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Instinctively, I believed my message would be more effective if I looked directly into the camera and spoke in a relaxed, unrehearsed manner.
I described the committee and listed all of the members and the interests they represented. I explained that I chose to participate as part of the long history of my family’s interest in the city’s wellbeing. I explained that I believed the only way to address a public safety crisis adequately was to enlist those who needed protection in the fight to protect each other proactively.
Before I concluded my comments, I pledged financial support for any additional equipment and training our police required and the training of everyday citizens on commonsense responses to crime. Finally, I announced that I would work with the city council to spearhead redevelopment projects for the city’s most economically depressed neighborhoods.
By the time I completed my brief speech, the reporters present applauded. I blushed but tried to hide it by looking down. Fortunately, my speech was over, and most of the cameras clicked off.
Mayor Reynolds approached to shake my hand. He said, “You were stunning. Maybe you should be the one in my position.” Overcome with emotion, I reached out to extend the handshake into a hug.
When I broke the embrace, I said, “Don’t worry, Mayor Reynolds, I have no designs on your job. I only wish the best for the city. This is the end of my family’s conspicuous absence from the public sphere. My father’s death sent me into a sort of hibernation, but it’s high time to change that. I’ll uphold my family’s responsibilities to a city that has given us so much.”
Mayor Reynolds slapped me on the shoulder. “It’s a pleasure to work with you. Now, I’m sure some of these esteemed members of the media have a few questions.” He leaned forward and whispered in my ear, “And we really should have a drink together sometime. You are a fascinating young man.”
