The Mayor has a Hammer - James Schutz

nFinally - a book that gets it. These poems capture the soul of localn ngovernment with honesty, heart, and just the right amount of humor.n nIf you've ever served your community - as an elected official or asn nstaff - you'll feel seen, understood, and proud. And if you haven't, thisn ncollection offers a rare and moving window into what it's really like ton ndo this work: the quiet frustrations, the small triumphs, and the deepn ncommitment that keeps us coming back.n n

• Kate Colin, Mayor, City of San Rafael, Californian nn nn nIt's rare in poetry to be privy to the minute particulars of a givenn nprofession. As the former city manager of one of the Bay Area's loveliern ncities, though one not without its civic problems, Jim Schutz acts as ourn nVirgil through the not-so-divine comedy of running a municipality.n nHis tone can be biting, whimsical, impassioned, and/or funny, but hisn ndisposition is always one of deep concern for the commons, and an nprofound appreciation of those who serve our local interests. As Jimn nsays in his preface, these are really love poems to a work force too manyn ntake for granted. So, let him entertain you as he informs you. In thesen nbenighted times, maybe you'll find yourself among Those optimistsn nwho inhale conflict/and exhale unity.n n
• Thomas Centolella, author of Almost Humann nn nn nWho knew local government could be poetry? Jim Schutz did! Thisn ngem of a book makes you feel the joy, pain, and sheer craziness thatn ncome with being a public servant in these turbulent times.n n
• Kip Harkness, former Deputy City Manager, n nCity of San Jose, Californian nn nMore than ever in these times, we need those who honor words for theirn nprecision and beauty. Jim Schutz has done just that. He has exploredn nthe craft of poetry and brought it into City Hall, into the offices ofn ngovernment workers who don't get enough praise for their tireless work.n nWe thank him for his world of pensions, Ford Fusions, fluorescentn nlights, taxes, and gavels in the small chambers of democracy.n n
• Kathy Evans, author of Trespassers Welcome and Imaginationn nComes to Breakfastn