Miss Understanding

Miss Understanding

“I don’t get it."

Rilla Carson stared at Columbine Leech.

“What don’t you understand about what I just said?”

“All of it. Sounds like a bunch of gobbledygook!”

Rilla opened her mouth, then shut it again, looking for all the world like a fish out of water.

“Can you make things a little clearer for us normal people?”

The mayor took a deep breath as if she were trying to either hold her temper or form a simpler explanation of what she had been saying. Unfortunately, when she started to answer, she could only sputter. She sat down as a vivid tide of blush rose up into her face.

“Since Madame Mayor seems to be at a loss, is there anyone else on the council who can explain this to us, in short words?” asked Columbine.

The other council members shrugged, shuffled and otherwise tried to avoid the answer. Columbine nodded to the secretary of the meeting.

“Perhaps we should adjourn this meeting until the mayor has recovered herself?”

“No need for that! This is a request for a vote to raise municipal taxes so we can do some necessary infrastructure repairs...”

“Like what?” Columbine interrupted.

“Snow clearing, road repairs, and sewer upgrades.”

“That’s much more enlightening. How much?”

“It will be at least a five percent increase.”

“Seems reasonable, since we haven’t had one in seven years!” Columbine explained.

“Let’s vote then, shall we?”

Almost every hand was raised when “for” was announced. There were fewer hands for “against” despite a few abstainers.

“Passed by an excellent margin,” proclaimed Rilla who then banged down her gavel briskly.

“Council dismissed.”

“Columbine!” said a voice behind her as she was departing.

“Thanks for reminding me!” Rilla said gratefully.

“The people are us, Madame Mayor. Understanding is key,” Columbine said.