In the first part of the journey, Dorothy finds traveling companions. She rescues a Scarecrow from his pole in front of a long-vacant storefront. The Scarecrow asks to accompany her on her journey so he can ask the Great Ozden for a brain, to provide well thought out city development, proper preservation of the historic Union Station Campus, and adequate parks and creation for Ozden’s citizens. Soon, they come across a Tin Woodman who has been rusted in place near a burnt-out apartment development. The Tin Woodman also asks to join the trip so he can ask the Great Ozden for a heart, to aid the homeless and less fortunate, invigorate Ozden’s small businesses, and treat neighboring municipalities with dignity and respect. As the travelers continue along 25th Street, a Cowardly Lion scares them. The Cowardly Lion admits he is a coward and wants to join the others so he can ask the Great Ozden for courage, to eliminate crushing taxes and bloated city salaries, sufficiently staff and listen to citizen advisory committees, and vanquish “Caldwell Culture” in city departments.

When Dorothy and her friends finally arrive at City Hall, the Great and Powerful Ozden tells them that he will certainly grant their wishes in a few years, but right now he’s busy making up catchy slogans (i.e. “Spirit of Prosperity”, “The Ozden Way”, “City of Champions”). The Great Ozden insists that gaslighting is now the priority, and things like building code changes to prevent raging fires, shelter for the less fortunate, and financial relief for taxpayers will have to wait.

Kerry Wayne

Marriott-Slaterville