I have a strict rule against talking politics on this site, but this morning I’m making an exception.
Last night, my mother, Sandra K. Green, was elected mayor of Kutztown, Pa., defeating Republican challenger Eric A. Ely 556 to 382.
Mom, a Democrat, becomes the first female mayor in town history. By default, I attain the rank of first son of Kutztown.
Here’s small town politics for you: Mom and her opponent get along quite well inside and outside the political arena. They ran extremely positive campaigns, touting communication, listening and moving on after an embarrassing four years under the previous mayor, who was defeated in the primary.
All told, Camp Green shelled out about $800 for signs, buttons, literature and packets of Forget-Me-Not seeds to hand out at the polls. There were no commercials, and there was no mud slinging.
After the votes were tallied, Camp Green gathered at the Tavern restaurant for food and spirits. Invited guests included friends, family, and her opponent, Eric Ely, who stayed well into the night to help celebrate two classy campaigns and the democratic process at work.
Kutztown has reason to be excited this morning. Voters have spoken. They wanted positive change, and they got it.
Mom is the hardest working person I know, and I couldn’t be prouder. Speaking from experience, she did an awesome job whipping me into shape. Now, it's Kutztown's turn.
You made me cry!
Posted by: Mom | Wednesday, November 09, 2005 at 10:01 AM
Congratulations to your mom. Perchance, is she available for National office?
Posted by: Tom Goodman | Wednesday, November 09, 2005 at 10:17 AM
Kutztown and especially all the women are proud. She'll serve us well. Thanks
Posted by: Dorothy Fox | Wednesday, November 09, 2005 at 12:32 PM
Congratulations to Mama Beerleaguer! As first son of Kutztown, do you get a protection detail?
Posted by: Tom G | Wednesday, November 09, 2005 at 12:47 PM
Congratulations...Perhaps as Mayor she can pass a law that will make sub-500 seasons illegal....Good stuff...
Posted by: don eminizer | Wednesday, November 09, 2005 at 01:16 PM
Congradulations...I'm sure she'll do great thing for old K-Town.
Posted by: Tom W | Wednesday, November 09, 2005 at 01:36 PM
Congratulations to Mom Beerleaguer!
Posted by: Deanna | Wednesday, November 09, 2005 at 01:40 PM
Congratulations, Madame Mayor! Great stuff, Jason! (Now I know where I can do 35 MPH in a 25 zone ...)
Posted by: Tom Durso | Wednesday, November 09, 2005 at 02:44 PM
This is the happiest day of my life!
Posted by: Creek | Wednesday, November 09, 2005 at 07:05 PM
I've been quietly hanging around the past couple of months reading your work (excellent stuff by the way), but this story moved me enough to comment. It's great to see the democratic process live up to its potential. I'm sure our Founding Fathers would be very proud. Congratulations to Mom Green and keep up the great work.
Posted by: xxx | Wednesday, November 09, 2005 at 08:10 PM
She inhereits a town with world class root beer. that's all i know.
Posted by: gr | Thursday, November 10, 2005 at 10:52 AM
kudos to ma dukes.
has martin started the tomato farm at the mayor's office yet?
Posted by: el123chico | Thursday, November 10, 2005 at 03:07 PM
OK, I'll be the first to say it...
Jason, your Mom's HOT!!!
Posted by: Mark | Thursday, November 10, 2005 at 06:48 PM