This Needs To Change | Jimmy Angelo's Mayor Speech

Hoards of faces, all looking up at me, hoping for something. I know who they truly want, a victor mayor, just something for them to forget the real suffering in the District; I just need to prove I am better. I glance to the cue cards I prepared earlier but I slip them into the pocket of my jacket, I don’t need prompts, I just need to speak from the heart.

”Six years ago, we were finally gifted with something we had yearned for, for so long. A hint of hope in the form of Katelyn Persimmon. I felt it and I hope you did too, the rise in morale as we welcomed home a winner. And the miracle struck again but not once, twice! For three years were riding on a wave of ecstasy but that’s all gone.”

I take slight break, just a few seconds to allow me to catch a breath and swallow so that I don’t surrender to a dry mouth.

”We are a forgotten District, bottom of the pile. I see you all every day, breaking sweat and working yourself to the last ounce of energy and what rewards do you get? I have worked amongst many of you, I know what it is like to live in this District and I know what this District wants. I want to be the one who pulls us up from the bottom of the pile and places us on the pedestal where we belong. I want to be the one for the people, because it is you who makes this District.”

I extend my right index finger, and glide it in an arc movement from left to right, pointing at all the faces that are below the stage.

”You should all be proud of yourselves, this District is a community and we must all work together to make it better. We need to work together for the families and the future generations to come. We are known for our hunger and yet, we are surrounded by food. I can see the summer harvest on the horizon and yet, on my journey to his town square, I was met by homelessness. This needs to change, the District needs to change,” My voice becomes raised for the next handful of words, adamant for the message to reach those at the back of the crowd, ”WE, need to change!”

I think back to all the thought out proposals that I hope are the key, to beating off the other candidates.

”I believe in equal opportunities and I believe that the land should be shared equally to those who can tend to it. Farmers who are willing to help divide the land will be granted subsidiaries and for the farmers who are unable to take on more work, I have devised a scheme to get the homeless and jobless out there. Anyone who is willing to work will shadow any farmer who is willing to train them; in return they get shelter and food. And the farmers will be granted subsidiaries for every worker that they train and employ. We need to tackle this major problem and the only way we can do it, is by working together!”

Another swallow of saliva and the conclusion that I rehearsed earlier floods back into my mind. There is something about being stood up here, a sensation has swarmed me, I don’t feel uncomfortable or scared, it just feels natural.

”A victor as a mayor may look ideal in your eyes, but I know what this District needs, I’ve witnessed and experienced everything that needs to be changed. I am the ideal candidate, I have lived amongst you for so long, and I know exactly what you want. And if you have your own ideas on which way we must go, then I will listen. I may claim to know what the District needs but the real people that know exactly what needs to be changed, are you. If you vote for me, every month, I will hold a meeting in this District Square, and you will have the opportunity to speak.”

I pull the microphone from the stand and edge closer to the stage.

”So support me in this campaign and vote for me when the day comes and I will help change this District. For I am the one for the people and we deserve better than what we have now!”