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23.10.13 23:38 
13 DAYS TO ELECTION DAY: So The Loft Literary Center sent out a questionnaire to the mayoral candidates, looking to gauge...I forget, actually. Our "literariness," I guess. Actually, I have their email, so why don't I quote it?

"As a candidate to be the mayor of Minneapolis, we're inviting you to participate in our 2013 Minneapolis Mayoral Literary Survey. As the potential head of a city that clearly values books, we hope this survey will give voters insights into how literature has helped mold and influence you as a leader."

The survey had two questions: What are your three favorite books (titles only - very serious about that!), and What book has most influenced your leadership style, and how? (Technically, that second question is a compound, but who's gonna argue with the literary center people? I'm only a TECHNICAL writer.)

They also mentioned: "The results will be published on the Loft's website (loft.org) on Thursday, October 17, 2013. We will also promote the results to the media and engage our social media networks."

Now, today being the 23rd, you can probably figure that this hasn't happened because I haven't posted a link HERE to get you over THERE. I sent an email asking if I was the only person who responded, and Deputy Director of Development Tanner Curl wrote back: "I'm afraid to report that due to lack of response, we pulled the plug. Thanks for your time in filling out the form, though, and best of luck on the campaign."

Wow, I feel like I dodged an endorsement!

Fortunately, I saved my answers, and now I'll share them with you here:

1: The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy - Douglas Adams
Microserfs - Douglas Coupland
Big Secrets - William Poundstone

2: I think for me, "The Puzzle Palace" by James Bamford was the book responsible for the most noticeable impact on my world view when comparing my thoughts and ideals before reading it versus after reading it. There is a great danger in sacrificing openness and transparency for what others consider "the greater good" and everyone from the mayor on down has an obligation to shine a light on what's REALLY going on out there.

Yeah. Not great answers, but at least they WERE answers. Maybe I should have found a Minneapolis author. I wonder how many other candidates responded. I wonder if it's ironic that the literary center went back on their word to the politician? But....admittedly, I don't wonder about any of this for too long.
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