{"id":3012,"date":"2020-10-04T17:56:17","date_gmt":"2020-10-04T21:56:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.otownmedia.com\/blog\/after-breakfast-pdf-copy\/"},"modified":"2024-06-16T09:38:50","modified_gmt":"2024-06-16T13:38:50","slug":"the-highway-supervisor-pdf","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.otownmedia.com\/blog\/the-highway-supervisor-pdf\/","title":{"rendered":"
The Highway Supervisor<\/span>"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"A<\/p>\n

Eddie Eddy challenges the system and, from Palmer\u2019s point of view, wins.<\/h4>\n

An Eddy and McClure Story<\/em><\/p>\n

\n
\n

TUESDAY, JUNE 15<\/strong>Eddie Eddy leaned back in the porch chair and stretched his arms over his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cElla,\u201d he said to his wife (her name was Eloise),”It was hot out there today \u2014 unseasonably hot. Though it wasn\u2019t the heat so much as the humidity.\u201d Eddie smiled at his favorite phrase. Think I should order another 500 flyers? They seem to go over pretty well.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUm-mmm.\u201d Ella Eddy still had her apron on from washing up the dishes after dinner. She fanned herself with a magazine her daughter Lizzy left on the porch. The title was\u201dBeauCoupe\u201d and it was all about the latest hairstyles. The model on the cover had long purple hair knotted around her throat held together with a coat button on an elastic band.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy, I don\u2019t know, Ed. They\u2019re awful expensive. And what do people do with them after? Throw them away! It\u2019s awful wasteful.\u201d<\/p>\n

Eddie folded his arms across his chest. Well, what would you have me do? I knock on doors, I shake hands, I tell \u2018em I\u2019m the best for Highway Supervisor. Then it feels like I should leave \u2018em with something to remember me by.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat does Pat DeGregorio do?\u201d Patrick DeGregorio, the other candidate for Highway Supervisor, had deep pockets and the backing of the party machine.<\/p>\n

Eddie leaned forward on the arm of the porch chair. \u201dHe hands out pens with his name on \u2018em and \u2014 get this! \u2014 combs! With his name on them! Combs!!\u201d<\/p>\n

Ella cocked her head. \u201dThat sounds expensive.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re damn right it\u2019s expensive. Makes my flyers look like a bargain.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, Ed. Winning the primary for Highway Supervisor is so important for you. You\u2019ve got your Facebook page, you\u2019ve handed out hundreds of fliers, there\u2019s the debate coming up\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not a debate. It\u2019s a Candidate Forum.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay. But what I\u2019m saying is there must be other way to get your name out.\u201d<\/p>\n

They sat in silence for a while. The early evening heat washing over them. A rumble of thunder sounded in the distance just as Ella said, \u201dWhat about Sydney McClure?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about Sydney McClure?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ellla fingered the hem of her apron. \u201dShe\u2019s in P.R. Maybe she\u2019d have an idea.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNah. Too expensive. Know what those folks charge? Per hour? Just talking on the phone, they charge.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, maybe since her son Doug and our Hale are best friends, she\u2019d do a favor.\u201d<\/p>\n

Eddie smirked. \u201dJust because the boys are friends? You got to be kidding.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ella bristled. \u201dNot at all. That\u2019s how women work. Ask her.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNah. I\u2019d feel funny.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEdward Eddy, don\u2019t be pig-headed. All she can say is no.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah. And think I\u2019m an idiot for asking.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, then. I will ask her for you. How silly will you feel then?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ella looked her husband in the eye. \u201dThere\u2019s a PTA meeting on Thursday. Let\u2019s ask her afterwards. I\u2019ll do it with you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Eddie sat forward, elbows on knees thinking. Then he sat back and wiped his face with his bandana.\u201dI guess so. Okay. Let\u2019s ask her.\u201d<\/p>\n

Palmer Eddy sat on the porch steps listening to his parents. He\u2019d been with his father on Saturdays going door-to-door handing out fliers. It was hard, boring work. At 12 years old, Palmer was starting to become aware of the world around him and was fascinated by what adults had to deal with.<\/p>\n

His father had a point. Not only the humidity part, but that his way of getting the word out was too slow, too time consuming. His dad had been at it since early April and now in June, Palmer could see that unless everyone was talking about \u201dEdward Eddy, Crawford Highway Supervisor,\u201d he was doomed to lose the primary.<\/p>\n

Palmer listened and thought. Maybe there was some way he could help.<\/p>\n

THE PTA MEETING, THURSDAY, JUNE 16<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cSanford, it\u2019s time to go!\u201d Sydney McClure checked her makeup in the hall mirror and patted her hair in place. The PTA meeting at the high school was 10 minutes from their house and she wanted to get there right on time.<\/p>\n

Sanford McClure was brushing his teeth in the guest bathroom. \u201dIz only quarer pas sevn!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJudy Davidson always starts PTA meetings at seven-thirty sharp. I\u2019m going out to the car.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sydney settled into the passenger seat of their new SUV. They had gotten rid of the old one last month and went for an electric. It cost, but she loved how quiet it was. And no gasoline. No smell. No exhaust. No pollution. Nancy and Doug actually said they were proud of them getting an electric. E-vehicle, they called it. Teenagers\u2026<\/p>\n

She had just reached over to tap the horn when the driver door opened and Sanford slipped in.<\/p>\n

\u201cReaching over to greet me?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMmm\u2026yes.\u201d They kissed.<\/p>\n

Somewhat later Sanford started the car and Sydney checked her hair in the passenger side mirror.<\/p>\n

Sanford settled himself behind the wheel.\u201dSo, what is this meeting all about anyway?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s an orientation for parents with children entering middle school. What to expect, what\u2019s different from grammar school \u2014 K through six, as they say. It\u2019s also a chance to meet parents of other middle school kids before the school year ends.\u201d<\/p>\n

They drove in silence for a while.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut Doug\u2019s already in middle school.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is for Nancy, Sanford. She\u2019s twelve. A very grown up twelve.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSyd, she\u2019s not grown up. She\u2019s still a little girl.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot lately. She\u2019s menstruating, her breasts are starting to show. And that\u2019s just physically. She\u2019s very, very smart, Sanford, and mature beyond her years.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sanford McClure shook his head.\u201dThey grow up so fast, Syd.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah. And here we are.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sanford and Sydney entered the brightly lit gymnasium bubbling with the sounds of parents and teachers greeting each other, talking and laughing. The smell of coffee was in the air and a group of men were over by the refreshment table to get the jump on the PTA meeting favorite \u2014 Mrs. Sackett\u2019s chocolate chip cookies.<\/p>\n

They made their way among the rows of folding chairs already askew as groups of parents congregated and earnest teacher-parent conversations pulled them out of line.<\/p>\n

Sanford spied Eddie and Ella Eddy and waved. Ella motioned to open chairs near them. Sanford sat next to Ella.\u201dEvening, Eddie, Ella.\u201d Eddie looked around past his wife.\u201dHi, Sanford. Hello, Sydney.\u201d<\/p>\n

His voice sounded strained, tense to Sanford\u2019s ear. Wonder what\u2019s going on? Argument? The kids?<\/p>\n

The PTA president brought the meeting to order and wasted no time on the agenda. She ran down the usual stuff, the need for school supplies for each student, when the school day started in middle school (\u201cIt\u2019s early, folks! 8:15 am on the dot!\u201d). Changing classes for the first time. Expectations for homework. Then she launched a slide show about bullying that the State Chancellor had sent to all school districts. She talked about ecology at Crawford Middle School and asked parents to use recyclable materials when packing lunches. (\u201cNo plastic film or sandwich bags, please!\u201d) which drew applause and a couple of good-natured boos.<\/p>\n

Then a panel of 7th, 8th and 9th grade teachers seated themselves on stage. Each made a little speech about student life in the middle school years. About boys and girls starting to be interested in each other. Competition in dress. Provocative dress. Fights over boys. Sydney nodded as Sanford whispered, \u201dThis is mainly about puberty.\u201d<\/p>\n

The teachers then took questions which ranged from how they encouraged good study practices to the importance of after school activities.<\/p>\n

Then one parent asked,\u201dHow are you prepared to support and instruct around the issue of LGBTQ students? What about lavatory facilities? Locker rooms? How are you going to protect and inform?\u201d<\/p>\n

The teachers looked at each other. The 7th grade teacher said, \u201dUm, we have no authority over lavatories or locker rooms. We\u2019ll have to refer that to the principal, who\u2019s not here tonight unfortunately. The 9th grade teacher added, \u201dMiddle school teachers teach specific subjects, I teach English, Mr. McGuire here teaches Social Studies, and so forth. This question should be for the Health Education teacher, who unfortunately is not here tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n

The room of parents, already murmuring at the question, broke out loud at the answer. \u201dNot an answer!\u201d someone called out. \u201dThis is important!\u201d \u201dYou\u2019re dodging!\u201d \u201dWhat century are you from?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOr-derrrrrr Or-der!!! Please ladies and gentlemen!\u201d\u00a0 Judy Davidson, the PTA president stepped up to the microphone. \u201dIs there a motion that this discussion be explored in committee with the school principal, teachers, and interested parents and a report back to the Association be made before our next meeting in September?\u201d<\/p>\n

Sanford raised his hand and called out, \u201dI so motion!\u201d<\/p>\n

A hand went up in the back and a voice called out, \u201dI second!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll in favor?\u201d<\/p>\n

A huge\u201d Aye!\u201d filled the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cAgainst?\u201d Silence. Parents looked around the room and then at their watches.<\/p>\n

\u201cMotion is carried. Meeting is adjourned!\u201d<\/p>\n

Over the sound of clattering folding chairs the PTA president called out, \u201dThank you all for coming!\u201d<\/p>\n

Eddie took a deep breath. Now was the time he was supposed to ask Sydney for a favor to help with his campaign for Highway Supervisor. But he was trapped next to Ella, two seats away from Sydney. Nowhere near close enough to ask for a favor.<\/p>\n

The two couples stood up. Ella was asking Sydney about Doug. Sanford stepped aside to let them chat and moved next to Eddie. The situation was worse than ever.<\/p>\n

\u201cSome meeting.\u201d Eddie felt grumpy. Things were not going as planned. It had seemed so simple back there on the porch with Ella \u2014 just ask Sydney after the meeting if she had any ideas to help him get the nomination for Highway Supervisor.<\/p>\n

\u201cPretty interesting finale, I\u2019d say.\u201d Sanford looked at Eddie. Something was on his mind, definitely. \u201dSo, what\u2019s up Eddie?\u201d<\/p>\n

Eddie paused. Maybe Sanford was the one to ask.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you know I\u2019m trying for Highway Supervisor. And I\u2019m in a stall. Not making enough waves. I go door-to-door with my flyers, but is that doing me any good? No way to tell. Until it\u2019s too late. I decided I need some fresh ideas. So, Ella \u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI have an idea,\u201d Sanford looked at Eddie seriously.\u201dYou should go to the baseball game I coach this Saturday and speak to the crowd.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow? Why?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s the big playoff for the season. Everybody is going to be there. They are there for their kids. Their kids go to school by bus. They want safe roads, working signal lights, rapid snow removal, standard signage\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSigns are county, not town\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhatever. You get what I\u2019m saying? The parents will be at the game. You can meet and greet just like you are doing now only you are going where the people are. If it goes well, go to supermarkets, the train station, bus depot, church services \u2014 as many as you can before the primary and meet parents, working people, seniors. See where I\u2019m going with this?\u201d<\/p>\n

Eddie thought about the hours he had spent trudging door to door. He sighed. \u201dI get it. More efficient.\u201d He brightened. \u201dMaybe I\u2019ll see some of the people I met door-to-door. That would be good! I like it! Good idea, Sanford!\u201d<\/p>\n

Sanford McClure looked pleased. \u201dCome to the game on Saturday. I\u2019ll introduce you to the umpire and you can do your thing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sanford and Eddie had dropped behind their wives. They caught up with them in the parking lot just as Ella was saying, \u201dThanks again, Sydney! Say hello to Doug and Nancy for me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sydney smiled and joined her husband. \u201dLet\u2019s talk soon! Good night, you guys!\u201d<\/p>\n

On the way home Eddie and Ella were lost in their own thoughts. They both smiled simultaneously. Then looked at each other and laughed.<\/p>\n

THAT SAME NIGHT<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sanford and Sydney McClure came home through the side door to the kitchen. Sanford headed for the family room to catch up on the Oakland A\u2019s game against Texas. Sydney called from the bottom of the stairs, \u201dNancy? Got a minute? I have an idea I think you can help with.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nancy was reading on her bed with Mischief the family beagle by her side. She swung her legs over the edge of the bed and called back, \u201dSure, Mom! Want me to come down?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll come up!\u201d A minute later, Sydney\u2019s head appeared around the doorway.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have an idea I think you can help me with.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure, Mom. What\u2019s up?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAfter the PTA meeting tonight, Palmer\u2019s mother asked me to think of a way to help her husband who\u2019s running for Highway Supervisor.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI heard. From Palmer. He goes out with his dad and hands out fliers to people. Sounds boring.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe. Eddie \u2014 Mr. Eddy \u2014 is not reaching enough people going door-to-door. And he\u2019s up against Peggy DeGregorio\u2019s dad who\u2019s already the Highway Supervisor. Mr. Eddy is what they call the primary challenger. Plus, Mr. DeGregorio has the whole party machine behind him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot good, right? But what do you want me to do about it? This feels like grownup stuff.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you are going into middle school in September and you are becoming a young woman. You need to know how our elections work. Plus, if Greta can raise awareness for climate change, you can rally for Eddie.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2019Rally for Eddie!\u2019 I like that!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMrs. Eddy tells me there is going to be a primary debate in July and I offered to help promote it. I want to start a Twitter account and energize Mr. Eddy\u2019s Facebook page. So I need photos. Do you think you could help? You got a nice iPhone for your birthday and you are a good photographer. I\u2019ll need photos of Eddie, his family, the roads and streets around Crawford, like that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCool! I can do that!\u201d Nancy thought for a minute. \u201dI\u2019ve got some pics from last winter. That big snowstorm. And the ones from last spring when we caught Doug and Hale at the bank\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe not the bank ones, but the winter ones, definitely. You see where I\u2019m going with this?\u201d Sydney didn\u2019t know that she was mimicking Sanford\u2019s case to Eddie earlier that evening.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure, Mom. It\u2019ll be fun. Can I get Palmer to help? When do we start?\u201d<\/p>\n

Sydney looked out the window. Dusk was falling and a gentle breeze was just starting to dispel the brazen heat of the day. \u201dAs soon as we can. The primary is August 16.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nancy jumped up. \u201dI\u2019ll start right away!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis absolutely cannot interfere with your final exams. Start after that. I\u2019ll catch up with Palmer\u2019s mom tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

._.<\/p>\n

That night, Sydney lay across the bed and let the AC play over her. It was way too hot for early June. They usually only used the air conditioner in August to cool the room off, then would let the night air do the rest.<\/p>\n

Sanford came into the room brushing his teeth. \u201dI told Edy to ome to the yame swaraday.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n

Sanford returned after rinsing his mouth.\u201dBecause I want him to speak to the parents at the game about running for Highway Supervisor.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sydney sat up. \u201dThat\u2019s brilliant, Sanford!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy, thank you, dear!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cElla asked me to help Eddie, too. I\u2019m going to promote his being at the debate.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sanford sat on the edge of the bed. \u201dSo that\u2019s what you and Ella had your heads together about. That is truly brilliant, Syd.\u201d Leaning over he whispered,\u201dCan we pick up where we left off in the car this evening?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMmmm\u2026yes\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Somewhat later Sanford drew the sheet over her and got up to turn the air conditioner off.<\/p>\n

\u201cSyd?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYea\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI would wait to talk to Ella until after Eddie goes to the game on Saturday. We should hear what he has to say and how he comes across.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMmm\u2026mmm\u2026\u2018night\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

FRIDAY, JUNE 17<\/strong><\/p>\n

Early Friday morning, the phone rang. Ella wiped her hands on her apron and answered, \u201dElla Eddy! Good morning!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cElla! It\u2019s Sydney! Are you free this morning for coffee at my house? I want to fill you in on ideas for Eddie\u2019s campaign.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ella thought for a moment.\u201dWhy, yes. But I should be back by 12:30 when Palmer comes home for lunch.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPalmer doesn\u2019t eat at school?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s got allergies and we don\u2019t want to risk it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMakes sense. How about 10 o\u2019clock?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWonderful! I\u2019ll be there at 10!\u201d<\/p>\n

Sydney hung up and wandered into the breakfast room coffee cup in hand.<\/p>\n

Ella hung up and began assembling the ingredients for a very easy coffee cake with cinnamon sugar topping.<\/p>\n

At 10, the doorbell rang and there was Ella, a freshly baked coffee cake resting like a crown on the palms of her hands.<\/p>\n

\u201cHello, Ella! That smells wonderful! Come on in. I\u2019ll make coffee.\u201d<\/p>\n

The two women went into the kitchen and while Sydney started the coffee and set up cups, plates, forks and spoons, milk and sugar, she explained how she and Nancy discussed promoting the debate, that is, the Candidate Forum, with a Twitter account the night before.<\/p>\n

Ella followed closely. Palmer had explained Facebook and Twitter to her saying that they were for old people. That kids used Instagram and SnapChat. Armed with this and other dubious knowledge, she ventured,\u201dWhy, won\u2019t you need \u2018followers\u2019 to get the word out? Is there a way to advertise for \u2018followers\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n

Sydney looked admiringly at her friend. You just never knew with Ella. She seemed so old fashioned, but every once in a while\u2026\u201dYou are absolutely right, Ella. Should we spend 10 or 20 dollars on some ads?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course!\u201d Ella looked down at her coffee cup thinking. \u201dAll this is leading up to the primary, right? Getting the word out and all. Doesn\u2019t it seem like we need a Big Event right before the day to remind people to vote for Eddie? How about a picnic in Crawford Park \u2013 Eddie\u2019s home base? August will be 10 years Eddie\u2019s been at Parks. It could be an anniversary celebration. Come one, come all!\u201d<\/p>\n

Sydney remembered how last spring when Doug and Hale went missing, it was Ella that came up with the best idea how to find them. Now she\u2019d done it again.<\/p>\n

Sydney sat back looking at her friend. \u201dElla, you are a marvel. A marvel!! That\u2019s perfect. I can\u2019t wait to tell Sanford \u2014oh!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, what?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think I promised not to do anything \u2013 or tell anyone \u2013 until after the Sanford\u2019s baseball game on Saturday.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSanford\u2019s game? Why?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCause Sanford has arranged to have Eddie make a speech to the crowd. Reach more people that way.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ella shook her head in wonder. \u201dThat is so generous. And what you are doing is so generous.\u201d She looked at her friend affectionately. \u201dSydney, you and I are so different. Some would say like night and day. But when you are friends being different doesn\u2019t matter does it. Friendship does.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sydney and Ella smiled at each other. Sydney helped herself to another piece of the still warm coffee cake.<\/p>\n

Suddenly she said, \u201dElla, let\u2019s go to the game on Saturday. Not tell anyone. See what happens.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ella\u2019s eyes widened. \u201dWhy, that would be something wouldn\u2019t it. Alright. You\u2019re on!\u201d<\/p>\n

Then the conversation turned to the advent of middle school for Palmer and Nancy, how Doug was doing and how Ella noticed that Hale looked like he was starting a beard. She just made it back by 12:30 to make Palmer\u2019s lunch.<\/p>\n

FRIDAY DINNER<\/strong><\/p>\n

That night the Eddys were having Friday dinner. The whole family. Eddie, Ella, Hale, Palmer, even Lizzy Eddy, were ranged around the kitchen table. Which wasn\u2019t a kitchen table, really, but a genuine picnic table where you had to step over the seat to get your legs underneath. Six wood planks for the table part and two on each side for seats. Eddie sat in an armchair at one end and Ella took the first seat on the side of the picnic table closest to the stove.<\/p>\n

Eddie was holding forth. \u201dSo I go up to a house over on Lowey Street this afternoon after work. White house with big windows. Nice place. They had one of those video doorbells. I press the button. Nothing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hale looked up.\u201dMa, any more biscuits?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. Don\u2019t interrupt your father, Hale.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ella refilled the basket from the baking sheet cooling on the stove top.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo\u2026\u201d Eddie continued, \u201dI wait. It was hotter today then \u2014 well, you know.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHotter than what, Dad?\u201d This was Palmer. \u201dHotter than two hamsters farting in a wool sock?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPalmer!!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAw, Mom. Just a joke.\u201d Palmer commenced gnawing on a crispy fried chicken leg.<\/p>\n

\u201cAhem!\u201d Eddie cleared his throat for attention. \u201dI hear giggles on the other side of the door. I dig out my bandana and wipe my face. More giggles. Finally, I say, \u2018Look.\u2019 Get it Ella? Look? Video doorbell?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe get it, Dad.\u201d Lizzie at 18 was proud of her existential ennui.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo I say, looking into the doorbell, I say, \u2018Look. I just want to introduce myself. I\u2019m Eddie Eddy and I\u2019m campaigning to get the nomination for Highway Supervisor.\u2019 I hear loud laughter. But no one answers the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was vexed, Ella. It was so hot and I thought I heard a rumble of thunder. So I turn away and all of a sudden the door opens and they\u2014they was kids, golldarnit\u2014no parents in sight. They let a Great Dane out who goes for me at speed. Barely got back in the car. Dropped about twenty fliers.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ella looked concerned. The rest of the family was convulsed with laughter. Hale hooted so hard he blew a mouthful of iced tea towards Lizzie who was rocking back and forth with tears in her eyes. Palmer smiled. He\u2019s been on those door-to-door jaunts with his dad and could picture the scene perfectly.<\/p>\n

\u201c14 Lowey Street, Dad?\u201d he said. \u201dIf so, I know those kids. They were in my class last year. Tough nuts, those guys.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPalmer!!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe means nut as in peanut, Mom!\u201d Lizzie sighed. \u201dCan I be excused, please? All this is getting to me.\u201d She untangled herself from the picnic table and sauntered outside to the porch.<\/p>\n

Eddie sat deep in thought, visibly reliving the scene. He looked over at his wife wearily.<\/p>\n

In the silence, Hale got up and mumbled to his mom, \u201dGoing out. Back later.\u201d<\/p>\n

Palmer just sat and listened.<\/p>\n

\u201cI spoke to Sanford McClure at the PTA meeting last night. He said I should go to the baseball game he coaches on Saturday and meet people there.\u201d Eddie leaned both arms on the picnic table. \u201dI don\u2019t know. Maybe trying for the nomination is not my thing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ella reached over and stroked his arm. \u201dEd, you\u2019ve put a lot into this so far. Don\u2019t be discouraged. Sanford\u2019s idea is a good one. You didn\u2019t think much of asking for help but now he\u2019s helping. Go. See what happens.\u201d Ella smiled one of those secret wifely smiles. \u201dI\u2019m almost positive things will turn out right.\u201d<\/p>\n

As Palmer watched his parents, he knew he needed to think of something to help his dad out.<\/p>\n

THE BALL GAME, SATURDAY, JUNE 18<\/strong><\/p>\n

Saturday\u2019s game day arrived. The two teams were the best in the league and their rivalry brought out parents and friends, relatives, and friends of relatives, until the stands were packed.<\/p>\n

As coach, Sanford McClure took the microphone and addressed everyone from the mound. \u201dI want you to meet my friend and neighbor Edward Eddy who has thrown his hat in the race for Highway Supervisor. He\u2019s here to say hello to everyone and lend his support to the two best teams in the county. Eddie, do you have a few words for everyone?\u201d<\/p>\n

Eddie was standing on the sidelines scanning the crowd for anyone he had given fliers to going door-to-door. He thought he had spotted a few when Sanford calling his name cut into his thoughts. He looked around and trotted out to the mound thinking,\u201dOkay this is what I asked for\u2026\u201d Taking the microphone from Sanford and taking a deep breath, he shouted out,\u201dHi, everyone!\u201d and stopped dead at the sound of his own voice came booming back over the loud speaker.\u201dUm, hi,\u201d he said lamely. Taking courage, he started again.\u201dHi! I\u2019m Ed Eddy. Folks call me Eddie Eddy. Funny name, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n

Someone in the stands laughed. Then others caught on. Laughter sprinkled though the stands. \u201dStart with a joke,\u201d Eddie thought. \u201dGet \u2018em on board.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I hope you will remember it. Eddie Eddy. I\u2019m going for the nomination for Highway Supervisor.\u201d<\/p>\n

Eddie began to warm to his task amplifying his door-to-door pitch to stadium level. \u201cYou all drove your cars here, right?\u201d A couple of yeahs came back from the crowd. \u201dOn the way here you saw the faded road markings. Hit the bumps from uneven blacktop patches and crumbled roadbeds.\u201d More yeahs. \u201dHow about those streetlights out near the entrance to the Safeway on old Route 35? I\u2019d say that is downright dangerous!\u201d Eddie started becoming passionate. \u201dAnd what about the traffic light at the intersection of Bank and Broad? Why is it always blinking caution?\u201d The crowd was now fully aroused.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know, folks, Highway has more than 100 people in the department with an average salary of over $80 thousand a year. Add to that road equipment like graders and snowplows and maintenance and materials \u2013 gas and oil for the trucks and salt for the roads, you come up with a taxpayer burden of more than $11 million.\u201d<\/p>\n

The crowd began to murmur darkly. Eddie intuitively realized he was stirring people up maybe a little too much. So he backpedaled a bit.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow I don\u2019t begrudge Highway the budget or the salaries \u2013 very, very good money, by the way \u2014 but are our roads in good shape? I say, NO!\u201d The crowd roared back\u201dNO!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s make Highway work for you! I\u2019m running for Supervisor to make sure that happens. The primary is August 16th. Please come out and vote for me.\u201d<\/p>\n

The crowd started to cheer, when Eddie realized he\u2019d left out an important point he\u2019d always made when going door-to-door. \u201dAnd! And!\u201d he cried out over the crowd, \u201dMy opponent has been Supervisor for more than eight years. It\u2019s time for a change! Time to make the most of taxpayer investment in the Highway Department! Crawford\u2019s highways and roads! You can by voting for me Tuesday, August 16th!\u201d<\/p>\n

The crowd hurrahed and whistled and clapped. Someone began chanting \u201dGo Eddie!\u201d It was like a political rally, which it sort of was except that for the next hour and a half the center of attention would be two dozen boys and girls under five feet tall determinedly playing baseball to the delight and anguish of their parents.<\/p>\n

With the crowd still cheering, Sanford took the mic and said firmly, \u201dNow all stand for the National Anthem.\u201d And that was that.<\/p>\n

Eddie was exhausted and energized at the same time. He\u2019s never experienced anything like this before. He went and sat in the stands, slowly returning to post speech reality.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood speech, sir!\u201d One man leaned over offering to shake hands. \u201dYou\u2019re right. The Highway Department needs better oversight.\u201d<\/p>\n

Eddie shook the man\u2019s hand and gave him one of his fliers\u2014folded up so it wouldn\u2019t blow away in the breeze.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen\u2019s the primary?\u201d asked a young woman with a toddler on her knee.<\/p>\n

\u201cTuesday, August 16th. Would you like a flyer?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks! And one for our neighbor,\u201d said her husband who had been listening in. \u201dWe live near Bank and Broad.\u201d<\/p>\n

The rest of the afternoon passed in a dream. Later, Eddie remembered standing for the national anthem after his speech but didn\u2019t remember singing it. He remembered the homer in the 6th inning by a 10-year old girl who ran like the wind but couldn\u2019t remember who won.<\/p>\n

Walking to his car after the game, more people came up to say hello or shake hands. He gave them all flyers. He looked around for Sanford who seemed to have disappeared. Maybe because the team he coached might have won and they were celebrating. Or maybe they lost and he was commiserating.<\/p>\n

After dinner that night, Eddie sat on the porch with Ella. She was fanning herself with a magazine Palmer had left out. The cover of\u201dGaming Aficionado\u201d featured \u201dBill Drake: Clash of the Titans Mastermind\u201d and \u201dTips for Monetizing Fortnite (You\u2019d Be Surprised!)\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cElla, there was nothing like it!\u201d Eddie had finished recounting his amazing afternoon and reached for his bandana. It was seven p.m. and as hot as ever. \u201dI really think I may have a chance.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ella gave her husband another one of those wifely secret smiles. \u201dI think you will,\u201d she said.\u201dWait and see.\u201d<\/p>\n

Earlier that Saturday, Palmer suddenly decided to go and check out the baseball game for himself. He arrived early and sat up in the top row of the stands. He saw Mr. McClure arrive and huddle with his team. He saw his dad arrive and start looking around. Palmer scrunched down and pretended to fuss with his shoelaces. When he looked up his dad was talking with Mr. McClure.<\/p>\n

Then he saw his mother and Mrs. McClure come in through the back entrance along third base. They were looking furtive, as Hale would put it. \u201dSneaky, I\u2019d say.\u201d he thought. They sat behind a large family, mom, dad, some folks what looked like they could be aunts and uncles, and an assortment of small kids all squirmy and restless. \u201dGood cover, Mom.\u201d Palmer thought.<\/p>\n

Someone sat down next to him and gave him a shove. He turned ready to be annoyed, but it was Nancy McClure.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you doing here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you doing here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cChecking out my dad. I heard he was going to hand out flyers at the game.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMore than that! My dad\u2019s going to introduce your dad and your dad\u2019s going to make a speech.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy dad make a speech!? That\u2019ll be good. Though he does make some pretty good ones at the dinner table.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd\u2026and! My mom started a Twitter account to help him get to word out. And \u2014 wait, is that Hale?\u201d<\/p>\n

Palmer followed Nancy\u2019s pointing finger. There was his brother Hale \u2014and Nancy\u2019s brother Doug\u2014 lounging along in the outfield headed toward the bleachers.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho\u2019s taking care of my twin brothers?\u201d Nancy wondered to herself. \u201dEveryone else is here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLook! My dad\u2019s heading out to the mound!\u201d<\/p>\n

Eddie\u2019s first words were really loud. Nancy cringed. Then, when Eddie started again and made fun of his name, someone in the stands started to laugh. \u201dI\u2019d recognize that laugh anywhere, Hale!\u201d Palmer thought. But the laugh caught on in the crowd and he could see his father visibly relax.<\/p>\n

Nancy turned to Palmer admiringly. \u201dHe\u2019s really pretty good!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s all straight from his fliers.\u201d<\/p>\n

They watched as the crowd started to get worked up. Palmer saw his mother and Mrs. McClure shouting \u201dYeah!\u201d as loudly as the next guy.<\/p>\n

After they stood for the national anthem and the game started. In between spurts of action on the field, Palmer picked up the conversation.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou going to help your mom with Twitter?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYea. I\u2019m taking pictures of the mess the roads are in.\u201d<\/p>\n

Just then, lanky boy Palmer recognized of Boy Scouts hit a pop fly. They stood up to cheer.<\/p>\n

\u201cLike last winter,\u201d Nancy continued, \u201dwhen they took so long to remove the snow and all the cars were blocked in. Anyway, you want to help?\u201d<\/p>\n

Palmer started to say \u201dSure.\u201d when the crowd roared as a pudgy kid in the outfield caught a fly ball and the out meant his team had won and the game was over.<\/p>\n

Everyone started leaving the stands. Palmer stood hands in pockets fingering the mysterious butterfly hair clip he he\u2019d found. Unthinking he took it out rolling it around in his fingers. \u201cWhat\u2019s that?\u201d Nancy pointed to the hair clip.<\/p>\n

\u201cUm. Nothing really.\u201d Palmer closed his hand over the clip.<\/p>\n

\u201cWait. That\u2019s my hair clip! It went missing a couple weeks ago. How did you get it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI really don\u2019t know,\u201d Palmer said honestly.\u201dIt\u2019s a long story. I\u2019ll tell you later.\u201d Maybe,\u201d he thought to himself.<\/p>\n

COMPLICATIONS, SATURDAY, JULY 2<\/strong><\/p>\n

Palmer sitting in front of his computer logged into Eddie Eddy\u2019s Twitter feed.<\/p>\n

Profile name: Edward Eddy for Crawford Highway Supervisor <\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

600 followers 72 Following<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Underneath was a post from Eddie Eddy himself.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Edward Eddy @VoteForEddie – July 2<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Happy Independence Day tomorrow, everyone! I\u2019ll be at Crawford Stadium for the All-Star Fourth of July game and fireworks. Stop by and say hello! <\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

12 replies 16 retweets 134 likes<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Dalman Schmidt @dschmidt132<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

We\u2019ll be there! Can\u2019t miss it. Hope DeGregorio keeps the streetlights on til the game is over!<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Tweeting as Dalman Schmidt, Palmer hit the Reply button and the reply count went from 12 to 13.<\/p>\n

He logged out and logged back in as Mary Jacobs.<\/p>\n

Mary Jacobs @bestbabyall<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Whoa! @dschmidt132! Let\u2019s keep it clean! All we gotta do is go to the game and vote on August 16.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

14 replies.<\/p>\n

Just as Palmer, posting as Mary Jacobs, hit reply, the feed updated and a photo was posted by Barry St. James @bigsaint. It was of a gaping pothole. \u201dAdd this to your Pothole Perils list!\u201d the post said. \u201dAt Main and Claremont. An axle breaker for sure!\u201d<\/p>\n

Palmer quickly logged out and back in as Harold Davis @harolddavis68 replied to @bigsaint, \u201dSaw that. Be careful!\u201d Then he switched to Messenger and texted Nancy McClure. \u201dGreat photo @bigsaint!\u201d Nancy texted back with a thumbs up emoticon.<\/p>\n

And so it went. Each evening from about 7 to 9 pm, Palmer logged on and off as three or four different people and Nancy posted photos for Pothole Peril. Sydney wrote tweets for Eddie to post when he got home from work. And Ella bought ads encouraging Crawford to vote in the primary, send in photos for Pothole Peril, and, as of this week, to have a safe and happy Fourth of July. Sydney McClure\u2019s Twitter campaign was well under way.<\/p>\n

Hale Eddy was conspicuous for his lack of interest in his father\u2019s campaign. Lizzy Eddy was home pretty much to sleep and eat and then back to work and beauty school over in Sanders about 10 miles away.<\/p>\n

So it was something of a surprise when Lizzy sat down next to Palmer as he logged off Twitter that night.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know something about Patrick DeGregorio,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

\u201cHuh?\u201d Palmer was still in Twitter-land.<\/p>\n

\u201cI told Dad but he didn\u2019t get it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat did you tell him?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat Patrick DeGregorio and his crowd systematically discriminate against gay people.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow do you know that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI go to cosmetology school, okay? Let\u2019s just say that\u2019s one place where you can find out stuff like this. Guy in my cut and color class is working at Highway this summer and is the target of everything they can think of. And he knows that the Supervisor is in on it all the way.\u201d<\/p>\n

At that point, Hale poked his head in.\u201dKnow what I just heard? Duffy\u2019s dad is getting his driveway blacktopped for free. By way of guess who?\u201d<\/p>\n

LATER THAT EVENING…<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sanford McClure sat back and looked around the table at Eddie, Ella and Sydney.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese are serious allegations,\u201d he said. \u201dSexual orientation discrimination is a developing area of the law and appropriating of public property for private use is prohibited by town ordinance \u00a7705.63 Prohibited Uses of Town Property. Both are actionable \u2014 but not by you Eddie. It would be the end of your campaign if you brought unproven charges against DeGregorio or his guys. We need a third party investigation that you can refer to.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCan you do that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNope. I\u2019m too close to your campaign, Eddie. But, I\u2019ll talk to Harry Styles our legislator and see what can be done.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUm. Nancy just got some video of the driveway being paved. Town truck right in the frame.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHold off, Syd, till it goes public.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess that would be the same for Lizzy\u2019s friend from school. He said he\u2019d make a statement.\u201d Ella looked worried.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe needs to file a complaint with the town. You know, be a whistleblower.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s next?\u201d Eddie asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou just keep doin\u2019 what you\u2019re doin\u2019 until you hear from me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ella turned to Eddie.\u201dThis makes it all a little bit different doesn\u2019t it.\u201d He nodded, his forehead crinkled with concern.<\/p>\n

THURSDAY, JULY 21<\/strong><\/p>\n

As summer rolled on toward the debate (ahem, the Candidate Forum) and the primary. Eddie had shown up at the Fourth of July ball game (Crawford Ravens won 7-4), the Home Depot on Saturdays, supermarkets after work, and Denny\u2019s Bagel Shop on Sunday mornings handing out flyers and handshakes, delivering what he now called his \u201dStadium Speech\u201d to anyone who would listen.<\/p>\n

The Thursday before the Candidate Forum, Sanford called Eddie after dinner. \u201dI\u2019ve got news and a plan,\u201d he said. \u201dCan you and Ella drop by?\u201d<\/p>\n

Sanford, Eddie, Ella and Sydney sat around the McClure\u2019s kitchen table for the second time in a month. Ella had brought a magnificent lemon meringue pie with droplets of caramelized sugar glistening on perfectly browned peaks of meringue. Sanford poured coffee while Sydney cut through the drift of meringue and the tart lemon custard to the flaky crust serving up a slice to each.<\/p>\n

\u201cHarry Styles is taking up the investigation about harassment and the section 705 violation. But there won\u2019t be any ammunition for you Eddie at the debate unfortunately. There probably won\u2019t be any news until after the elections in November.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut misuse of town property! We all know it\u2019s happening! And we\u2019ve got Nancy\u2019s video!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEddie, that video has been handed over to Styles. It\u2019s evidence for the investigation now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, shoot.\u201d Eddie glowered, stabbing a forkful of pie. \u201dWhat I\u2019ve been telling people all along and I can\u2019t talk about the fact that it\u2019s being looked into?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry, Eddie. But this is bigger than a talking point. If Harry can get corroboration, DeGregorio could be permanently out of a job.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBah, his cronies in the Town will cover for him and he\u2019ll get off scott-free. It\u2019s a club and they are all in it.\u201d Eddie was disgusted. He was hoping this bit of detective work would put him on the map as a straight shooter, not part of the Town machine politics.<\/p>\n

\u201cWait and see, Eddie. Let\u2019s wait and see,\u201d Sanford looked at his friend and sighed.<\/p>\n

PREPARATIONS, JULY 25<\/strong><\/p>\n

Even with the emerging scandals, all the activity on Twitter, Eddie\u2019s tireless visits to public gathering places, and the looming debate, Ella had not forgotten her idea to have a Big Event just before the primary.<\/p>\n

She got Eddie to pull some strings at Parks and get the pavilion picnic area reserved, the one with the roof shelter in case of rain. She reached out to the parents of Lizzy, Hale and Palmer\u2019s friends inviting them to come and asking if they\u2019d bring their friends and neighbors. Hale offered to supply music from his collection of tracks on his phone.\u201dJust no metal, okay, Hale?\u201d<\/p>\n

She asked the manager of King\u2019s Supermarket to donate hot dogs and buns.\u201dAnything to shake up the Highway Department,\u201d he said. Gene Murray, the manager at United Discount Beer and Soda gave her a couple of cases of Sprite and threw in two cases of Dr. Pepper saying he was sick of the way the Highway Department handled his calls for snow removal.\u201dI got a business to run!\u201d he grumbled.<\/p>\n

Mary Deare, Ella\u2019s friend from high school, ran the Hallmark Store. Rummaging through the backroom, they came up with a variety of napkins and plates from discontinued designs. Jack-in-the-Box plates and napkins, pumpkin plates. Mary pointed to packages of Little Miss Sunshine cups and napkins.\u201dEver see that movie?\u201d she asked. An avowed film buff, she never lost a chance to expound upon her knowledge. \u201dSteve Carell got a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture. He plays an unemployed, gay professor.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUm, no.\u201d Ella held up Batman and Robin paper plates. \u201dOkay to use these? Batman\u2019s still popular.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure, go ahead.\u201d Mary continued, \u201dThough Nathan Lane in Birdcage scored all kinds of awards. What a movie. Robin Williams\u2019 dance was hilarious. See that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. How about these cups with pinecones on them?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTake \u2018em.\u201d Mary rubbed her short crop of hair. \u201dThere are serious titles like Midnight Cowboy, Death in Venice, and Brokeback Mountain \u2014 Heath Ledger, Ella! \u2014 it\u2019s a growing list of mainstream movies featuring LGBT themes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s drama in real life too, Mary. That young fella in the Highway Department we learned about.\u201d Ella found a stash of just plain white napkins. \u201dHow about these?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI wondered where they went. They\u2019re mine. But go ahead. I didn\u2019t miss them, so they are yours. What\u2019s the deal with the fella?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy, I guess I\u2019m not supposed to talk about it. What with Eddie running for Supervisor and all, but we heard about someone that works at the Highway Department and because he\u2019s gay, he\u2019s been the butt of nasty practical jokes, called him a homo, a pervert, laughed at, made fun of \u2014 all kinds of stuff. There\u2019s a complaint filed with the town. Movies are one thing, but this is real life.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mary stopped. \u201dWhat\u2019s that now? Queer folk at the Highway?\u201d She clenched her teeth and looked very fierce. \u201dElla, that\u2019s discrimination. I know a bunch of people that would be very displeased to hear that. Those guys at Highway can be rough. I know, my girlfriend worked there and had to quit.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, we\u2019re supposed to keep it quiet \u2018til after the debate on the 14th.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is meaningful to me, Ella. You know I\u2019m gay, right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy, yes, Mary. I\u2019ve known you\u2019re gay since high school.\u201d Ella calmly went on gathering plastic spoons and forks into the bag she brought with her.\u201dThanks for all this, Mary. You are a good friend. I think Christopher \u2013 ah, that is to say, the whistleblower \u2013 will win out in the end.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mary watched her friend put the bags in the back of her car. \u201dYa just never know with that woman,\u201d she mused.<\/p>\n

DEBATE DAY, SUNDAY JULY 24<\/strong><\/p>\n

3:00 PM<\/strong><\/p>\n

Eddie was getting ready to leave for the debate \u2013 ah, the Candidate Forum. Ella had insisted that he wear a jacket and tie. \u201dMakes you look in charge,\u201d she said. Eddie disagreed. He was comfortable in a polo shirt. It\u2019s what all the guys wore at work and he was running to work not sit in an air conditioned office and talk on the phone. Eddie had tucked a polo shirt in his bag.<\/p>\n

\u201cHope George turned up the A\/C over at the community center,\u201d he said running his fingers around the inside of his collar wrapped in a navy blue tie.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, he will! Heavens, Eddie!\u201d Ella was irritable with nervousness.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, well. Just sayin\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSave your \u2018Just sayin’ for the debate.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right. All right. We\u2019re both jumpy. Let\u2019s just sit together on the porch together before we leave.\u201d<\/p>\n

Palmer was sitting on the porch step when they came outside. His shirt was ironed and he tied his tie himself with appreciable skill.<\/p>\n

Hale was nowhere to be found and Lizzy was at work until seven.<\/p>\n

\u201cSome family support.\u201d Grumbling, Eddie sat down in his favorite chair.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, Eddie,\u201d Ella smoothed her dress and adjusted the pearls at her throat \u2014 her mother\u2019s pearls only worn on terrifically special occasions.<\/p>\n

\u201cHere comes Mr. McClure,\u201d Palmer remarked.<\/p>\n

An SUV swung silently into the driveway. The driver\u2019s side window slid down and Sanford McClure called out, \u201dHop in! We\u2019re headed over to Crawford Community Center. Save you a drive!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy, how nice of you!\u201d Ella stood up and looped her handbag over her shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cElla, I want to go by myself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Eddie. Sanford\u2019s being nice. Come on.\u201d Ella looked closely at Eddie\u2019s stubborn face. \u201dAh, Palmer? Go say hello to Mr. McClure, would you?\u201d<\/p>\n

She looked hard at her husband. Then her face softened and she bent and kissed his forehead. \u201dAlright, dear. See you there. I\u2019m rooting for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Palmer and Ella got into the SUV. Eddie could hear the bubble of conversation through the Sanford\u2019s open window as he backed out onto the road.<\/p>\n

Eddie sat quietly after they left. He thought about the hours he had spent going door-to-door. The speech he made at the baseball game, the people he shook hands with at the train station. And outside King\u2019s Supermarket. How Patrick DeGregorio had outspent him with his giveaway combs and\u201dDeGregorio Knows Roads\u201d signs all over town.<\/p>\n

Then Eddie thought about the young man that Lizzy knew and how he was treated by the Highway Department because he wasn\u2019t\u201dnormal\u201d in their eyes. How paving a residential street included blacktopping supporters\u2019 driveways. The scandals that Patrick and his supporters had so carefully kept under wraps. And Eddie\u2019s plan to confront DeGregorio with this at the debate even though he was sworn not to bring it up.\u201dPeople gotta know!\u201d he thought.<\/p>\n

Eddie looked at his watch. Time to go. He was sweating in his jacket and tie in the August heat.<\/p>\n

\u201cNope! Not gonna do it!\u201d Eddie headed indoors, shed his coat, stripped off his tie and swapped his limp dress shirt for the polo that he felt most comfortable in.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, I\u2019m ready!\u201d he thought. Eddie got into the Honda and headed for the community center.<\/p>\n

4:15 PM<\/strong><\/p>\n

The debate was held in the Crawford Public Library\u2019s multipurpose room usually home to craft fairs and piano recitals. Today it was debate central. Not only were Eddie and Patrick DeGregorio on the roster, there were debates scheduled for ward contests, the mayor of Cuttersville, and some state legislators. Eddie and DeGregorio had a half hour near the end of the day.<\/p>\n

By that time, there were about 15 people left in the audience looking a little weary but committed. A camera was set up in the back of the room and League of Women Voters volunteers were greeting any late comers with big smiles, voting literature, and index cards for audience questions.<\/p>\n

Palmer sat at the end of a row next to his mom who was next to Mr. and Mrs. McClure. Palmer excused himself to use the men\u2019s room and once away from the grownups, he took an index card and wrote his question for the candidates, folded it up and put it in the box with an assortment of other questions from the audience. There. He\u2019d finally done something to help his dad.<\/p>\n

At the last minute before the start, a large group arrived some of whom could only have been staunch supporters of Patrick DeGregorio. When the debate started, the room was full. \u201dTwitter pays off!\u201d Palmer thought seated again next to his mom.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood afternoon, everyone.\u201d The League of Women Voters president began. \u201dHere are the rules of this event. Our moderator, Linsey Raeburn, will first ask the candidates to introduce themselves. Then she will read the questions you have submitted on the index cards. If you have a question, please get a card from our volunteers and put it in the box. The candidates will have two minutes to introduce themselves and, to allow for as many questions as possible, 60 seconds to answer a question and 30 seconds to rebut the statement of the other candidate.<\/p>\n

\u201cLadies and gentlemen, a reminder: This is not a rally. No applause! This is a non-partisan event to help voters decide who to vote for in the primary and the election in November. With that said, welcome to the Candidate Forum! Linsey, please take it from here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Some people reflexively started to clap, looked around, and stopped abruptly.<\/p>\n

Linsey Raeburn motioned to Eddie. \u201dYou won the coin toss, Mr. Eddy. Please make your opening statement. Two minutes please.\u201d<\/p>\n

Eddie stepped up to the microphone. He heard a small gasp from one corner of the audience and realized Ella was seeing him not in a tie and jacket but his comfortable polo shirt. He took a deep breath.<\/p>\n

\u201cHello everyone. I am Edward Eddy. I live over near Crawford Lake with my wife Eloise and our three children, Elizabeth, Hale and Palmer. I\u2019ve worked for the town in the Parks Department for ten years come this August. I\u2019ve been part of the upgrade to Crawford Lake Park with better parking, resurfaced tennis and basketball courts and the designation of Crawford Lake as a wildlife refuge by the state last year.<\/p>\n

\u201cLiving and working in Crawford, I am on the road every day, all day. For my job and for my family. And I\u2019ve seen our tax dollar appropriation to the Highway Department wasted. How do I know? Take a look around you and see for yourself\u2014disintegrating pavement, worn out road markings, sketchy snow removal, burnt out streetlights, and more.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Highway Department has a generous budget, but where is that money going? If named as your candidate for Highway Supervisor, I will make it my first priority to review all procedures and expenditures and put the Highway Department back on track working for you. Thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Linsey nodded to Eddie.\u201dThank you, Mr. Eddy. Now Mr. DeGregorio, your opening statement? Two minutes, please.\u201d<\/p>\n

Patrick DeGregorio strolled up to the microphone and unhooked it from its mount on the lectern addressing the crowd like a televangelist.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood afternoon, ladies and gentlemen! Thank you all for coming out today to meet the candidates for our primary and the next election! I applaud the citizens of Crawford for taking the time on a hot summer day to exercise your rights and responsibilities as citizens. Congratulations!\u201d<\/p>\n

A smattering of applause.\u201dNo applause, please!\u201d Linsey called out.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve been Highway Supervisor for the last eight years, thanks to your support and trust in me. I have grown the budget allocation each year because I can stand up for you with the town legislature. We have been able to improve the transportation infrastructure in numerous ways including the business district by-pass to get our commuters home quickly. The bus turnaround at the train station to ease passenger pick up and drop off. Widening the shoulders along Route 44, and new plows for two of our four dump trucks.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy opponent has no experience in highway development or maintenance. Just because he uses the roads in Crawford doesn\u2019t mean he can run a multimillion-dollar department efficiently and manage 100-plus highway workers.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet me tell you a little story. My family has been in Crawford since World War II. My father served in Normandy and my brothers went to Viet Nam. My wife and I have been volunteers for the ambulance service and served on the board of the PTA and our church. We are devoted parents of our two children Margaret and Patrick Junior, both Honor Students at Crawford High School.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen I was growing up in Crawford the roads were dirt. Oiled down each summer with gravel spread on them. In winter, the roads were rutted and icy. If you didn\u2019t have skid chains, you were sunk. Even as a young newspaper boy, I vowed that someday I would make a difference in our highway infrastructure.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs the years went by, I watched as Crawford\u2019s roads and highways, under my predecessor, our party chairman Ray Duffy, became a vibrant, thriving system for safe travel \u2013 not only for vehicles, but pedestrians as well. And I\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTime, Mr. DeGregorio!\u201d Linsey pointed to the ticker on the table next to her.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust one more thing\u2026\u201d DeGregorio started.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry Mr. DeGregorio, your time is up.\u201d Linsey was curt.\u201d We will now take questions from the audience.\u201d There was a moment while the box of index cards was brought to the front and Patrick DeGregorio took his seat, a dark look on his face. He was unaccustomed to being cut off. There were some murmurs in the audience.<\/p>\n

\u201cQuiet, please. Our first question for both candidates. Mr. DeGregorio, how would you manage an overnight snowstorm with little advance warning?\u201d<\/p>\n

Patrick DeGregorio turned professorial. \u201dAs you are all aware, the Highway Department is taxpayer funded. Taxpayers that live and work in Crawford. As taxpayers, you expect your roads to be passable under all weather conditions. Snow is no exception. The Department is always ready to respond to weather events winter or summer, but particularly when it comes to snow. Our equipment is the best\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Eddie was tuning out. Patrick DeGregorio was so\u2026so boring. The room was stuffy and the tension he felt earlier had dissipated now that the Forum had started and left him feeling tired and sleepy. Eddie jerked out of his reverie when he heard Linsey calling his name.<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Eddie, your response?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAhem. Yes. Thank you. Ah\u2026\u201d Eddie strove to focus. He looked out at the crowd and there was Ella waiting expectantly for his answer. He took a deep breath. \u201dIn my experience, snowstorms generally allow for sufficient warning\u2014if you keep up with the weather reports. But they can change hour by hour. What is forecast as snow can quickly turn to wintry mix or sleet.\u201d Eddie paused, thinking. \u201dOr rain, for that matter. Anyway, I think taxpayers would expect the Highway Department to always be ready for any weather event that affects travel in Crawford.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn my view, preparedness goes beyond response to an immediate storm, it goes back to late fall when inspection should be made of tree limbs endangering power lines, road repairs anticipating plowing, and sufficient salt and brine supplies. In the advent of a storm, my first option would be to brine the major streets. That way, whether the snow turns to sleet or even if it never materializes, we have a first response. Brine, by the way, is more cost effective than salt.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, My Eddy.\u201d Patrick DeGregorio\u2019s hand immediately shot up. \u201dMr. DeGregorio, you have a reply?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure do, Linsey. Once again, my opponent shows that he doesn\u2019t have a clue how to run the Highway Department. Brine versus salt? Brine requires special spreading equipment and operator skills as opposed to salt. Salt can be applied both before and after \u2013 after, mind you\u2014the storm. Brine is only effective as a pre-treat option \u2013 when you have enough time to respond to the arrival of the storm. Which, I think, was the original question, if I recall.\u201d<\/p>\n

Eddie looked up and saw Sanford giving him a thumbs up. This was harder than he expected. He thought about when he would break the formal Q and A with his big announcement. But the questions kept coming. DeGregorio expounding on the virtues of the Highway Department, Eddie pointing out inefficiencies and lapses.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s always flooding at the four-way intersection of Route 44 and Dwayne Avenue. If elected or reelected Supervisor, what will you do about it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy do we always see three highway crew working and five more just standing around?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI want to know what your response time is for reports of dead animals on the roads.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow would you change the traffic pattern at Broadway and Cumberland? When Crawford High School lets out, the intersection is a nightmare.\u201d<\/p>\n

5:10 PM<\/strong><\/p>\n

Palmer was getting squirmy waiting for his question to be asked. Suppose they didn\u2019t get to it in time? Or decided it was too controversial? He looked around the room and saw Mary Deare his mom\u2019s friend sitting near the back. He wondered what would happen when she heard his question.<\/p>\n

DeGregorio was glib with is answers, laughing off some of the questions saying they answered themselves. Eddie was serious, making the most of his 60 second replies and when he could the 30 second rebuttals.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur time is almost up,\u201d Linsey announced.\u201dWe have time for just one or two more questions. This for Mr. DeGregorio first. \u2018I have heard there is a whistleblower complaint filed with the Town about LGBTQ discrimination. Where do you stand on sexual equality?\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

Dead silence.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll repeat, Mr. DeGregorio. The card reads: I have heard there is a whistleblower complaint filed with the Town about LGBTQ discrimination. Where do you stand on sexual equality?\u201d<\/p>\n

Mary Deare and several others hooted.\u201dYeah! What about that?\u201d An obvious DeGregorio supporter shouted,\u201dShut up! Let the man speak!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSILENCE!\u201d Linsey stood and turned to the crowd. There is no calling from the audience. If you persist you will be ejected. Mr. DeGregorio?\u201d<\/p>\n

Patrick DeGregorio cleared his throat. Twice. \u201dThe Town of Crawford has a strict policy on fairness regardless of age, sex, or race. The Highway Department is part of the town so that policy extends perforce to us in the Highway Department as well. As a department we have a cross section of individuals from, ah, several nationalities and, ah, races and we\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

A man next to Mary Deere called out, \u201dYeah. But where to you stand?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c..and we recognize the equal opportunity laws\u2014that is, the equal employment opportunity laws\u2014 as do all the departments in the town. My wife and I are churchgoers. As churchgoers, our faith tells us that everyone is equal on this earth and everyone deserves the same opportunity for advancement as anyone else.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Mr. DeGregorio. Mr. Eddy?\u201d<\/p>\n

More calls from the audience. \u201dYou didn\u2019t answer the question!\u201d \u201dAnswer the question!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSilence please ladies and gentlemen! Mr. Eddy?\u201d<\/p>\n

Eddie didn\u2019t know where that question came from but boy this was his golden opportunity. He stood up and took the microphone.<\/p>\n

\u201cI too have heard about inequality \u2013 sexual discrimination \u2013 at the Highway Department. I have heard that it is going on as we speak. I have asked that the Town investigate the claim that an employee has been harassed because of their sexual identification. That this person has been the subject of callous practical jokes \u2014 if you can all these grotesque actions jokes\u2014 and that they have to endure a hostile work environment. If elected as your supervisor, I will write up the ringleaders and work to create a department that recognizes employees for the quality of their work, not their color, nationality or sexual preference.\u201d<\/p>\n

Part of the audience erupted with applause while others booed vigorously.<\/p>\n

Then one man stood up and shouted, \u201dDeGregorio for Supervisor! Who is the whistleblower! Let\u2019s see the complaint!\u201d In response three women, one of whom was Mary Deare, shouted, \u201dGender discrimination is against the law!\u201d \u201dWe need facts!\u201d Another man stood up shouting, \u201dThis is a farce!\u201d when his chair fell backwards on the man seated behind him. That man pushed the chair back knocking the shouter forward into the row in front. After that, the scuffle went general.<\/p>\n

Supporters of Patrick DeGregorio quickly headed for the stage, surrounded their candidate, and left by the side door.<\/p>\n

Eddie was left standing alone. He looked down and realized he still had the microphone in his hand. He looked out at the crowd and shouted,\u201dEVERYBODY SHUT UP! SHUT UP! BE QUIET! SIT DOWN!!!\u201d<\/p>\n

Remarkably, his words had effect. People stopped and stared at the stage long enough for Eddie to say, \u201dI\u2019ve known about this charge. My daughter learned of it a few weeks ago. I was advised not to say anything because it might hurt people. Well, the cat\u2019s out of the bag and the story is true.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlso true is that Patrick DeGregorio\u2019s crowd had been paving people\u2019s driveways while resurfacing the roads nearby. The Town has been asked to check into that too.\u201d<\/p>\n

Linsey Raeburn aflame with indignation, mounted the stage and took the mic from Eddie.\u201dLa-dies and gen-tle-men! Let\u2019s close this forum in a civilized fashion that reflects the non-partisan basis for the event. Mr. Eddy please sit down. Thank you all for coming. Remember to vote on August 16.\u201d<\/p>\n

5:30 PM<\/strong><\/p>\n

Joe Burke, the camera operator in the back of the room had originally been tasked to video the candidates on stage, C-SPAN style. But Palmer\u2019s question and the succeeding ruckus was too much to ignore. Video reporting was his dream. He swung the camera on his shoulder and caught the chairs going over, zoomed in on DeGregorio being scuttled out the side door, caught Eddie shouting and his speech, and panned the Crawford Community Center Multipurpose Room now being put to a purpose not intended by the architects. He was in bliss. Just then the reporter from The Crawford News and Journal Inquirer tapped him on the shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cWant to go up front and get some footage of candidate Eddy for our website?\u201d<\/p>\n

Sanford McClure took a look around and deemed it appropriate to get Eddie out of the room before he put his foot in it any further. As he approached the stage so did the reporter and her new cameraman.<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Eddy! Emily Taggart, Crawford News! Can you tell us more about sex discrimination at the Highway Department?\u201d<\/p>\n

Sanford motioned to Eddie with hand swipes at the neck meaning\u201dQuit! Don\u2019t say anything!\u201d But Eddie was on a roll.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat I know,\u201d Eddie said, \u201dcomes from very reliable sources \u2013 the source in fact \u2013 that the Highway Department has systematically made life miserable for a person working there this summer. I can\u2019t go into details because, frankly they are too gross for your newspaper audience, but the crew at Highway, DeGregorio included, should be put under investigation. And I believe, again from reliable sources, that that is the case.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe Burke got a nice medium close up of Eddie and Emily with Sanford looking horrified in the background. Then he panned slightly to get Sanford out of the shot and held steady while Emily from The Crawford News tried to get Eddie to name names. Luckily, just in time, Eddie caught sight of Sanford and clammed up.<\/p>\n

Ella and Palmer were waiting outside with Sydney McClure when Sanford and Eddie emerged from the side door of the Community Center. Sanford looked concerned, Eddie looked exhausted. They all piled into Sanford\u2019s SUV. \u201dI\u2019ll get the Honda later,\u201d Eddie said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat I want to know,\u201d Sanford growled, \u201dis who the hell knew enough to ask that question! This is going to be all over the news.\u201d<\/p>\n

Palmer slid down in his seat in the back and looked fixedly out the window.<\/p>\n

THE BIG EVENT, SUNDAY, AUGUST 14<\/strong><\/p>\n

Initially, Eddie was seen as a hero of the Candidate Forum and DeGregorio a machine candidate skulking away from the event rather than face the crowd. But the glow faded as DeGregorio\u2019s supporters started pounding Eddie\u2019s record at Parks on radio talk shows and on social media. They interviewed Eddie\u2019s bartender Bud Rawlins at Pete\u2019s Saloon. \u201dHow drunk would he get?\u201d They somehow found Mrs. Sackett who was not afraid to talk about the condition of the Eddy\u2019s yard. \u201dThey never mow their grass! And for a guy in the Parks Department, really! And that Hale Eddy. He\u2019s a troublemaker. Mark my words.\u201d And so on.<\/p>\n

No one took polls on the favorite for Highway Supervisor. The newspaper and the local community college were more interested in the race for mayor of Cuttersville. But Eddie could tell. When he was at the train station or outside the Safeway, people just walked past him where before they would stop and chat. There were more cars with \u201dDeGregorio Knows Roads\u201d magnetic stickers on their cars. The kind Eddie couldn\u2019t ever afford.<\/p>\n

But he stayed the course. What else could he do? At work his buddies said they would vote for him anytime because he was \u201dtrue blue,\u201d whatever that meant. At home Ella was quietly supportive and the kids were, well, the kids. Lizzy was busy, Hale removed, and Palmer particularly thoughtful these days.<\/p>\n

Despite the to-do at the debate and the fallout from it, the plans for the Big Event moved forward. Ella baked hundreds of cupcakes and decorated them with chocolate frosting and a bright yellow double line curving through the middle. She cooked gallons of sauerkraut and bought giant size mustard and ketchup dispensers at the outlet store. Sydney McClure came up with a four foot banner she had printed at Kinkos that Nancy designed on her laptop. Blue skies and a road with the caption\u201dEDDIE EDDY, 10 YEARS at PARKS, OUR NEXT HIGHWAY SUPERVISOR\u201d.<\/p>\n

Now it was two days before the primary. And it was raining buckets on the Big Event.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is a waste of time,\u201d Eddie grumbled. \u201dThe whole thing was a waste of time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, Eddie..\u201d Ella sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t \u2018Now Eddie\u2019 me! I\u2019m tired of the attacks on me, the grind of getting my name out there. And now that it\u2019s out there, people don\u2019t want anything to do with me. The whole thing was a waste.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, for my part, I\u2019m committed to the picnic. I\u2019ve got six dozen cupcakes, two gallon-size mustard dispensers and donations from businesses all over town.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s raining cats and dogs. No one is going to show up. I\u2019m not standing in the rain for nothing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEddie, your wife and your children are going to be there. They have all given of their time to help you. Even Hale, Eddie. The McClures are coming and they deserve a huge thanks. You think of one more speech and then you can relax.\u201d<\/p>\n

Eddie looked at his wife. Humble, able, positive, patient. A man was lucky to find a partner like her. He smiled and said quietly. \u201dOk, Ella. I\u2019ll be there.\u201d<\/p>\n

All morning Lizzy and her friends had been driving around town in the rain with an increasingly limp banner that said \u201dPICNIC IN CRAWFORD PARK TODAY FROM 1 TO 4.\u201d Then in smaller print \u201dEDDIE EDDY FOR HIGHWAY SUPERVISOR.\u201d<\/p>\n

And still the rain came down.<\/p>\n

At the park, Ella was getting things set up.\u201dLucky we got the pavilion for today,\u201d she mused. \u201dWhen the sun comes out, it will be steamy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Eddie was lighting the two rain-soaked barbeque grills. \u201dThe sun won\u2019t come out and neither will anyone else.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEddie!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry.\u201d Eddie squirted more fire starter on the briquettes.<\/p>\n

The McClures arrived early wearing hooded ponchos with water streaming down their backs.<\/p>\n

\u201cHello, Eddie!\u201d Sanford was in a terrific mood. He had a bright red T-shirt with \u201dMy Way (f)or the Highway\u201d on it and a baseball cap to match. \u201dGreat day! We\u2019re in the home stretch now!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can\u2019t be serious Sanford. It\u2019s pouring. My name is spread all over town as a do-nothing drunk unfit for office and you think it\u2019s a great day. Well, I don\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s all right, Eddie. You are allowed to feel down. It\u2019s always the case when you work so hard and take such a drubbing from your opponent. Take heart. If nothing else, this will all be over soon for better or \u2014 for better!\u201d Sanford chucked at his joke. \u201dCome on let\u2019s hang up this nifty banner Nancy made.\u201d<\/p>\n

While the banner was being hung, Nancy and Doug began helping Ella set up the refreshments. Then Doug and Hale got the music going.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you think your dad\u2019s chances are, Hale?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNil.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUm. Okay. Put this speaker here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure.\u201d<\/p>\n

Around 1:30 the rain subsided into a dreary drizzly mist. Four cars pulled up and neighbors of the Eddy\u2019s got out. Then folks from Parks arrived. All in all about 20 people for a picnic expecting 100 or more. But the hot dogs were roasting and the cupcakes were tempting and there was plenty of Dr. Pepper and Batman napkins to go around.<\/p>\n

Mary Deare and her friends arrived. Then Lizzy and her pals from beauty school. The music revved up and it started to feel like a party.<\/p>\n

Sanford McClure was tending the grill. He suddenly gave a hearty shout of laughter. \u201dHey, Eddie! Whether you win or not, this is a celebration of how hard you worked to get here!\u201d He swing around to the crowd, \u201dHey everybody!\u201d Like Nancy once said, you could hear Sanford McClure into the next county. \u201dThis is a celebration of Eddie Eddy. Champion of diversity, defender of integrity, lover of nature. Family man. True grit bedrock of Crawford! Let\u2019s have a cheer!\u201d<\/p>\n

Fifty people filled their lungs and let for a bellow. \u201dHooray! Hooray for Eddie Eddy!\u201d<\/p>\n

Just about then, Nancy noticed a bunch of cars just pulled up on the park rim road and people started getting out. But they didn\u2019t look very friendly. \u201dDad? What\u2019s that?\u201d<\/p>\n

Sanford looked where she was pointing. \u201dUh-oh.\u201d he said. \u201dNan, get out your cell phone. Got it charged? Okay. Open your phone app and when I give you a signal dial 9-1-1.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ten muscular looking men were striding toward the pavilion. \u201dWhere\u2019s Eddy?\u201d One called out. Steadily they walked toward the picnickers.<\/p>\n

The leader came up to Sanford. \u201dYou\u2019re a cheat and a liar, Eddie Eddy and we\u2019re here to show you how.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sanford let out another hoot of laughter. \u201dI\u2019m not Eddie! Just because I have a colorful T-shirt and look like I can take charge and run the Highway Department better than your boy? You got the wrong guy!\u201d<\/p>\n

The lead thug looked around and zeroed in on Eddie. \u201dThere he is! That\u2019s his face from the TV news.\u201d The men surrounded Eddie.<\/p>\n

One guy stuck his face in Eddie\u2019s, \u201dYou\u2019re a gay lover, snowflake.\u201d \u201dYeah, Eddy the pansy!\u201d shouted another brandishing a meaty fist. Others sing-songed, \u201dEddie Eddy! Eddie Eddy!\u201d The leader pushed Eddie shouting, \u201dYuh gonna lose this vote, okay? And yuh gonna go home and forget that yuh ever mentioned investigations, right? The party\u2019s over. Got it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Eddie wasn\u2019t small, but he wasn\u2019t burly like these guys. Yet, he took a moment and looked his accuser in the eye. All the work and abuse he put up with to run for Highway Supervisor flashed through his mind. Slowly and deliberately he made a fist and swung as hard as he could at the lead guy\u2019s nose.<\/p>\n

Sanford watched in horror and amazement. He turned and gave Nancy the signal then waded into the crowd of thugs to help his friend.<\/p>\n

By the time the police arrived the uninvited guests had been subdued by the overwhelming press of Eddie\u2019s coworkers at Parks. They were sitting in a row on a picnic bench with the most intimidating members of Parks standing guard over them. One fellow had a burgeoning black eye and another was wiping his nose on his shirt leaving blood stains behind.<\/p>\n

The police were trailed by two reporters and a camera operator from Channel 64 (\u201cNews from Right Next Door and Beyond!\u201d) who was already filming the aftermath of the fracas. One of the reporters stuck her microphone in Sanford\u2019s face. \u201dWhat can you tell us about what happened here, Mr. Eddy?\u201d<\/p>\n

Sanford said nothing. Just pointed to Eddie hair awry, shirt untucked, rubbing the knuckles of his right hand. The reported headed over to Eddie.<\/p>\n

As the camera swiveled to cover the interview, Eddie quickly slicked down his hair and tucked in his shirt. In a rare moment of savvy, he kept massaging his fist.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s going on you ask?\u201d he said. \u201dThe folks here were celebrating my 10th year with the Crawford Parks Department and my campaign for Highway Supervisor. It has been raining all day and just when the sun starts to come out, these fellas from the Highway Department (I know them all, Dave Willis, Gene Reynolds, Bert Taylor and his son, Jeremy\u2026) show up hunting for trouble. They made it plain as day they were not happy that I have come out in support of LGBTQ rights and that I let it be known that that department has a shaky record on sexual equality. Things got a little crazy, but everyone\u2019s temper is under control. We\u2019re ready to take it to the voters on Tuesday and may be best candidate win!\u201d<\/p>\n

As had become usual when Eddie made a speech, he started out slow and powered up as he went along to a blazing finish. Sanford, following closely, knew that that final statement needed a rousing cheer that would be picked up by the reporter\u2019s mic. \u201dHooray!\u201d He shouted waving his arms for everyone to join in. \u201dYay!\u201d \u201dHooray!\u201d \u201dEddie Eddy for Highway!\u201d resounded over Crawford Lake.<\/p>\n

What made the news that night was a windblown looking Eddie, a close up of his knuckles, a long shot of the park and a quote excerpted from Eddie\u2019s speech.\u201dThings got a little crazy, but everyone\u2019s temper is under control. We\u2019re ready to take it to the voters on Tuesday and may be best candidate win!\u201d<\/p>\n

ELECTION NIGHT, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10<\/strong><\/p>\n

Palmer was up in his room on Election Night scouring the Internet for results for Highway Supervisor. CH64 was covering the legislative races with charts and maps, pointers and markers. Commentators were going over the same highlights again and again with almost frantic intensity.<\/p>\n

But not a word about the race for Highway Supervisor.<\/p>\n

Not that it really mattered. His dad was out of the running back in August when the primary results were in. \u201cTrounced\u201d was the word the newspaper used. \u201dTrounced by Incumbent DeGregorio\u201d was the headline. Palmer had clipped the article for a scrapbook he was keeping. Trounced despite all that bad news about corruption and discrimination in the Highway Department. Now DeGregorio was up against the candidate from the opposing party.<\/p>\n

It really didn\u2019t matter who won at this point, but Palmer somehow wanted to see the whole thing through to the end. He flipped to the online version of the newspaper \u2013 The Crawford News and Journal Inquirer (Serving Crawford, Cuttersville, Eaton, and New Gainsville Since 1947). Live blogs from reporters stationed at the various campaign headquarters posted blow-by-blow descriptions, interviews, and videos of hopefuls, jubilant winners, and stone-faced losers county-wide.<\/p>\n

But not a whisper about the highway race.<\/p>\n

There was a new mayor \u2013 Willie Donaldson \u2013 in Cuttersville. And a tough contest between Ward 6 contenders projected to be a win for Amy Solokof. No mention of Patrick DeGregorio or the rival party challenger.<\/p>\n

His dad was downstairs watching Shark Tank reruns lecturing his mom at length about how worthless the products being presented were. Hale was \u201dout\u201d\u2014his words. Lizzy was on the phone. Palmer stretched out on his bed and tossed his phone aside.<\/p>\n

He woke up about 5 am. Still in his shoes and clothes with his phone by his side. Idly he hit the home button and the screen flashed on, the newspaper web site still selected.\u201dDEGREGORIO LOSES TOP HIGHWAY SPOT\u201d was the headline. Palmer sat up straight, eyes wide. Scrolling down the page he read how voter turnout for Highway Supervisor was an all-time high. That exit polls showed uncovering department scandals at the primary last August turned voters against DeGregorio and now DeGregorio was officially out.<\/p>\n

Palmer dropped back on the bed. Maybe it was all worth it after all. Now his dad could go back to being his dad and stop being so cranky all the time. Palmer smiled and drowsily let his phone slip from his hand.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

Story by Caroline Meyers, 2019<\/p>\n

Photo credits
\nCover photo \u00a9 Caroline Meyers, O-Town Media.com
\n<\/span>Front Porch \u00a9 Photo Les Palenik, Dreamstime.com
\n<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Eddie Eddy challenges the system and, from Palmer\u2019s point of view, wins. An Eddy and McClure Story TUESDAY, JUNE 15Eddie Eddy leaned back in the porch chair and stretched his arms over his head. \u201cElla,\u201d he said to his wife (her name was Eloise),”It was hot out there today \u2014 unseasonably hot. Though it wasn\u2019t […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-templates\/full-width.php","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-3012","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.otownmedia.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3012","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.otownmedia.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.otownmedia.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.otownmedia.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.otownmedia.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3012"}],"version-history":[{"count":31,"href":"https:\/\/www.otownmedia.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3012\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3205,"href":"https:\/\/www.otownmedia.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3012\/revisions\/3205"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.otownmedia.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3012"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}