The Comedy of Local Government

This podcast summarizes a stand-up comedy routine delivered by John Mack, who is a Newtown supervisor and a retiree. Mack uses his time on stage to joke about his experience as an elected official, highlighting the often trivial nature of local political complaints in his community, which he compares to "Pleasantville" issues. The would-be comedian jokes about the extraordinary number of chicken restaurants in Newtown and recites in the "Bubba Gump" mode the many varieties of chicken available. Even the dead have complaints says Mack who related how "people" at the local cemetery opposed a propose sidewalk abutting the cemetery on a busy road. He concludes by sharing that despite the low pay he receives for his supervisor role, he decided to become a comedian after a resident called him a "clown," assuring his audience that he is happy to serve both the living and dead residents of Newtown.