Connellsville (395 hits)
Category: Quotes & StoriesRating: 2 on 5 reviews (Rate this item) (V)
Submitted by John Byrne <highersound.at.gmail.com> (View user info) at 2006-07-29 00:21:49 EDT
Chapter 1 (of 4, maybe?)
"The Vote"
30 miles outside of Pittsburgh lies a small community, one of hundreds strewn across the foothills of Central PA. Founded in 1850, the first settlers who camped here struggled to survive against the adversities of pioneer life. From these early generations would later spring a community that would come to epitomize the ideals which were once the foundations of the American Dream: Commitment to hard work and vocation; Faith in God and Country; Support of family and friends. But that which was, is no more. Industries that had been the life blood of a thriving economy have come and gone. Churches that once renewed and refreshed the spirit of life stand in silence, there structures falling into decay, there halls void of the mortals who souls now prefer the nourishment found in brown bottles, glass pipes and cheap hosiery. Today young children, who's hopes and dreams were once played out in sandy lots and on paved courts, linger in alley ways and on street corners anxiously waiting for their chance at the next big hit.
Mayor O' Williams slammed the gavel down, it had been a very long night and his patients were worn thin. This had been going on for nearly 6 hours, of which he felt less then one hour had been in constructive discourse. Looking up atop the back of the hall he could make out the hands of time, it was now 2am - better late then never. And so it was that the town board had finally settled on what he hoped would be the answer to a dilemma that had brought their community to the brink of moral and fiscal bankruptcy. How might a small town with limited resources turn-back the steady decline of both economy and humanity?
It took a several more cracks of the gavel to bring the over-capacity crowd to silence. As the last of the wahoos took to their seats Mayor O'Williams rose to the podium and presented to all assembled the boards plan. This plan called for a referendum to be held in 3 weeks. On the ballot would be three motions, of which the town folks would select one for funding and execution by the town council. Of the countless proposals that had been submitted the three chosen by the board were as follows:
Motion #1: Find a corporate sponsor interested in building a theme park. Sell the naming rights of the town to the corporate entity.
Motion #2: Change the town by-laws allowing for gambling, prostitution, gay marriage and growing/smoking/possession of marijuana.
Motion #3: Build a stadium, offer its use for no-charge, and together with a large sum of money wait for a desperate sports franchise owner to take the bait.
Mayor O' Williams answered a few rather insignificant questions, and, much to his relief, the recommendation of the Board was accepted. The issue was then settled, in three weeks from this day the people of Connellsville would go to the ballot box and elect their destiny.
During the three weeks set aside prior to the election the town was a buzz with debates on what would be the best plan. Local radio talk shows dedicated hours of air time. There hosts bringing together local business owners, community leaders, and even out of town players from big corporations such as Walt Disney, sports franchise owners such Robert Irsay, and not to go without mention, the mega media/entertainment tycoon Larry Flint. Whether from afar or home-bred each mixed together a potent cocktail of self-interest and communal progress.
Finally the day for the big vote came with an astounding 90% of all registered voters hitting the polls. It was a turn-out that the vote counters had not been prepared for. As the town anxiously waited, a few hours turned into an entire evening, and more. Although early results showed motion #1 far ahead, this would change, and eventually it was to close to call. As the evening turned into morning there was talk of vote rigging, that voting ballots had been to difficult to understand. Others complained that they were unable to make it to the polls on-time. Not until 5pm the next day did Mayor O' Williams receive the call from the commissioner of elections. It was not the news he wanted to hear. Apparently, although there was a winner by popular count, the town bi-laws required the winner be by a majority. Furthermore, the results were not yet official. Many of the votes were too difficult to read, it was impossible to tell whether a vote had been cast for motion #1 or motion #2. Experts would have to be called in.
What a cluster-fuck he thought. The town people were sittin', waitin', and wishin' for a result. He would have to go before them with something, but what? It appeared that, despite the willingness to change, they had failed to find a path to a new beginning. He knew that a without a real solution a deep sense of hopelessness would overtake the town. He asked of himself the same question that others would ask of themselves - had a future of slow decay been set in stone?
User Reviews
Submitted by fried-green-potatoes (user info) at 2006-07-30 11:54:23 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by mikethescottish (user info) at 2006-07-29 17:47:43 (#)
Ranking: 2
For some reason it reminded me of Mark Twain's 'The Man Who Corrupted Hadleyburg'
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I picked this up, too; almost a mirror-image town destined for the same end. The reviews below make solid points.
Submitted by Bubba2341 (user info) at 2006-07-29 18:48:21 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
It has possibilities, but I would suggest two things:
1. Less exposition and more interaction/dialogue between people.
2. Proofread for spelling and grammar.
Submitted by mikethescottish (user info) at 2006-07-29 17:47:43 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Not bad. Maybe needs a counterbalance to the polemic, otherwise this could be a bit dour. For some reason it reminded me of Mark Twain's 'The Man Who Corrupted Hadleyburg', I think a lot of the success of this could similarly depend on any machinations, characterisations or humour worked in during any later episodes. As a free-standing post, i'm not convinced, but this could work well.
You sure picked a bad day to post this though- sympathy +2!
Submitted by Beano312003 (user info) at 2006-07-29 13:24:44 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
People are all hooked up with this ADD thing. IT'S THE ADD THING WOT DUNNIT !!!!!
So, in sympathy have a jolly good old fashioned +2.
Submitted by Antioxident (user info) at 2006-07-29 01:27:17 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
plus two, an hour without a review