good to be alive {Harvey Tomlin's mayor speech}

Harvey Tomlin

A heavy sigh leaves his chest as he paces back and forth trying to find the words to say. This is the most important moment of his entire life, and Harvey doesn't want to allow this chance to slip through the cracks. Public speaking terrifies him slightly, but he knows what he wants to say. The district needs help, and it's his chance to aid in the matter. He clears his throat before taking his place at the podium. A genuine grin spreads from ear to ear as his eyes dart from person to person as applauds errupt from the crowd.

"Hello, and thank you for that warm welcome." He pauses as the crowd ceases, and it's just him left alone in the world with all eyes shooting through him. "It's an honor standing before you all today as a candidate for mayor, and while I may not have the most experience of other candidates, I have a will and the desire to succeed." He folds his hands together placing them on the podium in front of him as he tries not to fidget around. "The poverty level is rising, and with that comes violence. Children living in orphanages are thrown out on the streets when they become of age. Some of them aren't sure where to go with life. They're lost and confused, and they're not really sure where to go in life. I want to change that."

His eyes dart around trying to find a familiar face in the audience. Someone to talk to. Someone to understand where he's going in life.

"I was one of those people. I was abandon at a young age. I grew up not having a family or friends, and when I turned eighteen, I was left to fend for myself. I dug through dumpsters trying to find food to eat so I wouldn't starve to death. I went from place to place trying to find a job. Filling out applications was hard because I didn't fully understand what each job was looking for. I went years trying to figure out my life before slamming into rock bottom. It was then someone gave me a chance." His heart races, pounding against his ribs begging for an escape. Speaking from experience is hard, but maybe it'll give the people what they need. A hope. Something to rely on. "I don't want anymore children to go through that. Nobody should ever have to go through that."

For a moment his head slouches forward, but when he raises it back up a look of determination fills the void.

"One thing I promise to do as mayor, is get the teens off the streets. I'll open up a group home for those who are thrown out of the orphanges. They'll have food, water, shelter, clothes. It'll create more jobs for those who are in need. This group home will offer education on how to apply for jobs. It'll get them standing on their feet, but it's not only open to those who lived in orphanges, it's open to everyone. This group home will give everyone something to look forward to. It'll start off small, but it'll grow into something big." All it takes is a moment, and a chance to prove that he's willing to help out. "That home will also serve as a food pantry. It'll give those struggling to make ends meet a chance to survive as well."

He smiles.

"Nobody deserves to go unnoticed. Nobody deserves to live a life of misery. No person will be left behind."

His eyes close as he envisions a world in district five where everyone is thriving.

"Elect me as mayor, and I will make district five a better place one person at a time."

Cheers errupt as Harvery places his hands down at his side.

"Thank you."