Episode 16 Melanie Allen
Local politics are the bedrock of American politics. National politics have dominated the media recently with blame for ambiguous issues being partitioned to the responsible parties in the duality of right vs. left—republican vs. democrat. It’s not very appealing, but the practice has utility. After all, these ambiguous issues have their complexities. Hard working Americans simply do not have the time to investigate and research any one issue in its entirety. As a result, national politicians forage issues, ferment biases, and distill a position—consistent with political goals—for the citizens. To clarify, it is utility with disgust. What’s the solution?
Local politics are the solution. In local politics you can blend the left or right duality into a homogenous mixture of rational perspective, empathy, and determination towards ends that serve those to the left and right of you. It’s about the citizens. A local politician sees people for WHO they are. Local politicians know the needs of the citizens and are willing to forgo party allegiance for the betterment of the city. A genuine local politician poised to make meaningful change understands true peace and harmony is made at the margins of the political duality, not at the polar ends.
Here’s where I introduce my next guest.
Meet Melanie Allen. Melanie is running for mayor of the great American town of Ocean Springs in 2021. Melanie is a republican with an understanding for community involvement, economic growth, and an unwillingness to sacrifice the sanctities of art for the two previously mentioned topics. While hailing from the northeast, Melanie is a coast native. A born “Maine-iac” Melanie found a love of the coast after a recommendation from a client to engage this wonderful, creative, enigmatic town of Ocean Springs.
Melanie and I talk about her experience driving down Washington Avenue and into downtown. She never knew the quaint, southern townscape existed. Initially, she simply drove the few short miles through highway 90 and saw a pretty average view of Ocean Springs. After being recommended to drive south of 90, she found the gem of the coast. Beautiful arching oak trees lined the roads with elements of southern craftsmanship and hard work lined the streets. Local businesses greeted customers with relationships first, commodities second. The twisted drive down Porter to the beach revealed a harmonious, mutual relationship between nature and humanity. The strength of the oaks seemed to be willing to allow humans to coexist, so long as mutual respect existed.
Melanie and I talk about our love for the gulf coast. We talk about her experience investing in South Mississippi through her work with the Pascagoula Audubon Center, Historic Ocean Springs Association, and she is staunch supporter of the cultural impact of Ocean Springs. She has been awarded the Ocean Springs Canopy Award, the Gulf Coast Caring Woman of the Year, Volunteer of the year by the Land Trust organization, as well as the 2019 recipient of the Key to the City of Ocean Springs, presented by Mayor Shae Dobson.
Melanie, from my perspective, is a saint to the City of Ocean Springs. We talk about her politics, her vision, her guiding light, and herself. Melanie is a wonderful human being with an endless empath. I’m honored to have such a talented woman willing to take on the prospective task of running America’s greatest little town.
Please welcome, Melanie Allen!