Two Mayors

Many months ago I was just pulling into downtown during my morning commute. I glance at the car on my left and notice that it is an unmarked police car with a little old lady in the back seat. I'm wondering "Why is a little old woman sitting in the back of a police car? Was she a witness to something? Are they bringing her in to make a statement?"

I took another look and realized, "Fuck! That's Kay Barnes! That's The Mayor!" And that guy in the driver's seat is a cop! A cop who is NOT investigating any crimes, not chasing any bad guys, not apprehending any rapists or murderers. No, this is a highly trained, highly educated, highly paid law enforcement professional being pulled away from his job to star in a local production of "Driving Miss Daisy".

...

This afternoon, I went out for an afternoon walk and as soon as I got to the corner, I saw an old piece of shit red Toyota with a large package in the back seat and a box of kleenex in the back window, waiting for the light to change.

In the driver's seat was Mayor Funkhouser.

His light turned green, but he couldn't move because a young black male was casually strolling across the intersection, against the light, while eating some lunch out of a styrofoam box.

The mayor didn't freak or honk (like I would have). He waved at the guy. Then he looked at me. I gave him a nod and he gave me a wave, and he drove off.

I'm telling you, I like this guy. I really think that he doesn't care about the power and prestige thing. He isn't about cutting ribbons and he isn't going to campaign 24/7 because he has his priorities right. He has perspective. Yeah, he's The Mayor. But whenever possible, that job ends at 5:30 and he goes home to his family. I REALLY respect that.

You go, Funk! See you on the corner!