You got that right, mister. In September 1999, the citizens of Knoxville, Tennessee had to make a crucial decision. No, it wasn't about whether or not to try the new cajun beef platter at the Sizzler...we had to elect a mayor to serve our beloved city. The incumbant mayor, the honorable Victor Ashe, was running for the office again for the umpteenth time. Following a sincere and personal automated pre-recorded telephone message that I received from Mayor Ashe, I also received a personal invitation to make a special appearance at a campaign picnic for the mayor that was being held in my neighborhood... just down the road. To show my support for Mayor Ashe, and also to obtain a free meal, I accepted this invitation and prepared a brief speech for the occasion. On the day of the picnic, the air was full of excitement
and the sound of a bluegrass band playing one of my favorites, "Mama
Was a Truck Drivin' Man." I walked over to the festivities
just in time for the introductions that were being made.
Thousands attended the festive event.
U.S. Congressman Jimmy Duncan (also known as The Walking Corpse) addresses the crowd. Mayor Victor Ashe is at far right in photo, grinning like a newborn monkey. During some awe-inspiring words from a congressman, some city councilmen and various civic leaders, I took my cue and jumped up on the platform. Come to think of it, I don't think I actually had a cue. Anyway... I manuevered my way to the podium and addressed the crowd...
Amidst a polite smattering of applause and people trying to whistle with their mouths full, Mayor Ashe addresses his supporters and everyone else who showed up for the food.
In summary, Mayor Victor Ashe won a resounding reelection bid. I'd like to think that my appearance at the picnic had a lot to do with it, but his victory was no doubt due in part to these stunning campaign graphics.
The official portrait of the First Family of Knoxville, the Ashe family.
Back to Odds and Ends page Back to Home page
|