"Ladies and Gentlemen, Citizens of Daven's Port... My friends," Dina began, "I had inherited quite a mess when you chose me to guide our city four years ago. Our infrastructure was falling apart. Our unemployment rate was the highest in the state. People were moving away, because they thought that they couldn't build their lives in Daven's Port. We were, if you remember, listed on several websites as one of the worst places to live in the United States!"
The mention of this list caused several people to boo, including Piper of all people! Though, as a (former) Texan, Dakota could understand wanting to get even with anyone who dissed your home town. Mayor Donahue waited a few moments for the shouting to die down before continuing. "This was a monumental task. An impossible task, some people said. They said that Daven's Port couldn't be saved. They said that pigs would fly before this city became great again."
"Well, while the doubters are waiting for pigs to grow wings, do you know what we've done? We've repaved our roads! We've strengthened our bridges! We've supported our schools! And thanks to several new businesses moving in, our unemployment rate is the lowest that it has ever been!" The crowd was now beginning to cheer. "And do you know what I call that?"
There was a short pause.
"A GOOD START!"
The crowds approving screams grew even louder. "Yes, we've made Daven's Port better than its ever been! A friend of businesses, big and small! A beautiful place that people come from all over the world to see! A technological hub, where the advances of tomorrow are started! And we're no longer on that dumb list too! But you know what, I think with another four years I can do EVEN BETTER!"
The cheering crowd was practically in hysterics.
"And that's why I've come here today to announce my intention to re-run and be your mayor once more! Join me, my friends! Today is great, but tomorrow will be EVEN GREATER! Thank you, and God bless our fair city!"
Dakota had a hard time hearing the final words of the mayor's speech, since the crowd had started to chant "FOUR MORE YEARS! FOUR MORE YEARS!" As they did so, aids on either side of Mayor Donahue unfurled some blue banners with her re-election campaign slogan ("Today is great. Tomorrow will be even greater.") in big bold white letters.
On the whole, Dakota had to admit that she was impressed. Dina Donahue clearly knew how to work a crowd. She looked over at Piper and Zack. The comment about that "worst places to live" list had clearly gotten to her dark haired friend, and she was yelling herself hoarse along with the crowd. Zack, on the other hand, was frowning at the mayor, who was now walking down to the edge of the stage and shaking hands with the people there. Obviously, he still wasn't convinced.
As for Dakota...