15. Ami #2
With a deep breath, we both walk up to the podium and take our seats. Everyone’s attention turns to us, and I briefly make eye contact with Aunt Maggie before she looks away. That fills me with emotions I don’t want to process right now.
Ethan stands up first to address the crowd.
“Welcome, everyone. Thank you for your presence here. I’m grateful that you are all here to give me a chance to explain my vision for this town.
Even though this is the second time we are doing this, I promise this is also the last time.
But today is your opportunity to raise your questions and concerns.
After this, the fate of this town is left up to your decision and votes. ” he says before turning to me.
“As I have already mentioned, Ami has been a valuable companion in this journey. She has helped me build this new campaign and come up with ways to make it better. So tonight, she will be co-hosting with me.” I take that as a cue to stand up.
Everyone’s focus diverts toward me, and I try to smile as I start.
“It’s surprising that I am about to say that Ethan is being a bit too humble here, but it’s true.
I might have helped him but it’s his vision that you will be seeing here tonight.
And before we continue, I want to make it clear that even though I have helped Ethan with his campaign, at the end of the day, I am no different than you guys.
I too am just another concerned citizen who wants what's best for this town.
So, tonight I sit here, not as a supporter of Ethan but rather as someone who wants nothing but the best for this town and its people.
I might not live here, but Seabrook is just as much of a home to me as it is to you.
I grew up here, my dear aunt who helped raise me is here, and now I want to see it return to its true glory. ”
Ethan meets my eyes for a moment, and I can see the proud look in them that makes me want to beam.
He continues to speak. “As I’ve already mentioned, discovering the true history of this town has changed everything for me.
We are well known for being a tourist spot, and we’re all aware that tourism brings in significant revenue for Seabrook.
But the fact this town was originally a haven for art and talent makes me want to capture that again.
I believe that moving in this direction will align beautifully with our tourism business.
And that’s why change must come, and for the better.
” Ethan is in his zone, and it’s always so intriguing seeing him like this.
I’m here as the voice of the citizens, and there are questions that need to be answered.
More for other people’s sake than mine. That is the plan Ethan and I came up with.
I’ll be voicing all the right questions, the kind of information that people need to learn to understand that we can bring this town back to its old ways while staying in the present.
And we will also open to questions from the floor.
“Ethan, I have a few questions if you don’t mind.
” I interrupt and Ethan nods. “We all heard you speak about change and the past but how exactly do you plan to change things around here? People here have spent their entire lives living a certain way and asking them to change is not fair.” I tell him and there is a murmur of agreement in the crowd.
Ethan smiles at that, “You’re right. It will be too sudden to change everything all at once, which is why I want to take any transformation slowly.
This town is home to many like me, and nothing will change that.
I want to start by opening galleries and supporting artists who want to start their own businesses.
That means that the revenue that we spend on tourism every year will decrease to some extent to fund things like these.
But the effect will be financially positive as these new businesses contribute and themselves bring more tourists. ”
“Another thing, Ethan is that although the history of this town is rich with culture, that was a different time. Those people were different. It’s been decades since the artists died and this new town, with new traditions, has come into existence.
Do you really think we should return to what this town used to be even though there are chances that not many people who live here now are artists?
We have been making earnings from tourism and if that ends, many people will find themselves jobless.
” I voice out, and this point seems to bring a lot of approval.
“That’s a good point you bring forth, Ami.
The truth is that times have changed and nobody can fight that.
Even though nobody wants to admit it, making good money is crucial and tourism does help with that.
Which is why I don’t intend to end it. But rather, I think if we focus more on our own culture, on our art and traditions that is likely to promote more tourism as I said.
“Folks did any of you know that the large dolphin statue at the beach was carved by an artist here in 1910? Yes! And how many of you have walked the stairs of the old lighthouse?” After a show of hands from over two thirds of the group he goes on.
“That intricate handrail along the parapet was carved and installed by a George Weston who lived here from 1902 through 1988. And guess what? All these years later his great granddaughter Mary Townsend, is sitting in the back … Hi Mary.” She smiles and waves back and Ethan continues.
“Did you know that it is Mary who quietly and without fuss cleans and repaints that very handrail year after year?” There is rumbling through the crowd, with lots of people turning to wave and say hi.
The group is obviously impressed, even Aunt Maggie!
“This is the type of tradition I would like to see us embrace as a community. There’s nothing tourists want to see more than a place that's brimming with history and old traditions.
And along with that, having people open businesses based on their own talents is going to make it easier for them to earn – both owner and artist. The whole point of this is to give everyone as many opportunities as possible.
And as for your question about bringing back the old ways. I believe in following traditions, Ami.
“Friends, this town was built and adorned by generations of artists. It was forged from their dreams—a place where connection and creativity would always have a home.
Maybe not everyone here today paints or sculpts, but many of you carry your own unique artistry—skills, passions, ideas yearning to be shared. Imagine what could happen if those talents weren’t just admired—but nurtured, carried forward, and made into something real?
“Right now, Seabrook stands ready: a space for artistic ventures, studios, galleries, pop-up workshops, and creative storefronts that reflect your visions.
Can you see it? A bustling creative hub made by artists, for artists—where people come to learn, to explore, to feel inspired. That vision doesn't have to remain a dream.
“So, here’s my ask: If you have even the smallest spark of inspiration—consider taking the next step. Let’s open our doors to one another:
Start that studio you’ve been dreaming about.
Host workshops that share your techniques.
Launch a gallery that showcases local talent.
Invite others into your creative practice.
“Let’s choose to act—together. Get connected: share your skills, launch a creative business, or join a planning circle. Let this community revive its legacy by becoming the artistic home it was always meant to be.
“Let your creativity have a space to flourish. Be part of what comes next. This will not replace, but enhance, our daily lives and community spirit. Join us—and build this dream into reality.”
His words are so heartfelt that I feel my heart melting.
The crowd sighs, everyone feeling the emotions in his words.
The rest of the meeting goes smoothly, and people are more interested in what Ethan has to say while I sit, thinking about his words and how beautiful they sound.