Hail to the Chief

I doubt many English readers would be able to tell me the name of their local mayor, let alone anything about them. Here in Naperville, it is quite a different story. Everyone I meet seems to have a story about Mayor George Pradel. I first came across him several weeks ago during the local election. It was a forgone conclusion that Mr Pradel would be re-elected to office,not in the least because he had been in office since 1996.

I thought this may be a cause of irritation to the townsfolk, but they actually seemed pleased. I quickly discovered he is as loved as Santa Claus, a real friend of the people. Before becoming mayor he served on the Naperville police force for 29 years. Three generations of children knew him as 'Officer Friendly' because of the work he did in schools. He is quick to support local good causes and is the town's ultimate flag waver.

It turns out the mayor is a non-political figurehead - just like our queen but without the pearls. Therefore he doesn't have to spend too much time worrying himself about running the town, but gets to do all the good stuff like opening fairs and singing the praises of Naperville whenever asked.

I think this story sums up his popularity in a nutshell. Three years ago, WTMX radio ran a competition to find the state's sexiest mayor. This in itself is bizarre enough. Londoners, you can just imagine Ken Livingstone running for that one! Anyhow, the idea was for people to vote for their favourite. Competition was stiff because the mayor of a neighbouring town is apparently quite good looking. I hope Mr Pradel will forgive me for saying this, but although his good qualities are too numerous to mention, being sexy is not one that would immediately spring to mind.

Anyhow, once the good people of Naperville realised they could vote as often as they wished, they threw all their support behind him with the resulting in a surprising win!