BARBARA JONES
Good evening. This is the nightly news with Barbara Jones. It’s the count-down to the municipal elections and this evening we are here with the mayor’s assistant. Thank you for your time, Scott Miller.
SCOTT MILLER
Thank you for having me here, Ms. Jones.
BARBARA JONES
We’re in the middle of the mayoral campaign. Now your candidate, Mayor Peterson, is in the lead in the polls —
SCOTT MILLER
Yes he is.
BARBARA JONES
However. there are some facts about Mayor Peterson that many believe might adversely affect him on election day.
SCOTT MILLER
I am not aware of the rumours. What are they? I would like the chance to deny them.
BARBARA JONES
Well people are saying that you are the power behind the throne.
SCOTT MILLER
They have nothing with which to base that assertion.
BARBARA JONES
(Flips through notes) What about the fact the mayor’s been dead for the past three years?
SCOTT MILLER
I would like to go on record as saying that I had nothing to do with his death.
BARBARA JONES
I’m not accusing you of that.
SCOTT MILLER
Of what?
BARBARA JONES
Of having murdered the mayor. It’s just that with the mayor dead —
SCOTT MILLER
— And I’d like to get a word in edgewise. I’d like to say that the mayor’s condition hasn’t stopped him from running a hard campaign. Last night Mayor Peterson was involved in an intense debate where he faced all of the candidates’ questions and he answered them to the best of his abilities. Today, he went to a number of major campaign stops. This morning, Mayor Peterson attended the bingo game at the retirement home, and then afterwards he visited the elementary school —
BARBARA JONES
— I know. There have been complaints from local citizens about this.
SCOTT MILLER
What? What have they said?
BARBARA JONES
(Flips through notes.) People are saying that they’re frightened of the mayor.
SCOTT MILLER
Ms. Jones, despite the way people may feel, you cannot hide the fact that the mayor still has a considerable lead in the polls.
BARBARA JONES
To be honest Mr. Miller, the mayor’s lead is one of the most baffling things about this campaign. Can you explain why people are seemingly willing to follow a dead candidate? What’s the attraction between the people of this city and Mayor Peterson?
SCOTT MILLER
Isn’t it obvious?
BARBARA JONES
No.
SCOTT MILLER
Barbara, people are tired of politicians. And do you want to know why? It’s because the average politician is divisive. They alienate vast swarms of the electorate by taking standings on various issues. Mayor Peterson has taken the high road by refusing to take stands. Instead, he’s committed himself to the ultimate act of listening by allowing people to project their own values on to him. I have met with people on opposite ends of the political spectrum, and they all believe they have the mayor’s support. If anything, Mayor Peterson has shown that he is the greatest unifier this city has ever seen.
BARBARA JONES
Sadly, that makes sense. Anyway, that is all we have time for you today.
SCOTT MILLER
Thank you, Ms. Jones, for having me on.
BARBARA JONES
Thank you, Mr. Miller. Next up: bees… innocent pollinators or flying menaces.
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