To My Successor

[Mattiii 1663]

To My Successor

Lord Mayor, Sir Otis de Rosius was sat in his offices, watching as his Carrington pocket watch slowly ticked away, each tick signaling yet another second as Mayor passing. His face was void of emotion, thoughts racing through his head. "Have I done enough?", "Is that all there is left to achieve?", "What am I to do afterwards?" The man of humble beginnings was only thirty-eight, yet he felt as if he achieved a new height in his career during his time as Mayor. "Could he do better?" It wasn't his most prestigious position either, but he had accomplished the most as it. How could one abandon such a rewarding position, not materialistically but altruistically. One could only imagine the pain-staking regret he felt when he didn't list his name on the ballot. Otis could only hope that his successor did, not only as good as him, but better. He had trust that the Orenian people would vote someone even more hard-working, and motivated for the job. He reached over to his fountain pen, tapping it against the inside of the ink well in which it had rested in, and began to write on a piece of parchment paper set before him on his executive desk.

 

[!] The letter would be written in Otis' traditional chicken-scratch handwriting.

Dear Our Future Mayor,

 

Firstly I'd like to congratulate you on your victory, nothing feels quite as satisfying as winning an election and that comes from plenty of personal experience. If I could offer any advice it would be what I wish I told myself when I first entered politics, and that would be it doesn't pay, at least not materialistically. Personally I kept chasing a higher position, selfishly thinking there would be a large pile of mina waiting for me at the end. There wasn't, if anything you lose mina, I stepped foot into that office with seven-hundred, I come out with two-hundred. You will learn that by taking up this position you will gain something far greater then a pile of mine, and that would be a sense of altruism. Speaking of which, you were not elected so you can flaunt your title, in the end it's up to what you did during your term that gives you bragging rights, and frankly, if you're not looking out for your citizens I recommend you retire now. This sense of altruism can only be achieved by helping people, by offering them support in their times of need, and seeing those people succeed. Lastly, my biggest regret was not listening. I had so much trouble with coming up and hosting events or looking for ways to improve the city, but during my final days as Mayor I realized what Alderman Otis found so obvious. You have the entire population of Providence with requests, don't be a fool, listen to the people. Host Q&A sessions, send out surveys, read through your letters. Strive for better.

 

If you have any questions, do send me a letter, I'm always here.

Godspeed, Our Future Mayor

 

-The Rt. Honourable, Lord Mayor, Sir Otis de Rosius

[Guzr 2050]

"I remember when I was a child and I asked my mentor why the streets were so clean and shiny compared to the backwater dirt roads I saw back at home." Edwin smiled, leaning onto his cane, before quoting something. " 'Monsieur Lord-Mayor de Rosius' was his reply. Get some good rest, my friend; you've earned it."

[Benjikhei 698]

An Old Lord Mayor of Helena smiles down from the seven skies "The position has truly stood the test of time." He'd remark quietly.

[sergisala 3451]

"The Mayorship of Sir Otis de Rosius has been a true example that good government can happen from the working class of this country. He shall be remembered as one of the best mayors that the Imperial City has ever had." Sir Charles Galbraith would say after reading this open letter.