It's not a question of who's right. It's a question of what's right.
After a brief visit to his parents' house, Matt made his way over to one of the other affluent homes in Kalispell. There were many of them in Kalispell and the owner of this one was somebody that whole town respected. Somebody Matt would need in his corner.
In the few days since he was declared Mayor, he had had the task of selecting who would be in his town council. Considering the mess the last one was, he had to make sure that whoever he choose was someone that people had confidence in. The list he had was small and there weren't many people to pick that would be suitable.
Nolan Ashworth, the local postmaster and lawyer Carson Tyndall were known associates of Elias Steelgrave, so they were out. John Anderson, a previous member of the town council proved to be too indecisive (unless his wife prodded him) and Judge Ben Robertson had left town under uncertain circumstances. The now former mayor, Scott Corey was also a under consideration but that too was deemed inappropriate for personal reasons.
Out of those who ran against in the election, only Worcester Pettigrew seemed to be the only worthy one but Matt was reluctant to approach. If the others he had in mind turned down his offer, then Pettigrew would be asked. With the limited choice, Matt had decided to do something radical and it would probably anger some people both in town and out of it.
As he approached the door of the first prospective member of the new council, he noted how well kept the garden was. Due to his other responsibility of running the hotel, as well as being temporary chair of the town council, he hadn't been here in a while.
When he reached the front door, he returned his focus to the matter at hand and knocked.
A town is only as good as the timbers that form its buildings.
In a rare turn of events, Christoph was actually home. Not that he needed to be at the mill to oversee its running, but he spent most of his time there nonetheless. If something did happen to go wrong, he would be there. And even if nothing went wrong, sitting in his office at the mill made him feel like a mother hen protecting her chicks. He protected his business the same way.
But today, he was sitting in his armchair beside the fire, which gleamed orange-red on the polished wood floor, with the latest edition of the Kalispell Union in his lap.
Upon hearing the knock at the door, he set the paper down on his side table where a steaming teapot sat awaiting him, called out, "I'll get it!" so neither his wife nor his housekeeper would have to stop what they were doing, and strode to the front door. His eyebrows rose as he saw who his visitor was.
"Ah, Mr. Mayor. Won't you come in?" Christoph opened the door wider and stepped back, throwing an arm out to invite the hotel owner, recently-elected-mayor in. "I was just about to have a cup of tea. Could I offer you some?"
Between voting for Matt Wentworth and the vaguely effeminate Worchester Pettigrew in the recent election, the choice had been laughably easy for Christoph. While both Wentworth and Pettigrew were businessmen, they were two different types, and Christoph believed that Matt's sensibilities would guide the town in a better direction than Pettigrew's.
Even as he showed the mayor into the parlor a few feet from the door, his mind was already at work, trying to imagine a reason for Matt's visit.
It's not a question of who's right. It's a question of what's right.
"Ah, Mr. Mayor. Won't you come in?" Christoph opened the door wider and stepped back, throwing an arm out to invite the hotel owner, recently-elected-mayor in. "I was just about to have a cup of tea. Could I offer you some?
Matt shook his head slightly as he made his way inside, "No thank you. If this was a social visit I would gladly take you up on the offer but I have a few more people to see."
For a moment he thought about making small talk like asking how the mill was going but he decided against. He was here on an important mission, so it was best to lay his cards on the table straight away. "As you know the last town council was a complete mess. Orr's attempt at taking over the council, Miss Steelgrave's hospital project and his untimely death was one of the problems. Judge Robertson, his delaying tactics and sudden disappearance was another. It's no wonder that Scott Cory decided to retire."
After being ushered into the parlour, Matt took a seat and continued, "When I took over the office on Monday, I knew one of the first things I had to do was to select a town council that the people of Kalispell would have confidence in. Believe me, it wasn't an easy task but I think I've come down to a council that will at least work even if some people won't approve of who I have picked."
He half-smiled, "Basically, I'm here to ask you if you would be willing to join the council."
A town is only as good as the timbers that form its buildings.
Christoph stifled a snort at Matt's description of the previous town council. "A mess" was putting it mildly, in his opinion. He and his wife Anna had long deplored the way the council comported themselves and the way it affected the town.
"Indeed. I'm grateful the town gets a chance at a fresh start with your election." He inclined his head slightly in Matt's direction. A smidgen of flattery never hurt anyone.
He blinked as Matt got 'round to stating the purpose of his visit. "This comes as a surprise, Mayor Wentworth. I suppose it oughtn't to..." here he allowed himself a slightly-less than modest smile "...but you have surprised me. Kindly give me a moment to think it over."
He turned to the fire and paced along the rug by the hearth, walking slowly. What was there to consider? He was respected in town already, and thus far had taken very little active role in politics, beyond exercising his right to vote. But now, here was a chance for him to become more involved.
"I came to Kalispell for stability," he said finally, turning to look at Matt. "Stability for the lumber business and for my family, but I've also found that the lumber business can lend stability to communities. Like the beams in a house, an efficient lumber mill can prop up a town and help it flourish. As I believe I've done with Kalispell. And I would only see Kalispell flourish more."
"So, yes," he finished, "I am willing to join the council. I only hope that I'm not one of the few you think people will balk at." Here he smiled, a little wry humor making the corners of his eyes crinkle.
It's not a question of who's right. It's a question of what's right.
"Thanks Christoph. It means a lot for both me and the town," Matt said with a hint of a smile, "I just hope my other choices will be as willing as you are help to install confidence back in the town council."
He stood up and went over to Christoph. Holding out his hand, he continued, "Welcome councillor."
After they had finished shaking hands, Matt picked up his hat which had placed on the side table next to the chair he had been sitting on. "As I said, this was only a brief visit. I know have to go and see two other people today about taking a place on the council. The first meeting will be held within the next week or two."
When Matt left Alders' house, he made his way to the next house he was to visit. Hopefully, the person he wanted to speak was home...
@[Bailey] Flip
Leah, hearing an unfamiliar knock at the door was tempted to reach for her derringer, but realized that the men across the street had allowed whoever it was to reach her front door in the first place. So, she set aside the book she had been reading while the light was still good, and a cup of lukewarm tea sat on the table beside the novel as she rose from the chair and mioved to the door. Her residence was far from what one would expect for a woman of her stature.
The clapboard cottage was just big enough for her, and that was comfortable. Comfort in these trying times was important to her, as her life away from the cottage was hectict with decisions on the construction and such. She moved to the door and brushed a whip of errant hair from her face as she turned the porcelain knob and pulled the door open.
"Why, Matthew, what a pleasant surprise. Whatever are you doing here?" She asked, somewhat taken aback by his appearance on her front stoop.
Tag: JulieS
It's not a question of who's right. It's a question of what's right.
Matt took off his hat and smiled, "Well I hope you find it a pleasant surprise as I have an offer to make to you. May we step inside?"
After being showed into the parlour, Matt gestured to Leah to take a seat. "The reason for my visit is something that you will at least find interesting."
He paced the room for a moment to gather his thoughts, "As you well know the last town council was a complete shambles. There too many people seeking what they could get and not very concerned about the welfare of the town. Kalispell is growing and it needs people who want to look after the town's interests more than their own. In my opinion, it also needs a radical approach as well."
Taking the seat opposite Leah, he sat down and leaned forward, "What I am basically saying...asking is that I would like you to become a member of the new town council."
"The Town Council? Matthew, you'll have this town up in arms." She replied, and that was true, Montana, let alone Kalispell was not quite ready for women to take their place in the role of leadership. Owning property was difficult enough as she was sure Emilene Pike would attest, not to mention herself. "Whatever would I do? Be the token female?"
"Now, Matthew, you know that I respect and trust you, but setting a woman, any woman, let alone a Steelgrave woman on that dais, well, you're buying trouble you don't need." She stated. "Trouble Kalispell doesn't need." She was doubtful her appointment would not be without the same response as given to the hospital project, obstruction to anything he wanted to get done. Yet it was a chance, a chance to possibly do more for Kalispell. "Who else have you asked?"
It's not a question of who's right. It's a question of what's right.
"The Town Council? Matthew, you'll have this town up in arms." She replied, and that was true, Montana, let alone Kalispell was not quite ready for women to take their place in the role of leadership. Owning property was difficult enough as she was sure Emilene Pike would attest, not to mention herself. "Whatever would I do? Be the token female?"
Matt sighed, "I agree but maybe it's time for a change. I'm hoping that the people...well at least some of them are open to having women on the town council considering the mess that was made by having four men on it. Besides you do have some friends here judging by the support you have for the hospital and orphanage. And no, you won't be a token female."
"Now, Matthew, you know that I respect and trust you, but setting a woman, any woman, let alone a Steelgrave woman on that dais, well, you're buying trouble you don't need." She stated. "Trouble Kalispell doesn't need."
"Yes, there will be trouble but I think we can handle it. People are now beginning to understand that you are not your father's daughter and we have that in our favour. If you continue to show that you care for the people and the town, then they will know which side you are on, especially if your father continues with his plans to take revenge on Shade Thornton."
She was doubtful her appointment would not be without the same response as given to the hospital project, obstruction to anything he wanted to get done. Yet it was a chance, a chance to possibly do more for Kalispell. "Who else have you asked?"
"I've asked Christoph Alders and he has said yes. You're the second person on my list. After I finish here, I plan to see Worcester Pettigrew. He got a few votes in the election and I think he deserves a chance to show us what he can do besides run a dressmaker shop."
He paused for a moment, as he leaned back in the chair, "I also thought very carefully about who the fourth person would be. Knowing that people might accuse me of favouring the Steelgraves with your appointment and I decided that I need someone from the Thornton camp to join the council. That is why when she comes into town next week, I will be asking Harriet Mercer to join us."
"Yes, Harriet Mercer would not only bring on someone who would make no problems, but she will also have the legal ability to solve any, and maybe, all of the legal problems that are bound to arise." That though, made perfect sense to Leah, Harriet Mercer was known as a no nonsense litigator who would be infinitely more qualified than anyone in town.
"What you are asking, and offering is a great honor just to be thought of in that manner. Yet, as you know I'm neck deep in the hospital construction, as well as plans for the orphanage, and once phase one is complete, I may need a vacation from Kalispell, and all of its problems. Not as lengthy as the Pikes vacation, but perhaps a month, just to recharge and refocus." Again she flashed a smile, "You do me a great honor, Matthew, a great honor. I'll not haggle about anything other than some time away from here. That will be a must. So, if you can accept that, then, I'm your woman."
This would drive her father crazy to have his daughter on the Town Council.