 6pm. It will be epic.

Please reblog and tell a friend. Please tell City Council to appoint me!

City Hall

This is City Council. Dickie Bell is leaving (the really old one). I want his seat. I will be the youngest person to ever serve on Staunton City Council if appointed. It will be epic.

You can tell City Council to appoint me as often as you'd like.

City Hall

This is Mayor Lacy King. When Dickie Bell leaves Council, he will be the oldest person on Council. He’s a nice man who supports the arts and is interested in new ideas for economic development. If I am appointed tonight, I will be the youngest person to ever serve on Staunton City Council.

You can tell Mayor King to appoint me tonight. You can tell him many times if you’d like.

You can come to City Hall at 6pm and watch me “get grilled.”

Jack Morgan in a beret

Bundled up with new scarf

It's a winter wonderland here in Staunton right now. My girlfriend
bought me a scarf at the craft fair she hosted at Darjeeling cafe.
It's soft and synthetic like a perfect machine, and it keeps me warm.