I came across a story online about how Marion Ross, at the age of 13, changed the spelling of her name from Marian to Marion because it would look better up in lights. She seemed to be the perfect image for the city because she had the soul of integrity and traditional values.

What a tremendous ambassador she is for the community. I can't think of a better one.

We spoke with her agent, explained what we envisioned for the role and waited to find out if she might be interested. Her agent came back with an offer. I don't remember exactly what it was now, but I know our budget couldn't afford it. He asked what we could offer, and we made our offer.

There were budget concerns, of course.

‘Leave It to Beaver.' I could relate to being that age. It also kind of was an ideal world, at least at that time. I look at it now, and it wasn't very politically correct. But I felt all warm and fuzzy when watching the show. I used to read Little Lulu comics for the same reason. It was just a perfect world.

Any leader, particularly in this day and age with a sensitivity to public relations, has a tendency to want to isolate opponents on specific issues. Part of that is putting out an emotionally laden phrase in the hopes of associating opponents with that phrase.