Re-Election in Ponyville: Defending Her Turf

Chapters

Prelude
Morning Thoughts
Meeting With the Princess
Setting Things Right
Letter Reactions
Primary Debate
Primary Election Day
Scheduling Interviews
Amethyst's Interview
Iron Will's Interview
Debate Day Preparations
General Debate
Election Day
The Victory Party
Breaking News's Final Piece: Departure of the Last Non-Unicorn

Prelude

It has been three years since Amethyst Star, the first unicorn mayor of Ponyville, began her first term and things had changed dramatically. Amethyst's business friendly policies has brought more businesses and jobs into Ponyville and because of that, not only has the community grown, more tax revenue is flowing into the town's coffers.

With all this additional revenue, Amethyst was able to live up to her promises of significantly lowering municipal property taxes, improving the dam, improving the school, running budget surpluses, de-funding all festivals, hiring a weather mage and paying off Ponyville's debts. For her, this was the ultimate victory, she had silenced the earth pony critics by instructing the weather mage to create weather that was much more crop friendly and that has led to increased crop yields and larger profits.

One thing did upset the earth pony critics though. To keep the soil well nourished and to eradicate troublesome bugs that cold, snowy winters would normally wipe out, the town had to hire a pest control mage and a mage to rejuvenate the soil. While some earth ponies appreciated it, many of the earth pony farmers despised being completely dependent on three unicorn mages just to keep their livelihood.

Another group that was disenfranchised by the unicorn's changes to the town were the pegasi. With unicorns controlling the weather now, many of them suddenly found themselves out of jobs right after the weather mage took over. Not only did this cause some families to leave, but it also caused some friends to have to move away and this did not sit well with some of the residents.

Despite the departure of many of the pegasi, the population had doubled because of many, many businesses moving into town. Another change came with all the new businesses moving into town. Many of them were owned by unicorns who sought to escape the high taxes and the unpleasant hustle and bustle of the big cities. Because of this, the unicorn population in Ponyville more than doubled. Besides a huge increase in the unicorn population, opportunistic creatures such as Minotaurs and griffons had relocated their businesses there so the overall climate of the community had changed.

For many ponies, they were unsure of where the future headed but Amethyst knew that as long as Ponyville remained prosperous, that having a more diverse population would be worth it and everypony would adjust.

Morning Thoughts

It was a cool January morning when Amethyst Star woke up. For her, this day was one filled with fond memories as it was the three year anniversary of her taking office and with that being the case, she knew that the time to file for re-election had arrived. With that being the case, she jumped out of bed earlier than normal and headed downstairs where she was greeted by her best friend and roommate, Sea Swirl.

On most mornings, Amethyst showed little emotion when she arrived downstairs but this morning would be different. She headed into the kitchen with a smile. Sea Swirl asked, "Amethyst, what's up with the smile? I haven't seen you smile like that since you took office!"

Amethyst replied, "Well today is the day everypony has to go to Canterlot to file with Celestia that they are running for office and I am looking at it as the first step towards me being re-elected."

Sea Swirl suggested, "Amethyst, you know I've always supported you but don't you think you're getting a bit ahead of yourself? I think you should stay focused instead of acting like you're guaranteed victory."

Amethyst knew that her friend was right, "Very well Sea Swirl. I can see where you're coming from but still, I've lived up to all my promises and the economy is better than ever."

Sea Swirl replied, "True but the town has grown, we haven't had a real Hearth's Warming since before you took office, many of the pegasi had to relocate, half the population if not more are unicorns, farmers are dependent on unicorn mages and I know there are a fair number of ponies who are bit leery about the other species that have moved in."

Amethyst blew it off, "Everypony seems fine if you ask me. I'm sure everypony likes the nice weather for Hearth's Warming and the other species are contributing to the local economy so everything will be fine!"

Sea Swirl knew that trying to get Amethyst to realize that things may be more difficult than she thought would be impossible so she decided to drop it. She noticed Amethyst getting into the cupboard and grabbing a protein bar. She asked, "Is that it? Is all you're going to eat is a protein bar?"

Amethyst replied, "No, after I file my papers with the princess, I will grab a bite to eat up there."

Before Sea Swirl could say anything, Amethyst rushed towards the train station to catch the early train so that she could get her papers filed early and then relax for the rest of the day.

On the other end of town, a gray maned earth pony rose and for the first time since the last election day, she felt a sense of optimism. She knew that while Amethyst had lived up to every campaign promise she made, that things had happened that she could potentially capitalize on. She said to herself, "Alright, the time has come. The time has come to take this town back."

Miss Mare couldn't help but remember the events of the last election cycle and how she knew that Amethyst would transform the town. In her opinion, while the town had not become more rigid, she did find somethings troublesome, particularly ponies from other parts of the country relocating their businesses there, the departure of some of the pegasi and the unicorn mages but what bothered her most was Iron Will, his narcissism and his zeppelin cruise business that had relocated to Ponyville. She said to herself, "You know what, I'm going to file and when I win, I'll restore Ponyville to what it used to be, I'll restore our traditions!"

After eating a quick breakfast, she headed towards the train station where she would encounter the incumbent. She had done her best to avoid Amethyst since the last inauguration day but knew that she had to play it cool. She said, "Oh hi Amethyst. I take it you are heading up to file your papers?"

Amethyst asked in return, "Yes, I am. I take it you are going up to do the same?"

Miss Mare replied, "Yes. I plan on running and when I win, I'll clean up the mess you have made."

While Amethyst wanted to go off on her, she knew that she had to remain professional, especially since they were around her constituents. She commented, "Well good luck to you, may the best candidate win."

That was not the response the mayor had hoped to get from her. At that moment she knew that her opponent would most likely be well prepared and focused like she was last time. As they got on the train, she knew that this would not be easy and that she would not be able to have any emotional outbursts.

Meeting With the Princess

When they arrived in Canterlot, both Amethyst and Miss Mare headed towards the palace. When they arrived, neither would be thrilled to see that there was a long line, longer than last time. What surprised both of them though was that Applejack was in front of them. She noticed them get in line behind her and asked, "Howdy y'all, I take it you are here to file?"

Amethyst replied, "Yes, both of us are." She then gave her a curious look and asked, "What are you doing here? Are you and your friends having problems?"

Applejack said, "Actually, I'm here to file my papers as well. I don't like what you've done with Ponyville and I want to restore it to what it used to be."

Both Amethyst and her soon to be opponent gave one another curious looks before Miss Mare asked, "Wait a minute, are you even going to be allowed to run?"

Amethyst added, "You know you have to live within city limits to run don't you?"

Applejack gave her an intense look and replied, "Yes I know and because of how much the town has grown, Sweet Apple Acres is probably in the city limits now."

Amethyst said, "Well Princess Celestia will know where the exact boundary is so it will be up to her."

Before she could finish her sentence a commotion erupted as a zeppelin had docked in the city and from it emerged Iron Will. Everypony gave him and odd look and when he saw Amethyst there he announced, "My name is Iron Will and Iron Will is here to announce his candidacy for mayor of Ponyville."

This brought about a laugh from all three of them, but Applejack's would be the loudest, "Seriously, YOU'RE going to run for mayor?"

While Applejack found it humorous, Amethyst found it irritating. She gave him a glare and asked, "So I make Ponyville more business friendly and now you're going to bite the hoof that made it possible for you to set up shop?"

Iron Will replied, "There is no law that states that Iron Will can't run for mayor so no. Iron Will is simply exercising his right to run."

After two hours of waiting and listening to Iron Will boasting to anypony who would listen about his candidacy they finally got to the front of the line. When Celestia saw Applejack standing before her she asked, "Applejack is everything ok?" She then looked at the line and continued, "I don't know what it would be but it is filing day so if it isn't anything serious, could you let me know later?"

Applejack replied, "About filing, I have come to file my papers to run for Ponyville."

Celestia gasped, "Seriously?" She then gave her a curious look and continued, "But don't you live outside of the city limits?"

Applejack pointed back towards Amethyst and said, "Well I did until her growth friendly policies caused the town to grow so much that the city limit had to be expanded."

Celestia was unsure about where the exact boundary was and she knew that she had to find out. She let everypony know that she would be back in a few minutes. Nopony was very happy but when she arrived with a recent map of Ponyville, she showed Applejack the map and unfortunately for her, the current city limit had not reached out that far.

She held the map up, pointed to Sweet Apple Acres and said, "I'm sorry Applejack but you can not run because you do not live within the city limits."

This did not sit well with Applejack but she knew that the map Celestia had showed her was most likely accurate. She sighed in frustration, "Very well your Majesty." As she turned to leave the throne room, she looked at Miss Mare and continued, "Please try and return Ponyville to what it was for all us traditionalists, alright?"

Miss Mare nodded before approaching the princess. When Celestia saw her she handed her the paperwork and said, "You know the drill."

She replied, "Yep, I do."

Miss Mare began to fill out the paperwork and once she had completed it, she handed it to Celestia. Celestia said, "Alright, you're on the ballot and you know the drill afterwards."

Miss Mare sighed, "I know, meddlesome media outlets like ENC stalking me." Before Celestia could even reply Amethyst approached her. She gave her a smile and asked, "Amethyst Star, how is the best mayor in Ponyville history doing today?"

Amethyst replied, "I'm doing quite well and the town is just a few months away from me achieving my ultimate promise, wiping out our debt entirely."

Celestia was impressed by this as she didn't expect that to happen until much later. She said, "Wow, once you get that taken care of, the town will absolutely love you!" She then handed Amethyst her papers and said, "Just like your opponent, you know the drill."

Amethyst filled out the paperwork and handed it back to Celestia. She continued, "Alright, you're on the ballot and you know that if there are two more candidates, you'll have a primary."

Amethyst replied, "Yes, I know." She then pointed her hoof behind her and whispered, "Just wait, you're going to be shocked by who's next."

Celestia looked back and simply winked, "Oh he's nothing to worry about. He might provide some comic relief but that is it."

Amethyst gave her a smile in return before Iron Will approached Celestia, "My name is Iron Will and Iron Will is here to file his papers to run for mayor of Ponyville."

It was all Celestia could do to not break down laughing. She had a grin on her face as she handed him the papers, "Alright, fill this paperwork out and what party you will be running under and you'll be all set."

Iron Will took the paperwork and began to fill it out. Unlike how some candidates are when their political party is not listed, Iron Will knew what to do. He thought for a minute and knew that he would have to name it something that would appeal to ponies. He eventually put down "Ponyville First Party" and handed the form back to the princess. She looked over the paperwork and saw nothing suspicious and said, "Alright, you're on the ballot but I do want to warn you, I don't know how Ponyville will react to a Minotaur running for mayor."

Iron Will replied, "Iron Will is certain that the ponies will find Iron Will's plans beneficial to everypony!"

Celestia said, "Very well, good luck."

Iron Will headed for the exit and while there were still plenty of other candidates filing for other communities, she couldn't help but wonder how big of a margin of victory Amethyst would have this time. While she would never admit it, she secretly hoped that she would win re-election in a landslide since she did make good on her promises to get their debt paid off and provided the community with the economic growth she felt was necessary.

Setting Things Right

After being told by Princess Celestia that she could not run, Applejack was not one bit pleased. One part of her did think that the map Celestia had was accurate but another part of her had a feeling that the map may be old, especially since she received a letter from the town the previous year regarding Sweet Apple Acres and it being tax exempt since it was an agricultural property.

When she returned to Ponyville she thought about how she would be able to prove that the farm was in the city limits and then it hit her, the town hall. One thing she did know though was that Sea Swirl was the town clerk and a good friend of Amethyst's so she was unsure if she would even let her see the current city limits, much less make a copy of it. She figured that it was worth a shot to try and get a copy. She vowed that if she did get one, she would take it up to Princess Celestia and hopefully get on the ballot.

When she arrived she was greeted warmly, "Oh hi Applejack, what can I do for you today?"

Applejack asked in return, "I'm wondering if I could get a copy of the current city limits?"

Sea Swirl gave her a smile, "Of course!"

Sea Swirl headed back to make a copy of the information she requested and it would not be long until she returned. She handed her the copy and Applejack would be pleased with what she saw. Not only did Sweet Apple Acres reside within the city limits but the map was much more recent than the one Celestia had. She gave Sea Swirl a smile and said, "Thanks, I appreciate it."

Before Sea Swirl could even reply, Applejack rushed back towards the train station. While she knew that Miss Mare would likely be a good alternative to Amethyst being re-elected, she felt as though that if things were to truly return to how they used to be, that she would have to run and win to guarantee things be set straight.

It was already 1500 when Applejack got on the train to Canterlot and knew that if she did not file by 1700, that it would be too late. The train ride was seeming to take forever when suddenly half-way between the two communities it ground to a halt. While this did not upset too many ponies, it angered Applejack. She yelled, "What the hay is going on? Why did the train stop?"

Her answer would soon be answered when the conductor went into each car and notified the passengers that the engine had overheated and the delay would likely be thirty minutes. This did not sit well with Applejack, "What, thirty minutes?" She became more aggravated as she continued, "I have to get up to the palace before 1700! Can't you speed things up a bit."

The conductor approached her and tried to remain calm, "Look, we have to wait until the engine cools down. If we try pushing it right now, it could blow up and you won't be going to Canterlot at all."

Applejack sighed in frustration knowing that the timing on the engine cooling down would affect whether she would be able to challenge Amethyst in the election. After over twenty minutes of waiting, the train began to move again which made most everypony happy, save Applejack. At first the train was moving more slowly than normal and this again caused Applejack to yell, "What's going on? Why the hay is the train moving so slow?"

The conductor had yet to leave her car and replied, "I'm sorry ma'am but when the engine overheats like this and then we get it going again, we have to go slowly."

Applejack yelled, "But I have to get to Canterlot......"

The conductor interrupted, "Ma'am, we'll get to Canterlot as soon as we can, alright?"

Applejack sighed in frustration knowing that he was right. When the train finally pulled into Canterlot, it was 1645 and Applejack knew that time was not on her side. The moment the doors opened, she raced off the train and was in a full gallop to the palace. She would be very displeased when she was greeted by a couple of guards.

"Halt, who goes there?"

"State your business."

Applejack was not one bit pleased that she was being delayed but knew that if she was to get to see Celestia, that she would have to remain calm. She replied, "I just need to see Celestia about filing to run for mayor of Ponyville."

One guard replied, "Very well."

The other had seen her up there on multiple locations and asked, "I take it you know your way to the throne room?"

Applejack replied, "Yes sir, I do."

The guards allowed her entrance and once again she was in a full blown gallop right until she got to the throne. Celestia saw her and asked, "Applejack, is everything ok?"

Applejack held up the current map of Ponyville and replied, "I know you said I couldn't run but I got a copy of the most recent map and handed it to the princess."

As Celestia took a good look at the map and noticed that it had been updated late last year, she realized what she was in the wrong in denying Applejack her chance. Just as she finished looking at the map, the clock tower hit five and Applejack sighed in frustration, she knew that it was too late. She was so frustrated that she turned around and began to leave until she heard a voice, "Applejack, wait!"

Applejack turned around and asked, "What your Majesty, I know it is too late."

Celestia replied, "Applejack, since I unfairly denied you at first and you went to all this trouble, I'll let you file." She motioned for her to come closer and whispered, "Even though the deadline has passed, I'll let you file but this has to be just between us. Nopony can know about this, not even your friends."

Applejack replied, "My lips are sealed."

Celestia then handed Applejack the proper paperwork and said, "Ok, just fill this stuff out and if the party you are running under is not listed, check other and write in the name of the party you plan on running under."

Applejack took the papers and began to fill them out. When she got to the part about which party she planned on running under, she checked other and wrote in traditionalist. She handed the papers back to Celestia and when she saw what party Applejack was running under, she had a feeling that if she won, that Ponyville would quickly fall back into the same mess it was in before Amethyst took over and fixed it.

She gave Applejack a smile and said, "Alright, you're on the ballot. Now that there are four candidates running down there, there will be a debate in March, a primary in April and then the top two from the primary will move on to the general election."

Applejack remembered very well about what happened four years ago and replied, "I know your Majesty."

Celestia continued, "And if you make it past the primary, news agencies will likely want to interview you and get your message out to not just Ponyville, but the whole country."

The very thoughts of national media outlets doing interviews with her made her cringe. She remembered Sunny Flames from last time and how she seemed to show favoritism towards Amethyst solely because she was a unicorn. She sighed, "I know you're majesty. I just hope they can remain objective because I remember that unicorn reporter last time that seemed to just love Amethyst."

Celestia replied, "Don't worry Applejack, while she may seem to have liked Amethyst more, she is objective."

Applejack sighed, "Very well. I look forward to the first debate and the first primary." She paused for a minute and added, "If I win, I'll make Ponyville proud."

Celestia simply nodded at the comment and watched her leave. While she had always liked Applejack, she knew that with her being a traditionalist that any policies of hers could harm the town's economy. She also knew that her facing off against a pony with a similar mindset may not just hurt her, but the traditionalist ponies in general.

Letter Reactions

One week had passed since the filing deadline had passed and Celestia had sent mail out to all the candidates, mail that included the debate dates, the election dates and who they would be running up against. When the mail arrived and Amethyst saw the letter from Celestia, she quickly opened it but would be surprised by what she saw.

As she read the letter, she couldn't believe it when she saw that Applejack was able to run after all. She couldn't help but snicker, "So Applejack was able to run after all? Oh boy, I bet Miss Mare is going to be so upset when she sees this!"

Sea Swirl heard her snickering and asked, "Amethyst, what is so funny?"

Amethyst held the letter up and laughed, "Get this, Applejack made the ballot after all! I knew this election wasn't going to be overly challenging but with two traditionalists going up against one another in the primary, neither one may even advance to the general!"

Sea Swirl had always supported her friend in all her endeavors, both political and non-political but she couldn't help but be concerned over her statement. She suggested, "You know Amethyst, you may not want to count them out yet. The only other one besides you is Iron Will and I doubt hardly anypony is going to vote for a Minotaur."

Amethyst could understand where she was coming from but knew how the town had changed. She replied, "Sea Swirl, the town isn't like it was four years ago when the idea of a unicorn mayor was thought of as absurd. We have a diverse electorate now and ponies have seen for themselves that the old traditional ways were just that, old." She couldn't help but laugh, "Could you just imagine if those two traditionalists took enough votes away from one another that I'd be going up against Iron Will?"

The fact that Amethyst was acting like she was already guaranteed a spot in the general election did concern Sea Swirl. She suggested, "Amethyst, you're acting like you've already advanced! I would advise you not count your chickens until they have hatched."

Amethyst sighed, "Oh you're right as usual." She looked up at the clock and gasped, "Oh great, if we don't hurry up, we'll be late for work!"

Sea Swirl took a look at the clock and gasped, "You're right, we better get going."

The same morning that Amethyst got her letter from Celestia, Miss Mare would as well. When she began to open it, she was expecting to see a shorter electoral schedule but would not be thrilled when she saw that Ponyville would be having a primary again. She yelled, "What, a primary again?" She then took a look at the list of her opponents and screamed, "How can Applejack run? She doesn't even live in the city limits!"

Miss Mare was not pleased with this at all and decided that she was going to go and set things right. She stormed over to the one place she hoped to occupy again soon, town hall. When she arrived she was greeted warmly, "Hello Miss Mare, how may I help you today?"

Miss Mare asked in return, "Is there any way that I could take a look at a map of the current city limits?"

Sea Swirl gave her a smile, "You know, Applejack asked the same thing last week." She turned around and continued, "You can't take a direct look but I will make a copy of the most recent map."

This did shock the former mayor a bit because when she was in office, ponies were allowed to look at the official documents, not simply have copies made. She thought to herself, "I suppose I shouldn't be surprised, she altered everything else so why not this...."

Her thoughts would be interrupted when Sea Swirl would return with the copy, "Here you go Miss Mare, you have a pleasant day."

When the former mayor took a look at the new boundaries, she was not thrilled but she was not surprised either. As she exited the town hall she mumbled to herself, "Oh great, now the traditionalist vote is going to be split." She became more agitated as she continued, "Thanks to her running, it could easily be Iron Will and Amethyst in the general!"

At Sweet Apple Acres Applejack was in a much better mood than normal after checking the mail. After opening her letter from the princess and seeing herself on the ballot, she was quite pleased. When she headed back into their house, everypony else saw the smile on her face. Apple Bloom was the first to say anything, "Sis, what is the smile about?"

Applejack held her letter up and motioned for her family to come take a look at it, "Come here y'all. I got on the ballot after all."

While two of them were happy, one was more concerned. Granny asked, "Applejack, I know you're happy but with you and the former mayor both running, that Iron Will feller could wind up getting enough votes to advance."

Applejack protested, "Granny, I highly doubt that many ponies are going to go voting for that Iron Will feller."

Apple Bloom suggested, "You know, you may not want to count him out, the town is a lot different than it was four years ago."

Granny added, "Apple Bloom makes a good point. We have a lot of other creatures living in town that could go towards him, unicorns make up half the population if not more now and will likely vote for Amethyst and I know some of the pegasi that are still left enjoy not having to change seasons."

Applejack replied, "I know that." She paused for a minute and continued, "Then I'm really going to have to ensure that I will return things to how they used to be and get them to think that the old mayor may not. I'll have to be a pure traditionalist to win over all the other traditionalists and maybe some other types of ponies that miss the old ways."

Apple Bloom suggested, "And you need to reassure them you will restore winter! Amethyst ordering that weather mage to keep it warm year around has taken away all the fun we used to have at Hearth's Warming!"

Big Mac, in a very uncharacteristic moment stated, "I will admit, warmer winters have gave us an extra harvest each year, we have made bigger profits and" he pointed towards Granny and added, "allowed us to get Granny's hip fixed."

Applejack and Apple Bloom both gasped in shock. Applejack asked, "Are you saying what I think you're saying big brother?"

Apple Bloom added, "Are you supporting AMETHYST STAR? Are you going to support re-electing a unicorn as mayor?"

Big Mac replied, "Yes, I am." He then pointed towards Granny and added, "And I don't know why you wouldn't. It is because of her that we made enough of a profit that we could get your hip fixed."

Granny had always been one of the staunchest traditionalists and despite the extra harvest each year allowing them to have the funds to fix her hip countered, "Big Mac, I know that but tradition is what is important and that Amethyst pony has taken all of that away."

Applejack added, "Because of her, Ponyville isn't even what it used to be. We were an earth pony community full of tradition and now it feels like we don't even have an identity anymore, we're just a mix of everything!"

Big Mac knew that getting his family to listen about how Amethyst had improved things for them was not going to happen so he decided to drop the issue. While he knew that he should support his sister, he just couldn't. Amethyst's way of running things had aided the Apples too much for him to vote against the hooves that improved things for them so much.

It was business as usual when Iron Will checked his mail. He was pleased to see that he had got a letter from the princess regarding the election but would be pleasantly surprised when he saw that there were two traditionalists on the ballot. He said to himself, "Iron Will sees that two traditionalists are on the ballot and there will be a primary."

Iron Will knew about how the process worked with primaries and snickered, "If Iron Will plays his cards right, it will be Iron Will advancing to the general!"

One of his zeppelin captains, another Minotaur, heard him snickering, "Boss, what it the snickering about?"

Iron Will held the letter up and replied, "Iron Will has received word that another traditionalist is running in the primary so chances are Iron Will will advance to the general election."

The captain suggested, "I know you're glad boss but that doesn't guarantee....."

He was quickly interrupted, "Iron Will is certain that he will advance. Iron Will will worry about Amethyst later, he will worry about the farm pony and the former mayor now." Iron Will pointed towards one of the zeppelins and ordered, "We have a cruise set to depart in thirty minutes. Don't worry about Iron Will and the election, Iron Will knows he will advance."

Iron Will was happy when he saw that the traditionalist vote would be divided but what did not please him was the fact that one of his employees would question whether he could win or not. While he knew that Amethyst would likely win the primary, his primary focus would be on trying to appeal to both sides. He thought that if he could appeal to those who have benefited because of Amethyst's financial reforms and those who miss the old traditions, a top two finish would be guaranteed.

Primary Debate

Author's Note

Given that this chapter involves a political debate, it will be done almost entirely in a back and forth dialogue format.

Primary Debate

Amethyst's Preparations

The day of the first debate had arrived and in her house, Amethyst was going over all the spending records during her tenure in office, making sure she had all her facts straight. Unlike it was last time, she was showing no nervousness and was not obsessed over her appearance and Sea Swirl noticed this, "Amethyst, are you ready for tonight?"

Amethyst replied, "Yep, just reading over things to make sure I have all my facts straight."

Sea Swirl gave her a smile, "Good. That is what ponies are going to be expecting from you, a pony who has her facts down and knows everything that has happened during her tenure."

Amethyst looked at the clock and realized that it was an hour before the debate was set to begin. She got up and headed towards the exit, "You coming Sea Swirl, you want to come see me do what it takes to advance to the general?"

Despite being the town clerk, Sea Swirl never had been big into politics and had no desire to go, "Nah, I think I'll stay home. I already know what you'll say, I know what the traditionalists will say and I don't feel like putting up with Iron Will and all his arrogance."

Amethyst headed towards the exit and sighed, "Very well, you have a good evening."

Pre-Debate Discussions

As the time for the debate neared, the media was getting set up to cover the event. Like it was four years ago, Sunny Flames and the crew from ENC were setting up and Breaking News, the head reporter for the Ponyville Express was readying himself to moderate along with Sunny.

Breaking News was no fan of Sunny Flames given that it seemed like she showed favoritism towards unicorns and would likely go on and on about how great Amethyst is and how she has improved the town significantly. When she got within earshot all he could think to himself was, "Ok, as long as things don't get heated, everything will be fine."

Sunny too was no big fan of her fellow moderator but unlike him, she had no problems working alongside a local reporter. She greeted him, "Hello Breaking News, long time no see!"

Breaking News felt that the greeting was demeaning but knew he had to remain calm, "Hello Sunny, it is good to see you."

Sunny replied, "Likewise." She looked around and noticed that the community had doubled in size, that the crowd that was gathering was far more diverse than it was four years ago and much to her delight, at least half the crowd was unicorns. She gave him a smile and added, "Wow, Amethyst wasn't kidding when she said she was going to change things around here." Her smile became bigger as she continued, "And from what I understand, Ponyville's deficit will be eradicated two years ahead of schedule."

Breaking News gave her a scowl, "Yeah thanks to a sales tax, increased revenue from more businesses and increased tourism because of the complete eradication of winter."

Sunny got a huge smile on her face, "What, she ordered the weather mage to scrap winter entirely?" Her voice became more proud as she continued, "That is a stroke of pure genius! I'm betting that not only is it bringing in more tourism, I'm betting all the farmers are profiting off an extra harvest every year!"

Breaking News knew that this would happen, he knew that Sunny was going to think that everything Amethyst had done so far was the best thing in the world and it was all he could do to not just blow up at her. He sighed, "Well Hearth's Warming certainly isn't the same and the foals miss being able to do all the fun winter events they used to do."

Sunny rolled her eyes over what she considered outdated thoughts and said, "Well let's get ready, the debate will be starting shortly."

Ten minutes had passed and once she had been notified that they were on the air Sunny began, "Good evening Equestria. My name is Sunny Flames and beside me is Breaking News, the head reporter for the Ponyville Express." She turned towards him and asked, "This year's election is going to be rather unique because a Minotaur is running for office. How does Ponyville seem to be reacting to it?"

Breaking news replied, "Actually there hasn't been any negative reaction to him running nor does anypony know much about what he would want to do if he were elected."

Sunny faced the cameras again and continued, "Very well. Let's meet tonight's candidates. First we have incumbent mayor Amethyst Star of the Reform Party, we have the former mayor of Ponyville, Miss Mare who will be running as an independent, we have Applejack who is running under the Traditionalist Party and we have Iron Will who is running under the Ponyville First Party."

Breaking news added, "Tonight the candidates will not go into too much detail but we should get somewhat of an idea that if they were to be elected, what they would want to accomplish."

The Questioning of Applejack

The time for the debate had begun and given that they were going to focus on the traditionalists first, Breaking News was determined to ask the first question, "Applejack, many ponies know that your family is very traditional. Are there any old traditions that you would want to restore if you were elected?"

Applejack was not certain exactly how she should answer this because she knew that ponies were better off with Amethyst in charge but then something hit her, the weather. She replied, "For the most part yes."

Sunny interrupted, "How so, what is it you would want to return?"

Applejack replied, "Now I don't know if you know about this or not but in the name of economic improvement, my competitor ordered that the weather mage keep winters around here warmer. She claimed that not only would it bring in more tax revenue from tourism, that it would also allow farmers to make larger profits because of an extra harvest."

Breaking News wanted to get the next question in but Sunny knew enough about Applejack that she couldn't resist maintaining control over the questions, "Applejack, from what I understand, you are a farmer. Have you been able to get an extra harvest each year and generate larger profits."

Applejack knew exactly what the moderator was up to but also knew that she had to be honest. She replied, "Actually yes, Sweet Apple Acres has generated more profits."

Sunny was quick to question her again, "From what I understand, because of profits from the extra harvest, you were able to take your grandmare to Manehattan to get her hip replaced. Is that correct?"

Applejack gulped, "Yes, we were able to."

Before Sunny could get another question in, Breaking News knew that he couldn't allow a traditionalist to be ambushed like this. He asked, "Applejack, how would you say ponies have reacted to Amethyst and her weather mage altering the weather as much as they have?"

Applejack replied, "I would say that many ponies aren't as happy, especially around Hearth's Warming. Yeah the outdoor pageant is nice but ponies miss the winter fun, they miss building snow ponies, they miss the horse hockey and I know some miss Winter Wrap Up."

Sunny tried to get another question in before Applejack continued, "Want to know another group that isn't happy? Many of the earth pony farmers are not happy because without cold winters, we now have to rely on unicorn mages to not only engage in pest control but also to rejuvenate the soil."

Sunny asked, "So do you have to pay for the services these mages provide or do they do it for free?"

Applejack knew that this might be her chance to capitalize on how Amethyst seemed to be against public funding. She replied, "The mages are paid by the town and we do not get charged for the services they provide."

Sunny got a huge smile on her face and commented, "Well that is nice of Amethyst to provide those services for free. I would think all the earth pony farmers would be grateful. Not only does Amethyst have them provide those services for free but you also get an extra harvest every year. That sounds like a win-win!"

Applejack had enough of the reporter's praise of Amethyst. She yelled, "That may be so but it is not traditional! Earth pony farmers have never had to rely on UNICORN MAGES for their livelihood but thanks to Amethyst, that is now pretty much mandatory!"

The Questioning of Miss Mare

Breaking News wanted to get a more sympathetic question in for Applejack but that would not happen. Sunny moved on, "Ok, now on to our next candidate, the former mayor, Miss Mare." She paused for a moment before continuing, "Miss Mare, how would you say the quality of life in this town has changed since Amethyst took over? Would you say ponies are doing more well off, would you say that they have more money in their saddlebags?"

Miss Mare knew that like Applejack, she was being ambushed by the unicorn. She replied, "Well I think so. Ponies seem to be able to buy more and the businesses are doing better."

Breaking News was not about to allow Sunny to take control of this situation as well. He quickly asked, "Miss Mare, if you were to be elected again, are there any things you would want to change? Would you want to restore any of the old, long held, beloved traditions?"

She knew that her time to shine had arrived and replied, "Actually yes. First I would scrap this whole weather mage thing and return our weather to how it used to be. I will restore winter, I will restore all the fun winter activities and while a very small minority complained about it, I will restore Winter Wrap Up. With our much larger population now and Twilight's organizational skills, we should be able to get it done on time every year."

A majority of the newcomers, particularly the ones from the big cities knew little about the activity except that they would actually have to do hard work to change the seasons along with some of the locals let out a loud groan when they heard this but she would not be unsettled by this.

Breaking News continued, "Along with the weather, what else would you restore?"

Miss Mare replied, "I would make sure that all festivals are publicly funded. I remember how wonderful those used to be, I remember how a majority of the community would attend them and have fun. Now it is just primarily the ponies who are close to the rich pony who made it happen. The festivals aren't as special as they used to be."

When she said this, all the traditionalists began to cheer loudly and chant out Mayor Mare over and over. Finally Sunny had had enough of her counterpart running the show on this one and figured it was time for a tougher question, "Ok, you want to reinstate public funding for these festivals and restore the old weather patterns. Aren't you worried that not only will that cause a drop in tax revenue but also an increase in town expenses, thus returning a recurring deficit?"

Miss Mare knew this was an ambush question but was not about to allow it to rattle her. She replied, "In the past that may have happened but we have much higher levels of tourism than we used to so I honestly don't think it would hurt the town financially to restore some tradition." She looked over towards Amethyst and added, "I think that with the way things are now, we can have our beloved traditions and not run a deficit."

Again the traditionalists began to cheer as Miss Mare stood there with a proud look on her face. She believed that this could be the statement that would at least help her advance to the general election.

The Questioning of Iron Will

Sunny then spoke up, "Very well then, let's move on to the next candidate, Iron Will of the Ponyville First Party." She cast her gaze at him and asked, "Iron Will, this is the first time that a Minotaur has ran for any public office in Equestria, ever. Why should the citizens of Ponyville vote for you?"

Iron Will knew that this was his chance to capitalize on the whole town, not just the ponies. He replied, "Iron Will believes that everycreature should vote for Iron Will because not only will he continue on with some of Amethyst's economic policies, but he will also restore the traditions ponies used to love so much and he will not discriminate against anycreature!"

The attendants that were not ponies began to cheer loudly as did the more open minded ponies in the community. Breaking News waited for the crowd to quiet down and asked, "Iron Will, when you say you will keep some of Amethyst's economic policies, which ones are those?"

Iron Will replied, "Well Iron Will knows that one of Amethyst's goals is to eventually eradicate the municipal property tax and Iron Will desires the same. Iron Will also wants to keep the business friendly practice of lower business taxes and Iron Will thinks that keeping the sales tax of 2 cents per bit is necessary to keep the budget surpluses running."

Sunny knew the time had come for her to try and expose weaknesses in him, "Iron Will, what about other things? What about the annual pay raises for the town's employees? What about keeping Cheerilee in the top 10% of well paid teachers and what about the dam?"

Iron Will replied, "Of course Iron Will will continue to make sure the town's employees will continue to be paid well and that the teacher will be paid as well. Iron Will knows that well paid employees do a much better job and regarding the dam, Iron Will will see to it that it remains the most advanced hydro-electric dam in all of Equestria."

The Questioning of Amethyst Star

Sunny was shocked that she was not able to get a single weakness exposed in him or his promises and realized the time had come to question Amethyst. She replied, "Very well." She then turned to Amethyst and continued, "And finally we have Reform Party candidate and incumbent Amethyst Star."

Breaking News believed that perhaps he should ask the incumbent mayor the first question since he knew more about how things had been running, "Amethyst, you made a lot of promises when you campaigned four years ago. Would you say that you have kept your word?"

Amethyst knew that Breaking News was not thrilled over the election last time and figured that by being completely transparent, that she could not only win over any undecided ponies, but rattle him. She replied, "Actually yes, I would."

He asked, "How so?"

Amethyst replied, "Like I had promised in the last election cycle, I had stated that I would make sure that Ponyville would get its debt to The Royal Bank of Equestria paid off and the way things stand right now, we are two months away of doing so."

He asked, "Would you mind providing documentation of this?"

Amethyst ordered, "Could somepony set something up that I could project our payment records to the bank?"

A couple minutes passed and what Amethyst had requested and she projected the first page and began, "Alright, here is year one of my term and as you can see, our payments at first were small since we had not generated that much revenue yet." She then projected the second page, "And here are the payment records for my second year. As you can see, as we generated more revenue, the payment amounts increased." She then displayed the third year, "And by my third year, our payments became large enough that we got on track to pay this off well ahead of schedule." She then projected the payment records for the first two months of the current year and finished, "As you can see here, our balance is now low enough that all of the money we owed will be paid back in a couple of months."

Breaking News sat there with his jaw dropping open. What he had hoped would be a tougher question that may rattle Amethyst, instead became her chance to show how truly transparent she was with how she had been handling things but then another thing crosses his mind, something new she instituted, the sales tax.

He asked, "Very well but in the second year of your term, you instituted a two cent per bit sales tax. Do you think that has harmed anypony or priced anypony out of buying certain things?"

Amethyst replied, "Actually no. The businesses here in town are continuing to generate profits and here is the thing about that sales tax. Rather than only hitting local residents like the property tax does, it affects everypony who shops here and with our increased number of tourists, it has generated a lot of revenue and thanks to it, we will be paying off that debt."

Sunny knew the time had come to ask Amethyst a tougher question to show that she was not showing the incumbent any favoritism. She asked, "You have mentioned that the town will be paying off that debt soon and when you ran last time, you stated that you wanted to eradicate the municipal property tax. When do you plan on doing so?"

Amethyst replied, "Once we get the whole debt paid off, I will be issuing an executive order that on January 1st of next year, there will be no more property tax."

Breaking News chimed in, "And why next January, why not immediately?"

Amethyst replied, "To be fair to everypony. Some ponies have paid their taxes already and some do not until later in the year. Eradicating it the day we get everything paid off would be very unfair to those who who have already paid their taxes."

When she said this, a large portion of the audience began to cheer, especially those who had already paid their taxes. They knew that not only was Amethyst transparent with the town, that she also believed in fairness.

Before the debate ended Breaking News wanted to get in one more question, "Amethyst, as everypony knows the moment you brought in the weather mage there were suddenly a lot of pegasi that were unemployed and had to relocate. How do you think this affected the town?"

Amethyst grabbed another sheet and projected it for all to see. She began, "As you can see, in the first few months of my first term, there was a decline in revenue going into the towns coffers but once plenty of new businesses moved in, we saw a surge in growth and thus, a surge in funds flowing into the town's coffers."

Breaking News wanted to know more, "Alright, so in the end the town has not suffered financially but what about friendships that were torn apart? What about the pegasi whose primary talent involves handling the weather?"

Amethyst replied, "I do know there were friends that had distances placed between them but some of the old weather ponies did find other jobs here and I am certain that more job openings will come along and those pegasi can relocate back here and find work."

Breaking News was not thrilled that it seemed like all Amethyst cared about was the economic side of things. He was so flustered that this gave Sunny the opportunity to ask the final question of the night, "Amethyst, from what I understand the demographics of Ponyville have changed significantly since the last election. Has this caused any disharmony here in Ponyville."

Amethyst stood tall and replied, "Not at all. It seems as though everycreature is getting along just fine. I know some ponies may not trust our new non-pony residents nor do they trust those who relocated here as much but they have not caused any problems and I am glad that they chose Ponyville. They have made what was already a great community even better."

When she said this, all the newcomers began cheering loudly and chanting Amethyst's name over and over. With that statement from her, most all of the newcomers knew that only one candidate was showing that she truly appreciated them, Amethyst.

Post-Debate Discussions

Before either one could get another question in, Sunny got a beep in her ear. She said, "Well our time here is almost up." She turned to Breaking News and asked, "Breaking News, you know quite a bit about politics around here, who would you say won the debate tonight?"

Despite being a strict traditionalist, he knew that he couldn't be overly emotional or show any attachment to a candidate. He replied, "Well to be honest, I think Iron Will won it because not only does he want to keep some of Amethyst's policies that have brought in prosperity but he has also made it clear that he will restore the traditions that so many ponies who have lived in Ponyville for so long loved."

Despite knowing what her answer would be he asked, "And what about you? Who do you think won the debate."

Sunny gave the cameras a smile and replied, "I think Amethyst Star won this one easily. She has made it clear that she has accomplished what she promised four years ago and showed us town records that prove it. She was very transparent with the town records she showed us and I am certain that the citizens of Ponyville appreciate that."

Breaking News said, "That may be true but given the nature of Ponyville, I am certain that with Iron Will promising things that will appeal to the reformists, the newcomers and the traditionalists, he should be able to pull this off."

Amethyst countered, "I see that Iron Will did make those promises but could he actually live up to those promises? Amethyst Star has a proven track record that she has made things in Ponyville better and given that the situation for everypony has improved, I would think that she would be the candidate they flock to."

She got a beep in her earpiece signaling that they were out of time. She added, "Well everypony, that is all the time we have tonight and thank you for watching. Up next is the debate in Vanhoover."

Moderator Argument

Once the cameras stopped rolling, Breaking News figured that he should tell Sunny his real feelings on things. As she was getting up he said, "You know something Sunny, you honestly don't get how things are around here. You don't understand that tradition is important and a candidate who promises to restore it comes along, they will go with them."

Sunny couldn't help but snicker a bit over the comment, "Seriously, you know as much as I do that the unicorns here are throwing their support behind Amethyst and the newcomers, mostly those who came here because of the friendly business climate aren't going to go against the hooves that allowed them to come here to start with."

This frustrated Breaking News because just like it was last time, the news personality from back east simply wouldn't believe that tradition was all that important. She saw the flustered look on his face and added, "Besides, if tradition is so important, why was it that Amethyst destroyed Miss Mare in the last election." She got a bigger smile on her face and added, "Because they put the welfare of their community first, they put the welfare of their foals first and they knew that the old ways of doing things simply didn't work anymore."

Breaking News had had it with Sunny and her favoritism for Amethyst. He raised his voice and commented, "Just like it was last time, all you unicorns stick together and in the last election I was proven right. Amethyst had every single unicorn eating out of her hooves." He gave her a scowl and a snide comment, "Ugh, the way you act I can't help but wonder if you don't have some sort of marecrush on her."

Sunny rolled her eyes and the two parted ways. Sunny had worked with many local reporters when it came to moderating debates but Breaking News was the only one she had ever had any kind of squabble with but this time he hit a new low in her eyes. While it did bother her she wasn't going to let it get to her. She said to herself, "Come on Sunny, don't let him get to you. He is just a local reporter who is stuck in the past."

Primary Election Day

The next month seemed to crawl by for the candidates, especially Amethyst as she was anticipating what she thought of as the first step on her being re-elected and being able to bring out even more prosperity to Ponyville. She woke up early so that before she would go to work, she could go and cast her ballot. Given that Sea Swirl's time to arrive at work was at the same time as Amethyst's, she did the same.

That morning, like it was the last time, Sunny Flames and the ENC news crew had set up shop in Ponyville. That morning it was warmer than it had been four years ago during the primary. Once she had got everything set up, she went on the air, "Good morning Equestria, this is Sunny Flames and I am once again reporting from the Ponyville primary. This year's primary is going to be more unique because a Minotaur is running and not only has the town has grown significantly since the last election, so has its demographics and electorate."

Hard News, the main anchor in Manehattan asked, "A Minotaur is running? How is the town responding to it?"

Sunny replied, "Actually, there hasn't been any negative responses and he actually seems to be fairly popular because he is appealing to both the reformists and the traditionalists." The camera panned of to the left to see Iron Will leaving the polling station. She approached him and asked, "Iron Will, in the debate you seemed to cater to everypony, how do you think you did?"

Iron Will replied, "Well Iron Will is certain that he will win the primary and advance to the general election."

Sunny asked, "And what about your opponents?"

Iron Will replied, "Well Iron Will is certain that Amethyst will face off against him in the general because his other opponents are weak and are stuck in the past."

Sunny finished, "Well best of luck to you."

Iron Will finished, "And if Iron Will wins, free zeppelin cruises for everycreature!"

Sunny gave him a smile and in Manehattan, Hard News couldn't help but get a laugh, "Iron Will may be trying to cater to everypony but I don't think free zeppelin cruises will win him the election."

Sunny agreed before noticing that Amethyst had left the polling station. She approached her and asked, "Mayor Amethyst, how do you think things are going to turn out today?"

Amethyst let out a laugh, "Come on Ms. Flames, you should have learned four years ago that I am not about to go making any predictions, it is bad luck."

At that moment Sunny knew that Amethyst had not changed any since the last election and decided to cut the interview short, "Well best of luck to you."

Amethyst replied, "You have a good day."

Back in Manehattan Hard News said, "It looks like Amethyst is being her usual self, refusing to make any predictions."

Sunny replied, "It seems that way." She looked off towards the polling station and saw no sign of her opponents anywhere so she decided that she would do some on-camera exit polling. She saw a pony that had been less than friendly to her four years ago but decided to approach the unicorn, "Ma'am, who do you think will finish in the top two today?"

Colgate replied, "To be honest, I think Amethyst Star will come out on top because she has fulfilled every single campaign promise, she is close to wiping out the town's debt and during the debate, she proved it by showing the town records regarding the payments on those loans." She stood taller and added, "If there are two things that I value a lot, it is transparency and honesty."

Sunny asked, "I'm assuming it that Amethyst got your vote?"

Colgate thought that was a rather dumb question but decided to placate the reporter, "Yes. As far as I'm concerned, she is the only candidate on the ballot that is worthy of not just my vote, but of any pony who values prosperity and fiscal responsibility."

Sunny asked, "And what about the other candidates?"

Colgate replied, "While Iron Will may sound good to some in wanting to keep some of Amethyst's policies in place, the fact that he wants to restore silly, time consuming, costly and outdated traditions does not make him a viable candidate in my eyes nor should it for anypony else."

Sunny asked, "And what about Miss Mare and Applejack?"

Colgate gave her a smile, "You don't honestly think those two even stand a chance do you?"

Sunny replied, "At ENC we do our best to be fair and balanced so I'm not going to make any calls on that."

Colgate sighed, "Well when it comes to Miss Mare, it is a lost cause. She got crushed last time and that was before so many more forward thinking ponies relocated here and when it comes to Applejack, I think her running is biting the hooves of the pony who allowed her farm to generate enough profits that allowed her grandmare to get her hip replaced."

Sunny replied, "Thank you for your input, you have a nice day."

As Colgate went about her business, back in Manehattan Hard News said, "Well she obviously knows her facts and I have a feeling that she won't be defecting from the other unicorns."

Sunny replied, "You're most likely right." She then saw a cerise earth pony leaving the polling place and decided to get some more information, "Ma'am, can I have a moment of your time?"

Cheerilee, like many of the traditionalist earth ponies in town was no fan of Sunny Flames or ENC in general but decided to give them her input, "Yes, you may."

Sunny asked, "So who did you vote for today?"

Cheerilee replied, "I voted for Miss Mare because I do think that this town was happier back when we had our traditions."

Given that Cheerilee had benefited greatly from Amethyst's policies it shocked Sunny but did not completely surprise her. She asked, "So how do you think things will turn out today?"

Despite knowing deep down that Amethyst and Iron Will would advance, she was not about to admit that her vote was likely wasted. She replied, "Well I do think Amethyst will come out on top but I think Miss Mare will come in second."

Sunny asked, "And why is that?"

Cheerilee replied, "Well Amethyst has brought a lot of prosperity to the community but a lot of the ponies I know miss the traditions of old and how they brought the community together."

Sunny asked, "What about these ponies, many of who are unicorns, that relocated their businesses here, ponies who have no idea what things like Winter Wrap Up are?"

Cheerilee knew that the reporter was trying to get under her coat and replied, "Well they may like things the way they are but I really need to get back to the school. They did not give us the day off for the election."

Sunny said, "Very well ma'am, you have a good day."

Back in Manehattan Hard News couldn't help but shake his head, "I know we're supposed to be fair and unbalanced but it seems like that pony was just cutting her muzzle off to spite her face."

Sunny agreed, "I would think she would vote for Amethyst because her policies have helped her out so much." She noticed that the other two candidates were leaving the polling station. She approached them and asked, "While I'm certain I know who you two voted for, how do you think things will turn out."

Miss Mare replied, "No offense Applejack but I think that I will be facing off against Amethyst in the general. I don't know if ponies will take an absolute traditionalist over somepony who wants to keep some of the modern financial policies and I think that Iron Will is a lost cause. NOPONY is going to vote for a Minotaur."

Applejack countered, "Seriously, y'all think that a true traditionalist doesn't stand a chance?" She turned to the camera and added, "I think I will advance to the general and so will Amethyst."

Sunny asked, "I take it you don't think anypony is going to go with Iron Will either?"

Applejack replied, "No. Even the newcomers probably aren't going to trust a Minotaur to run the town."

Sunny got a beep in her earpiece letter know that they were running short on time. She said, "Well thank you two for your input, you have a nice day." The camera focused back on Sunny and she added, "Well it looks like there are some divided opinions here but I'm going to be honest, I don't think ponies are going to take kindly to candidates who will likely set the economy backwards."

Back in Manehattan Hard News replied, "I wouldn't think so but four years ago proved that anything is possible so we'll have to wait in see." He then got a notification of his own and finished, "This is all the time we have for now everypony. Up next, The Market Report and then election coverage on the west coast."

Once they went off the air Sunny and her crew headed to the local cafe for a bite to eat. As Sunny sat there eating her meal, she couldn't help but laugh over the fact that there were some ponies out there who were willing to vote for a candidate that may not have their best interests in mind.

One hour had passed since the polls had closed in Ponyville and the head anchor in Manehattan had been waiting for much longer than he did four years ago. While this did frustrate him some, he knew that because Ponyville had grown significantly. Around 2020 he finally got a notification that all the ballots had been counted and the results were ready.

"Good evening Equestria, today has been primary day across all of Equestria and like it was four years ago, we have been focusing heavily on Ponyville because for the first time in recorded history, a Minotaur is running from office. Now let's head out to Ponyville where Sunny Flames is reporting."

Once the camera began rolling in the small community Hard News continued, "Sunny, how would you say things have gone in Ponyville today? Do you think that the winners may be determined by the turnout?"

Sunny replied, "Yes. I noticed that the unicorn turnout was huge. I'm thinking that every single unicorn that is registered to vote likely turned out."

Hard News asked, "And what about other types of ponies and other creatures that have located to the community?"

Sunny replied, "Turnout overall was extremely high and judging from the looks of things, the only pony I can make an accurate call on would be that Amethyst will easily finish first and advance to the general."

Hard News got a notification that the time to release the results had come. Each of the four candidates had a watch party going on and waited in anticipation for the results. Everypony took a deep breath when Hard News announced, "For the Ponyville Primary, Amethyst Star received 182 votes, Iron Will received 107 votes, Applejack received 10 votes and Miss Mare received 8 votes. In the general election for mayor of Ponyville, it will be the incumbent Amethyst Star going up against the most unlikely opponent, Iron Will."

The creatures at both the winners' parties went wild as both candidates had went out in the crowds and began to interact with their supporters. While they were celebrating, the time for the post-election discussion had begun. Hard News commented, "While I was fully expecting Amethyst Star and Iron Will to advance, I did not think that the Minotaur would receive that many votes."

Sunny replied, "Neither did I. I am thinking that outside of the unicorns, many of the long term residents and some of the newcomers from smaller communities may want old traditions restored."

Hard News asked, "I take it you are certain that the unicorns won't defect from Amethyst and the newcomers from larger communities will stick with her as well?"

Sunny replied, "Yes. In the last election the unicorns were fiercely loyal to Amethyst and I know ponies from larger cities are not going to want to have to mess with antiquated things such as having to change seasons themselves."

Hard News commented, "That is true. Now given the results of this election, Amethyst could win with just what she got but knowing Amethyst, I'm certain she will shoot to gather as many votes as possible."

Sunny replied, "I know Amethyst some and I could see her setting a goal of at least 200 if not more although in a perfect world in her eyes, she'd garner them all."

Hard News said, "That is true, very true." He got a notification in his earpiece that it was time to go. He finished, "Thank you Equestria for watching our coverage of the Ponyville primary. Stay tuned for coverage of primary coverage in Vanhoover."

Scheduling Interviews

Scheduling Amethyst's Interview

Two months had passed and for the most part politics had been put on the back burner across Equestria, which was relieving for many ponies, Amethyst in particular. In the last election, she looked forward to all the coverage and the meetings with Sunny Flames but this time was different. This time she was a much busier pony dealing with operating the town and making sure that nothing went awry.

July had arrived and it was another sunny day in Ponyville and like she always was, Amethyst was in her office working when the phone would ring, "Mayor Amethyst speaking, how may I help you?"

It was Sunny Flames who had called her. She replied, "Hi, it's Sunny Flames from the Equestria News Channel. As you know, we always like to do a summertime interview for mayoral candidates and I was wondering if we could schedule a time."

Amethyst asked, "How did you get the direct line to my office? Couldn't you have just called the main number and had the clerk transfer the call to me?"

Sunny replied, "Well all the media outlets are given direct lines to candidates' offices so I thought I'd call and see if we could schedule something."

Amethyst sighed, "Would Saturday afternoon work? I honestly don't feel like being ambushed on my way home after a hard day of work like what happened with Miss Mare four years ago."

Sunny was surprised that Amethyst would behave this way, especially after how she had went all fanfilly over her last time. She asked, "Would 1500 work?"

Sunny replied, "Yes it will work."

Amethyst said, "Good. Now if you will excuse me I really need to get back to work, see you then."

Sunny replied, "See you then."

*CLICK*

After hanging up the phone, Sunny was in a state of shock. Never in her life did she have an incumbent behave like that before. Even mayors of big cities that she called in the office had not been so unfriendly. Soon though something crossed her mind, "Maybe she was just having a stressful day. I'm sure she will be more friendly come Saturday."

Scheduling Iron Will's Interview

After she had got off the phone with Amethyst, she began to wonder if she dared call Iron Will at work. She thought that he would either blow up and simply refuse to do the interview or would be unavailable during business hours so she decided to wait several hours until the zeppelins had returned to port for that day.

Once the evening arrived, she decided to call his house. When she called, the phone rang several times until she finally heard, "Who is this, who is calling Iron Will?"

Sunny replied, "Hello, this is Sunny Flames from the Equestria News Channel. I am not sure if you know how things work but we like to do interviews with candidates running for mayor across the country so they can share their views for the whole nation."

Iron Will was thrilled when he heard this. Unlike it was with Amethyst, he replied, "That sounds wonderful! When would you want to interview Iron Will?"

Sunny replied, "How about Saturday around 1700. I should be done with Amethyst's interview by then."

Iron Will said, "Very well. Iron Will looks forward to seeing you then."

Sunny replied, "I look forward to seeing you as well."

*CLICK*

After contacting both candidates, Sunny was shocked. She never once imagined that the candidate who fawned over her four years ago would be rather unpleasant and seem to only agree to the interview. She could understand Iron Will's desire to be interviewed though given his love of the spotlight and sometimes flamboyant nature.

Amethyst's Interview

Author's Note

Given that this chapter involves an interview, most of it will be done in a back and forth dialogue format.

Amethyst's Interview

Morning Preparations

Saturday had arrived, the day that Sunny Flames was set to do her interviews. In her home, Amethyst again had the town's spending records along with other papers outlining plans that she hoped to fulfill out and ready. She was also setting up a screen so she could project records of not only proving the debt had been paid off but also other town expenses.

When Sea Swirl headed into the living room and saw Amethyst setting up a screen, she was curious about what was going on. She asked, "Amethyst, what is that for?"

Amethyst replied, "I am setting this up so I can project everything I need to for the cameras. After all, I am certain that ponies will want proof that the debt has been paid off and I do have other things going on, things I want to share with the public, things that will hopefully aid me in getting more votes."

One thing Sea Swirl noticed was that unlike it was four years ago, Amethyst was not frantically brushing her mane and tail nor was she excited about Sunny coming. She asked, "Amethyst, why aren't you nervous or excited? Last time you were so excited to have Sunny Flames coming here."

Amethyst replied, "I've been there and done that. Also, I need to be composed. Nopony is going to trust a candidate without any composure."

Sea Swirl was impressed by the completely different attitude her friend had compared to the last time. Another thing she noticed that the whole living room was cleaner than normal. She commented, "Amethyst, this place looks spotless! I haven't seen it this clean since the last time Sunny came to interview you."

Amethyst replied, "Well I certainly don't want all of Equestria seeing the stains on the table or a slightly dirty carpet. That may cause ponies, especially the ponies here, to think that I'm a complete slob and lose votes."

Sea Swirl sighed, "I see." She then headed towards the door and continued, "Well I am heading out so you can finish up here. Good luck with your interview."

Amethyst said, "Thanks."

After Sea Swirl left Amethyst continued to make sure everything was in order. Once she had all the paperwork she needed in a neatly stacked pile, she decided to fix herself some lunch. While she was not overly hungry, she figured that she would do better if she had a full stomach. As she sat there eating, she began running everything through her mind, everything she wanted to share in the interview and thinking about any unexpected questions she may be asked.

Sunny's Arrival in Ponyville

It was early in the afternoon when Sunny Flames and the ENC crew arrived in Ponyville. As she stepped off the train, Sunny could hardly believe her eyes. There were more houses being built on the newer side of town, she saw what appeared to be a hotel being built right in the vicinity of the train station and something that really shocked her. She saw what appeared to be a tower of some sort going up. What surprised her the most was that unicorns were welding metal together to get it built. Even though Amethyst's policies were pushing the town forward, even she didn't expect to see a structure made of something other than wood going up.

As she headed towards Amethyst's house, she noticed something different about the unicorn's house. She noticed that it did not have a straw roof like it did four years ago, she saw that it had a normal roof on it with shingles. It wasn't just Amethyst's house that was like that, more and more of the structures in the older end of town had scrapped straw roofs in favor of the designs that are used in larger communities.

When she finally reached Amethyst's house, she hoped that she would be more pleasant than she was on the phone. When she knocked it took a minute until Amethyst answered. She was thirty minutes early so when Amethyst saw that it was her, she was a bit surprised and a bit irritated, "Ms. Flames, I thought you said you wouldn't be here until 1500?"

Sunny replied, "Well we got into town early so I thought I would come over and we could get this taken care of."

Amethyst motioned for Sunny to go in and when she got to the front room she was not surprised. She saw that Amethyst had a screen set up so she could project anything she needed to onto it. While the camera crew was getting set up Sunny was curious about all the development going on, especially the metal structure going up. She approached Amethyst and asked, "What is up with all the development, especially that metal structure going up?"

Amethyst replied, "More results of a strong economy, more businesses moving in, nothing overly special."

Sunny noticed that the camera crew had everything set up and asked, "Shall we do this?"

Amethyst replied, "Let's do this."

Amethyst's Interview

Once the camera crew was ready and the two mares had got sat down, Sunny motioned for the cameras to start rolling. She began, "Hello Equestria my name is Sunny Flames. Like it is every summer when there are mayoral elections, I like to travel across the country and interview the candidates. Today I am in the home of Amethyst Star, mayor of Ponyville." The cameras then shifted to where both of them were shown sitting across from one another. Sunny continued, "Amethyst, four years ago you made quite a few promises when you were elected. Would you say that you have lived up to those promises?"

Amethyst replied, "Yes, I would say that I have." She then grabbed the first set of paperwork she wanted the nation to show and used her magic to project them onto the screen. The cameras shifted to the screen and Amethyst continued, "During the first debate I stated that we were just a couple of months away from paying off our debt to The Royal Bank of Equestria." She pointed her hoof towards the current year's payments. She continued, "And here you see what I had projected back in March, back when we had two months more of payments." She then pointed her hoof towards April and May and continued, "And here you see the final two payments and it was in May that Ponyville finally became debt free."

Sunny commented, "I know you are showing these records but do you have any more documents to prove to the skeptics that these debts are indeed paid off?"

Amethyst grabbed the next document, projected it and replied, "Actually I do. Here is the cancelled promissory notes stating that we have repaid our debts in full and that we are truly debt free."

Sunny replied, "I am certain that the locals here will be thrilled to know that their community is no longer in debt." She paused for a moment before continuing, "I also know that some ponies may be questioning the sales tax you imposed in the second year of your term. Do you have any documentation to show that the tax is generating a sufficient amount of revenue?"

Amethyst grabbed the next set of documents and projected them for the cameras. She replied, "I do." She first showed the documentation of the first twelve months. She began, "As you can see, during the first twelve months it did not generate as much as I was hoping for." She moved onto the next page and continued, "But once my business friendly policies caused more businesses to move in here and our tourism levels increased significantly, the revenue it generated exceeded my expectations." She then pointed to December on the list and emphasized, "And the revenue generated during Hearth's Warming was spectacular. Not only did we have increased hoof traffic in the stores but many tourists shopped here because of the lower prices and that December really aided us in getting things paid off." She then showed the current year's documents and finished, "And you can see that tax revenue is high this year as well, especially once construction began on the new housing and the new hotel."

The cameras shifted back onto Sunny and Amethyst. Sunny asked, "About the new hotel. Is this a public project or is this a private company coming in."

Amethyst replied, "It is private. UniSleep Inns and Suites applied for a business license here and naturally it was granted. I'm not sure exactly when it will be completed but they are projecting early October so barring any kind of setback, it should be open in time for Hearth's Warming Eve."

Sunny asked, "From what I understand, the attendance at the outdoor pageant has steadily gone up with each passing year. Is that why UniSleep is coming in?"

Amethyst replied, "Yes, that along with the increased tourism overall."

Sunny then became curious about the local workforce, "Amethyst, once the hotel opens, will it be locals working it or will ponies be moving in from out of town?"

Amethyst replied, "Most of the ponies in this town that are of working age are employed so for the most part it will be their own workers that will be relocating here."

Sunny knew what kind of ponies operated that hotel chain and knew that most of their employees were unicorns but didn't want to directly bring it up. She asked, "So how do you think this will alter the demographic here in Ponyville?"

Amethyst knew that she couldn't break into a smile that it would likely give her more supporters so with a neutral look on her face she replied, "It will likely bring in more unicorns."

Sunny knew that with the increasing population that there would be more foals moving there and became curious about the local school. She asked, "Amethyst, with the surge in population, what is the town doing as far as a school? I am pretty sure that the local school is likely no longer sufficient."

Amethyst replied, "A couple of years ago we received a grant from Princess Celestia to expand the current one significantly but I don't constantly want to be begging her for money so I am thinking of another way to do it, a way that will have to be approved by the voters."

Sunny asked, "Is that going to be an additional cent tax or something else?"

Amethyst replied, "Actually, I'm thinking of something that will generate more growth." She got a slight smile on her face as she continued, "I plan on putting a referendum on the ballot regarding small stakes gambling."

The very fact that a mayor of any community outside of Las Pegasus would even suggest such a thing shocked Sunny. She gasped, "Seriously, you'd allow casino gambling?"

Amethyst replied, "Yes. I have already been in touch with UniSleep and they said that if the referendum passes, that they would add a casino to the hotel that would be ready to open come next summer."

Sunny knew that her time was limited since she planned on showing the Iron Will interview during the same episode so she finished, "And what about that metal structure I saw going up. It looks like it is going to be a tower of some sort?"

Amethyst proudly stated, "That is going to be another tourist attraction. It is going to be the Ponyville Sky Needle. Near the top it will have a restaurant that will allow diners to be able to see for miles and on the top of it, a needle that will light up at night."

Sunny asked, "So is this from public funding or private funding?"

Amethyst replied, "It is from private funding. The funding is coming primarily from wealthy donors of the Ponyville Department of Tourism and Economic Development. I say mostly because UniSleep Inns and Suites has contributed some and even I have donated some to assist with it."

Sunny gave her a smile, "Wow, you really know how to handle this private funding thing. Even big cities like Manehattan have had to increase taxes for structures like that."

Amethyst returned the smile, "Well I think things like this are best done using private funds."

Sunny looked up at the clock and finished, "Well this is all the time we have for today." She turned to Amethyst and continued, "Well thank you for inviting me into your home so you can share some of your plans with not just the public, but all of Ponyville."

Amethyst replied, "The pleasure was all mine."

Sunny finished, "And coming up next will be the interview with Mayor Amethyst's opponent, Iron Will."

Post-Interview Discussions

The cameras went black and she gave Amethyst a huge smile, "Wow, you're really planning on pushing this town forward aren't you?"

Amethyst replied, "Yes. I am hoping to make Ponyville a top tourist destination and depending on the success of the Sky Needle, I'm thinking of having an arch constructed as well, a way to say 'Ponyville is the way to prosperity.'"

Again Sunny looked at the clock and figured that she had best get going. She got up and said, "Well I had best get going. I want to get your opponent's interview taken care of."

As she was headed towards the exit Amethyst asked, "So when will this be aired?"

Sunny replied, "Next Tuesday once I get back to Manehattan and am able to get it taped."

Amethyst followed her to the door and finished, "That's good to know. You have a good day and good luck with the interview with Iron Will."

Sunny nodded and she along with her news crew headed out the door. After she left, Amethyst returned to the front room and felt like she was transparent enough that it would not only sway any undecided voters, but also some of those who voted for Iron Will in the primary.

Iron Will's Interview

Author's Note

Like it was with Amethyst's Interview, a majority of this chapter will be done in a back and forth dialogue.

Iron Will's Interview

After finishing with Amethyst's interview, Sunny was in a much better mood than she was four years ago. During the last election cycle, she was rather disturbed by Amethyst's behavior towards her but this time she was beyond impressed with Amethyst. Given that Amethyst did not behave like a fanfilly and was incredibly transparent, it was all Sunny could do to not go exclaiming to everypony that she wanted Amethyst to win.

Once she got near Iron Will's house, she readied herself to expect anything. While she knew that he would likely be gobbling up all the attention, she couldn't help but wonder if any of the questions she planned on asking him given the fact that minotaurs tend to have short tempers. When she arrived at his house and knocked on his door she thought to herself, "Well here goes nothing."

Iron Will opened the door and when he saw not just Sunny but the ENC crew, he was beyond happy. He said, "Hello, my name is Iron Will and Iron Will is ready to do his interview."

Sunny replied, "Well it is a pleasure to meet you and do this interview with you."

Iron Will motioned for them to go in and Iron Will said, "It is a pleasure to meet you too."

When they headed in, Sunny couldn't help but be surprised. She believed that minotaurs may not keep their homes all that clean but Iron Will's was just as clean as Amethyst's. Sunny ordered her crew to start setting up while she asked, "Iron Will, how are you doing today?"

Iron Will replied, "Iron Will is doing very well today." He raised his voice a bit and continued, "And Iron Will will be even happier when he shows the creatures of Ponyville that he cares much more about them than his opponent does."

Sunny said, "I see." She noticed that the crew was ready to go and motioned for Iron Will to sit down across from her. Once the cameras began to roll she began, "Good evening Equestria. My name is Sunny Flames and as you know, I like to interview the mayoral candidates across the country in the summer." The cameras then focused to where it showed her sitting across from the minotaur. She continued, "And tonight I am interviewing Ponyville First Party candidate Iron Will." She paused for a moment before continuing, "Iron Will, from what I understand you are the first Minotaur to ever run for office in Equestria. Do you have any concerns that some ponies may not vote for you based off of that?"

Iron Will replied, "No. Iron Will is quite certain that Iron Will has a real chance of winning the election because he did get quite a lot of votes in the primary."

Sunny asked, "I know you did quite well but there are a lot of new ponies moving in, ponies that were able to do so because of Amethyst's business friendly policies. What do you think you can do to ease their concerns that you may make things less business friendly."

Iron Will thought this was a rather ridiculous question but knew that he simply couldn't go stating so on national television. He replied, "Not to worry, Iron Will is a creature of business and it was the lower taxes that Amethyst created that allowed him to set up shop here." He then turned towards the camera and continued, "If Iron Will is elected, he will keep the current business taxes that are much lower than anywhere else in Equestria."

Sunny asked, "I'm certain that all the business owners will like that but what about the eradication of the municipal property tax? Do you plan on eradicating it at the end of the year like your opponent does?"

Iron Will replied, "Iron Will has a very similar mindset to his opponent and he thinks that it is not right for ponies to have to pay taxes on something they already own." He puffed his chest out and continued, "To be honest, Iron Will would have eradicated the property tax immediately rather than waiting four years to fulfill that part of his promise."

While Sunny was all for the eradication of things such as property taxes, she couldn't help but smile given his naive attitude when it came to debt eradication. She continued, "What about the sales tax that your opponent put in place in the second year of her term. Would you keep that in place or would you ease it or wipe it out?"

Iron Will boasted, "Iron Will would get rid of this sales tax that steals money from everycreature's saddle bags." He raised his voice further, "Four years ago Iron Will's opponent ran on a low tax platform yet she creates a tax just so she could get rid of another. Under Iron Will's plan, nopony would have to pay any taxes!"

This was something that almost caused Sunny to break down laughing. She asked, "Iron Will, with no revenue, how would the town generate any funds? How would the town keep the damn maintained? How would you keep paying the teacher? How would you continue to pay the city workers?"

Iron Will sat there in silence for nearly a whole minute before replying, "Well Iron Will would maybe keep one cent of that sales tax but two cents seems rather excessive."

Sunny decided to hit Iron Will in another area that she thought might be a liability, "Moving on. In the first debate, you brought up restoring old traditions such as scrapping the weather mage, restoring cold winters and costly, time consuming events such as creating winter and Winter Wrap Up. Could you explain why you would do this?"

Iron Will turned towards the cameras and replied, "Iron Will would restore these beloved traditions because Iron Will knows that tradition is very important in earth pony communities. Iron Will also knows that there are ponies in Ponyville that miss those traditions and miss winter."

Again it was all Sunny could do to not break down laughing given that unicorns made up half the electorate or more at the time but decided to focus on something else, tourism. "Iron Will, from what I understand Ponyville generates a lot of tourism because of the year-round pleasant weather. Wouldn't it concern you if you had three months with next to no tourism?" She then decided to toughen things up further, "What about your zeppelin business? If you restore cold winters, there will be a three month donut hole in which you will have zero passengers coming into Ponyville. I would think that as a creature of business, you would not do something to harm your profits."

Iron Will caught her off guard though, "Iron Will sails his zeppelins all over Equestria and he does not think that three months without having any business in Ponyville would hurt him." She sat up straighter and continued, "Iron Will thinks that tradition is more important than profits." He again faced the camera and continued, "Don't worry everypony, when Iron Will is elected, he will restore cold winters and families can have the winter fun they used to."

Sunny could tell that he was aiming primarily for the traditionalist residents of the town and decided to question him on that, "Iron Will, I know you are wanting to restore things to how they used to be regarding the weather but the demographic of Ponyville has changed and is continuing to do so. I have a strong feeling that many of the new residents will not want to take part in these events and from what I understand, all the unicorns are thrilled it is gone, the pegasi who did not have to relocate are happy with the weather mage and the wealthier earth ponies are happy to no longer have to put up with the burden of changing seasons the hard way. What would you say to win them over?"

Iron Will could tell that Sunny was doing her best to get him to slip up but he was not about to allow it to happen, "Iron Will will let it be known that Winter Wrap Up will not be mandatory but he will also emphasize that clearing away the snow and cold will take longer without them and that could harm hoof traffic in their businesses."

Sunny realized that time was likely running short so she decided to finish this off, "Well thank you Iron Will. Thank you for allowing us to come into your home and thank you for sharing what you would do if you were elected."

Iron Will replied, "The pleasure is all Iron Will's."

Sunny finished, "Good night Equestria. Again my name is Sunny Flames and tune in tomorrow night for my interviews of the mayoral candidates in Vanhoover."

The cameras quit rolling and Iron Will, while he tried to act happy while the cameras were rolling, was not. He approached the reporter, "Sunny Flames, Iron Will has reason to believe that you were trying to set him up with those questions. Iron Will wants to know, do you favor Amethyst because she is a unicorn?"

Sunny could tell that Iron Will was less than thrilled with the way he was asking but was honest with him, "No. I was simply asking you questions that I am certain the electorate here in Ponyville would want to know." Unlike it was with Amethyst, she was in no mood to have to deal with Iron Will any longer than what was necessary. She finished, "You have a good evening Iron Will. I will likely see you again at the next debate."

Before she could leave Iron Will asked one more question, "Iron Will would like to know when this will be aired? Iron Will wants to know when everycreature will see his message."

Sunny replied, "Most likely on Tuesday. I do have interviews to do up in Vanhoover tomorrow and then I have to get back to Manehattan to get all these ready to air." As she was leaving she finished, "I will see you again in October for the debate. You have a good evening."

As Sunny and the ENC news crew left Iron Will's house, she couldn't help but snicker over some of the Minotaur's comments, "Seriously, harm his own business? Tell what are obvious lies to the whole country? I swear, I have a feeling he is going to choke big time in the debate!"

Debate Day Preparations

Amethyst's Preparations

The day of the fall debate had arrived and like she had been for the major events of the election cycle, Amethyst Star was in her living room going over town spending records again. Another thing she had done was packed up her projection screen as it would be needed for the debate. Sea Swirl saw what she was doing and asked, "Amethyst, what's up with packing the projection screen?"

Amethyst replied, "I don't feel like having to ask somepony else to set one up. I'm taking my own, I think it will make me appear more professional."

Sea Swirl gave her a smile and said, "You seem to be getting more and more professional as this election cycle progresses. You're shooting for at least 200 aren't you?"

Amethyst replied, "We've had even more ponies move in here since the primary and I am hoping that they have registered to vote. I'm not setting my sights on any specific number. Doing so would be bad luck."

Sea Swirl knew how her friend was and couldn't help but chuckle, "Same old Amethyst I see. Won't make predictions on camera and won't make predictions here at home."

Amethyst replied, "Nope." She then decided to do something that she has done before other events, "Sea Swirl, you always say you support me but never have you attended anything. You don't attend the debates nor do you attend the watch parties. Do you think you could attend something this election cycle just once? Would you want to come to the debate?"

Sea Swirl threw her hooves up in the air and sighed, "Look, you know I don't care much for politics." She saw Amethyst developing a sad look on her face and continued, "Fine. I'll attend your watch party come Election Day but I do not want to have to deal with Iron Will and his arrogance tonight."

Amethyst gave her a smile, "Well I will appreciate that." She took a look at the clock and realized that she needed to get going and continued, "Well I will see you tonight Sea Swirl."

Sea Swirl replied, "Well good luck tonight. I know you have it in you, go out there and prove why ponies should vote for you."

Amethyst nodded and headed out the door. What surprised her was Sea Swirl's last comment. In the past she had always gave her suggestions to be cautious but this time she seemed far more supportive. Amethyst said to herself, "Don't worry Sea Swirl, I plan on it!"

Iron Will's Preparations

While Amethyst was preparing for the debate, Iron Will was doing the same. On most days, he would be out inspecting the zeppelins to make sure they were safe for travel but the day of the debate would be different. One thing that Iron Will had done was try and do some research on the town spending and had some papers of his own.

Around noon one of his captains came into his office and asked, "Boss, you've been in here all morning! Normally you would have been out inspecting the zeppelins to see if they are safe for flight." He then saw that Iron Will was looking through a stack of papers and continued, "And what is up with that stack of papers?"

Iron Will sighed, "Iron Will is looking through the town's expenditures to see if tax money is being spent on anything it shouldn't be but he is finding nothing that would give him an advantage, nothing!"

His captain replied, "Boss, this isn't like the mayor four years ago. From what I've seen, Amethyst is incredibly transparent and from what I understand, that Sky Needle is completely private funded so if you're looking for misuse of town funds, it's not going to happen."

Iron Will continued to look through the papers until he found something. He exclaimed, "Ha! Iron Will has just discovered that all the companies that have applied for business permits here are owned by UNICORNS!" His voice became louder as he continued, "Iron Will has reasons to believe that Amethyst Star is allowing all these companies in so she can alter the demographics of Ponyville to the point that she will always win."

His captain replied, "I wouldn't say that because she did give you a business permit and she also gave that griffon with those tasty scones one as well."

Iron Will sighed, "Ok, most of them but still, Iron Will believes that Amethyst wants to make it impossible for a non-unicorn to win." He pointed towards the exit and finished, "Now Iron Will is certain you have a cruise scheduled to set sail soon. Iron Will would suggest you get ready to sail, NOW!"

The captain left and it was all Iron Will could do to not start yelling. While he knew that Amethyst had allowed other creatures to move their businesses to Ponyville, he still found something odd about how many of them were owned by unicorns from the big cities where earth pony traditions are viewed as ridiculous.

Sunny Flames' Arrival

It was midday in Ponyville when Sunny Flames and the ENC crew arrived in town. When she disembarked from the train she couldn't help but smile as she saw that the hotel was open for business. She said to herself, "Well now their tourists will have someplace nicer to stay than the small inn they had for so long."

Sunny noticed that the houses that were going up on the new end of town earlier in the summer were either completed or nearly complete. She turned to her crew and suggested, "How about we walk around town a bit. I think I can get a pretty good idea of who ponies support by doing this."

As she headed into the new part of town, she couldn't help but notice something that she had never seen in Ponyville and rarely saw in other communities, yard signs. It seemed like almost every single house she passed had an "Amethyst 2020" sign. She developed a huge smile, turned to her camera crew and exclaimed, "Wow! I know she is popular but I didn't expect to see yard signs for her!"

She continued to look around and also saw signs saying "Vote Yes on Referendum 1." She figured that those were likely ponies who supported the vote regarding Amethyst's plans for casino gambling. She couldn't help but wonder how things were in the older side of town where the debate was going to be held so she ordered her crew to follow her to check on things.

Once she arrived in the older part of town, she found what appeared to be a mix of "Amethyst 2020" signs and "Iron Will: Best of Both Worlds" signs. Sunny couldn't help but chuckle, "Best of both worlds? Sorry Iron Will but wiping out three months of economic growth every year isn't anything good!" She also noticed that even many of the ponies on the older end of town had signs supporting Referendum 1. She thought out loud, "Looks like the casino gambling referendum isn't a sure thing but I guarantee Amethyst's re-election will be a given."

After spending nearly an hour checking the town out, she and her crew finally headed to the debate site and began to set up. One individual that had not shown up yet was Breaking News. Sunny noticed this and began to wonder if she was going to be moderating this one solo or if he was simply running behind since he is usually already there when she arrives.

General Debate

Final Preparations

Evening had arrived and the ENC crew had everything set up and ready to go. All that needed to happen was for the candidates to arrive and the pony she was supposed to moderate the debate with, Breaking News to arrive. After ten minutes the candidates arrived and finally, not too long before the debate was set to begin, Breaking News arrived.

Sunny waved her hoof at Breaking News and said, "Breaking News, you're almost late!"

Breaking News gave her a scowl and snapped, "Well I'm here aren't I?"

Sunny rolled her eyes and then cast her gaze towards the crowd. She knew that the unicorn population in Ponyville had been steadily growing but it appeared as though over half the crowd was unicorns. Sunny couldn't help but point, "Wow, talk about a different crowd! Four years ago there weren't that many unicorns!"

Breaking News grunted in disgust when Sunny got a beep in her ear that it was time to start the debate. She continued, "Come on, we need to get down to the moderator's table. The network is about to start coverage."

The two headed down to the moderator's table, got sat down and readied themselves for the debate. In past debates, Breaking News was not thrilled having to moderate besides Sunny but this time he felt a sense of dread. He knew that she was going to do everything she could to expose weaknesses in Iron Will so he figured that he would do the same with Amethyst.

Debate Time

A red light flashed on the camera and they were on the air. Sunny began, "Good evening Equestria. My name is Sunny Flames and alongside me is the head reporter for The Ponyville Express, Breaking News. Tonight we will be bringing you the Ponyville mayoral debate"

The candidates walked onto stage and to their podiums. Sunny continued, "Let's meet the candidates. We have incumbent and Reform Party Candidate Amethyst Star and Ponyville First Party candidate, Iron Will. Tonight we will be doing it somewhat like the debate was four years ago where we will ask a candidate a question, they will respond and then their opponent will be given an opportunity to give a counter response."

Breaking News was sick and tired of Sunny always taking control of the debates early on so he decided to ask the first question, "Amethyst Star, from what I understand after you decided to eradicate winter, not only did you have to bring in a weather mage, but you also had to bring in a mage to control pests that a cold winter would have killed off and you also had to bring in a mage to rejuvenate the soil that a cold, snowy winter also would have taken care of. What I would like to know is how much the town is paying all these mages and how it is affecting the budget."

Amethyst was glad he asked the question because it was yet another chance for her to shine with her transparency. She projected the first year of spending and pointed out their pay, "Well as you can see, the weather mage is from Canterlot and is quite wealthy so he offers his services at five thousand bits per year.." She then pointed out the pay for the other mages and continued, "Regarding the other mages, they are also from Canterlot and plenty wealthy and offer their services for 5,000 bits per year as well." She stood proud and continued, "That is 15,000 bits per year for the mages."

Breaking News had a feeling that Sunny was about to give Iron Will a chance to counter but wanted to know more, "Amethyst, this 15,000 bits per year, what percentage of the budget is this taking?"

Amethyst projected more records for everypony to see. She continued, "As you can see, in my first year it was around 20 percent of the town's budget but as time has passed and we have more revenue coming in, it has dropped to around 10 percent of the budget so the payments to them certainly are not harming the town any." She again stood taller and continued, "While those figures may sound high, they are still lower, even back in my first year, than what it cost to publicly fund festivals, low enough that we still run a surplus despite us taking care of other necessary expenditures."

Breaking News was not thrilled that there were absolutely no holes in Amethyst's response and hoped that Iron Will could provide a good counter response, "Iron Will, your response?"

Iron Will began, "While Iron Will knows that Amethyst's policies have aided everypony financially, he knows that farmers are very old fashioned and are likely not thrilled with having to basically rely on unicorns for them to maintain their livelihoods. If Iron Will is elected, he will restore things to how they used to be and allow farmers to have more control over their way of life. Iron Will will make sure that they do not have to rely on unicorns for their livelihoods."

Many of the earth ponies, especially the farmers, began to cheer wildly when they heard his response. Given that Breaking News asked the first question, it was Sunny's turn and she decided she would target Iron Will over something that the warm winters do to benefit him. She asked, "Iron Will, as you have stated throughout the election cycle, you have said that you would restore winter despite it wiping out three months worth of tourism and that would harm your profits with your zeppelin cruise business. How can the ponies here be sure that you would stick to your word?"

Iron Will knew that this was going to be a tough question and replied, "Iron Will will admit, he does like high profits but like he has said before, his zeppelins sail all over Equestria so it will not harm him so much that he would go back on his word." He faced the earth ponies and continued, "Iron Will knows how important tradition is and he wants to return Ponyville back to what it used to be, a community of tradition. He does not want to see tradition die and see Ponyville turn into a mixture of Las Pegasus and Manehattan."

Again the earth ponies cheered until Sunny continued, "And what about the ponies who work for businesses that rely heavily on tourism? If you restore winter, tourism will grind to a halt for three months and they may be laid off until the arrival of spring. How do you expect ponies to make a living when they would have three months of the year without a paycheck, particularly the hotel workers and assuming it passes, the casino workers?"

Iron Will suddenly found himself in a tough situation and had to think of some sort of response, "Well Iron Will doesn't think that tourism will grind to a complete halt just because it is winter. Iron Will is certain that there may be some ponies who will come here in the winter and if that casino referendum passes, they may come to Ponyville instead of Las Pegasus for a gambling trip."

Sunny figured that Iron Will had went into enough detail and then turned to Amethyst, "Your response?"

Amethyst began, "While Iron Will is stating that he will not harm harm his business that much by restoring winter I can't help but wonder. What is my opponent going to do when he actually sees the lower figures on paper during the winter? Is he going to be satisfied with lower profits for one-fourth of the year? If Iron Will is like other creatures that run the kinds of businesses he does, he will not be happy and he will go back on his word."

Sunny asked, "Anything else?"

Amethyst continued, "Regarding tourism and the jobs that it generates, it seems as though my opponent does not care whether these ponies will have any paycheck coming in or not. He seems to think that ponies will pick Ponyville over Las Pegasus for a gambling trip during the winter. Here is the thing, temperatures are comfortable down there during the winter while if we restore it here, it will be freezing cold and who in their right mind is going to go on a vacation to someplace cold?"

After her response, all the ponies who had moved to town for the jobs along with every single unicorn began to cheer loudly. Even some of the other creatures who had relocated their businesses to Ponyville began to cheer loudly. After the cheering died down Sunny decided to announce the one difference between this debate and the last one. She announced, "And now that we have asked the candidates some questions, one member of the audience will be able to ask a candidate a question and like it was before, their opponent will be able to issue a counter response." She turned to the audience and asked, "Who wants to ask a question first?"

Everycreature in the audience raised their hooves and Breaking News was not about to just let Sunny pick who would be allowed to ask the first question. He went out into the crowd and found a cerise earth pony. He asked, "Ma'am what is your name?"

The pony replied, "My name is Miss Cheerilee and I am the teacher at the local school."

Breaking News asked, "Which candidate would you like to question?"

Miss Cheerilee stepped forward and asked, "Amethyst, I have noticed that ever since you have become mayor, Ponyville has steadily grown and as time goes on, it is growing faster and faster. It seems like you are dead set on eradicating the small town feel" she pointed towards the new hotel and the nearly complete Sky Needle and continued, "and are trying to turn Ponyville into a mixture of Manehattan and Las Pegasus. Is that your goal? Do you think that by eradicating the small town charm and traditions you can ensure that you will be mayor clear up until you either retire or breathe your last?"

Sunny couldn't help but chuckle over Cheerilee's conspiracy theory but Amethyst took it in stride, "To answer your question. I have no intentions on trying to eradicate the small town charm. I enacted the business friendly policies to aid in Ponyville becoming debt free and many creatures, MY OPPONENT INCLUDED, have taken advantage of it."

She paused for a moment before continuing, "I noticed you pointed towards the hotel and the Sky Needle. While many of the traditionalists have their concerns, my goals are not to eradicate the small town charm. I am simply capitalizing on the increase in tourism along with keeping the tourists coming to make sure that nopony gets laid off and again, all of this does help my opponent."

Again the unicorns along with everypony who had benefited from Amethyst's policies began to cheer loudly which was not part of Cheerilee's hopes when she questioned her. It was then another pony's turn to question the candidates and Sunny approached a griffon. She asked, "Ma'am, what is your name?"

Gilda replied, "My name is Gilda loser."

Sunny knew how griffons could be sometimes and continued, "And your question for one of the candidates."

Gilda seemed to be a bit more confrontational, "Iron Will, I don't get why you would want to harm so many businesses with this winter nonsense. You realize that if you win and do this, every businesses would see their profits drop." She pointed towards Amethyst and continued, "Which is something that your opponent has brought up on multiple occasions." She raised her voice and finished, "I don't know about anycreature else who owns a business but I do not want my profits cut."

Many of the businesscreatures, especially the ones who had relocated there began to cheer. Iron Will waited until the crowd died down before replying, "While Iron Will understands that it would cut into many businesses profits a bit, many ponies spend more around Hearth's Warming so that may help lessen the hit."

A decent portion of the crowd began to boo over his response, mainly those whose livelihoods depend on the year round tourism. Iron Will noticed this and had a flustered look on his face. After the booing subsided Sunny announced, "The Ponyville debate is almost complete so we shall allow the candidates to make one final point." She pointed towards Iron Will and continued, "And on a final note, why should Ponyville elect you?"

Iron Will began, "Ponyville should vote for Iron Will because not only will he keep some of his opponent's business friendly policies but he will make sure that winter is restored. He will make sure that farmers will no longer have to rely on unicorns to maintain their livelihoods. He will restore publicly funded festivals because he knows that they always brought the community together." He then pointed towards Amethyst and continued, "While Iron Will can not be sure, he has a feeling that Amethyst and her cohorts in The Ponyville Department of Tourism and Economic Development will use their own money to do everything it takes to transform Ponyville into a miniature version of Las Pegasus."

He stood taller and finished, "Vote for Iron Will and that will not happen. Iron Will will make sure that Ponyville does not grow too big and all your beloved traditions will be restored. He will restore creating winter, he will restore Winter Wrap Up, he will restore publicly funded festivals and despite what his opponent may think, the restoration of festivals will not lead to deficits."

When Iron Will finished his statement, all of the traditionalists began to cheer loudly and chant Iron Will over and over. Once the crowd had quieted down Sunny turned to Amethyst and asked, "And why should Ponyville re-elect you?"

Amethyst began, "I believe that Ponyville should re-elect me because my policies allowed the town to get out of debt for the first time since before my predecessor held office. It was because of my policies that the municipal property tax will cease to exist come January 1st of next year. It is because of my policies that we still have the most advanced hydroelectric dam in Equestria, it is because of my policies that Miss Cheerilee is one of the best paid teachers in Equestria. It is because of my policies that the businesses here are turning much higher profits and those will only grow further with increased tourism, which will be brought in by the new hotel and the Sky Needle which is ahead of schedule and should be open for business by Nightmare Night."

She stood taller and finished, "Now I have a question, do you really want to return to outdated things such as Winter Wrap Up when our mages keep the weather warm and have aided in the farmers in turning larger profits than ever? Do you really want an economic downturn for three months of the year along with the lousy weather my opponent wants to bring back? If you want twelve months of economic prosperity and you want the quality of life to continue to improve for everycreature, vote for me. If you want stagnation and debt, vote for my opponent."

After Amethyst finished, her supporters erupted into a loud cheer and the words, "Repeat, repeat, repeat!" were heard all over town.

Post-Debate Discussion

Once the crowd quieted down Sunny received notice that they were running out of time and realized the time for the post debate discussion had come. The cameras turned away from the candidates and towards the two moderators. Sunny turned towards Breaking News and asked, "This was quite the interesting debate tonight. Who do you think won?"

Breaking News, like always, was frustrated by the question but tried to maintain his cool, "Well to be honest, I think it was a tie. Amethyst Star did show how the hiring of all these mages is not harming the town financially but Iron Will, like he has been, is trying to appeal to everypony. He is reassuring the more modern thinking ponies that the current financial policies will not be deviated from but at the same time he is reassuring the traditionalists that not only will he restore our beloved traditions nor will he allow this to become the second Las Pegasus." He took in a deep breath and finished, "And he realizes that tradition is very important to earth pony communities." He then turned towards Sunny and despite knowing what her answer would be asked, "Who do you think won the debate?"

Sunny turned towards the cameras and replied, "I think Amethyst won this one easily. Like she always has been, she was transparent in showing the town records for everypony to see. Not only did she show town spending records but she made it clear that she was not about to allow anypony to suffer financially by allowing the community to suffer by reverting back to old, outdated ways of life. She has also made it clear that she does not want to see anycreature suffer through what could be a three month layoff that would result from next to no tourism during the winter that Iron Will wants to bring back." She then turned back towards Breaking News and finished, "And I don't know if you've noticed this or not but Ponyville is no longer an earth pony community, it is very diverse and Amethyst's policies have aided everycreature and shall continue to do so if she is re-elected."

Before Breaking News could reply, Sunny heard a beep in her ear signaling that they had ran out of time. She finished, "Thank you Equestria for tuning into the Ponyville Mayoral Debate. Up next is the mayoral debate from Las Pegasus and after that, the Vanhoover debate."

Breaking News's Breakdown

The cameras stopped rolling and it was at that moment that Breaking News just couldn't contain himself any further, "Sunny, you just don't get it do you? Ponyville may no longer be an earth pony community but in the end, all the long term residents will realize that you can't just go throwing tradition in the trash. Even those unicorns will finally realize that what they did four years ago was wrong. They will vote for the candidate that wants to restore tradition, they will not vote for a candidate who wants to turn Ponyville into a big city." He got up in her face and finished, "Just you wait Sunny, come election day, Iron Will will win and tradition will be restored and you can go back to your fancy big city and cry over your beloved Amethyst losing!"

Sunny couldn't help but snicker over his rant. She replied, "You know, I would take you much more seriously if you weren't so emotional and stuck in the past. I know that some ponies here will vote for Iron Will because of his emphasis on tradition but the newcomers and the business owners will not bite the hooves that are allowing them to increase their profits." She then got a smirk on her face and mockingly continued, "And don't forget, us unicorns stick together! We ALWAYS stick together."

Breaking News slammed his hoof on the table and yelled, "That is why I hate unicorns! So many of you would vote for a unicorn solely because he or she is a unicorn. Amethyst could have brought about financial ruin and the unicorns would STILL support her!" He then stormed off and yelled, "Just like I said last time, you probably have a marecrush on Amethyst! Good riddance."

Sunny remained sitting down for a moment and laughed, "I can't wait until Election Day! When Amethyst wins big, he will finally realize Ponyville has changed."

Election Day

Election Day

One month after the debate, the day that everypony had been waiting for had arrived, Election Day. As it was four years ago, Sunny Flames and the ENC crew was setting up shop. There were two big differences from the last election. The first was that temperatures were warmer than they were four years ago. The second was that Sunny and her crew were able to spend the night before in the new hotel rather than having to arrive early in the morning on the train.

It was 0630 and the news crew was setting up near the town hall and Sunny was surprised by what she saw. While four years ago the turnout was looking good, there was already a very long line of residents, ponies and non-ponies alike, lined up ready to vote. Sunny thought to herself, "Wow, all the ballots may wind up being cast well before the polls close."

Before Sunny knew it she got a notification that the time had come to go live. Once the cameras started rolling she began, "Good morning Equestria, I'm Sunny Flames and once again, it is decision day in many communities across Equestria. While many larger communities are holding mayoral elections, I am again reporting from Ponyville because it is unique. Last time it was because of the issues and this time it is because of a Minotaur running for mayor."

Back in Manehattan Hard News, the main anchor asked, "So Sunny, have their been any negative reactions to this Minotaur running?"

Sunny replied, "Surprisingly no. Ponyville has changed and who or what kind of creature is no longer important, it is the issues and the issues alone that matter." She then saw Amethyst leaving the polling station. She approached her and continued, "Amethyst, I know what your answer will likely be but who do you think will win today?"

Amethyst couldn't help but chuckle, "Come on Ms. Flames, you should know that I'm not going to go making any predictions like that. It is bad karma to do so."

Sunny knew that she couldn't just leave the interview at that, "Very well but how would you say the atmosphere of the town has been, have your supporters been clashing with your opponent's supporters?"

Amethyst replied, "I really haven't noticed any tension between them but I really don't pay attention to it either."

Sunny pointed off towards the completed Sky Needle and asked, "I know the Sky Needle is something very important to you. Is it open yet?"

Amethyst gave her a smile, "Actually yes. It opened on schedule Nightmare Night and The Ponyville Department of Tourism and Economic Development made it a night to remember. There was plenty of candy for not just the foals but everypony who attended, the cider was flowing and I decided to chip in and provide cake for all the guests."

Sunny was very impressed, "Wow, you really want to see everypony happy, don't you?"

Amethyst replied, "Yes, I certainly do."

Sunny then decided to ask about the other issue on the ballot, "Amethyst, I don't know if you will make any predictions on this or not but how do you think Referendum 1 is going to do. Do you think it will pass?"

Amethyst got a huge smile on her face and replied, "Actually yes, I do. Judging by the imbalance of yard signs supporting it to those opposing it, I think it will pass and because of the casinos that will be opening, we'll have more revenue flowing in for the schools."

Sunny replied, "Well with as much as this town is growing, I could certainly see it."

Amethyst turned back towards the town hall and said, "Well I would say more but I really have to get to my office. You have a good day."

Sunny replied, "You have a good day as well and good luck."

Once Amethyst had left Hard News commented, "It sounds like Amethyst is very confident with Referendum 1."

Sunny replied, "It does." She then saw Iron Will leaving the town hall, approached him and asked, "Iron Will, the turnout today is quite large. Do you think this favors you or your opponent?"

Iron Will puffed his chest out and boasted, "Iron Will is certain that the large turnout will favor him. After all, there may be a lot of undecided voters who will want their traditions restored and only Iron Will will restore them."

Sunny asked, "So I'm taking it you are predicting a victory?"

Iron Will thought it was a ridiculous question, "Of course Iron Will is predicting he will win. Iron Will knows Ponyville is a community of tradition and that they will not vote for a pony who wants to turn it into Las Pegasus North."

Sunny figured that he had bloviated enough about himself and switched the topic, "What about Referendum 1. Do you think it will pass?"

Iron Will knew that not only was it quite popular and that it would likely aid his business but stuck to the traditionalist role, "Iron Will can not make a call on that. He hopes that it will not but don't worry, if it passes and when Iron Will is elected, he will scrap it. Iron Will has no desire to see this community lose its small town charm."

Sunny replied, "Very well. Well thank you for your time. Good luck and you have a good day."

Iron Will took off to go check on his zeppelin fleet. In Manehattan Hard News asked, "Sunny, it seems like Iron Will is quite full of himself."

Sunny replied, "Yes he does but now it is time to interview some ponies in the community." The first pony she found was a blue pegasus with a rainbow colored mane. She approached her and asked, "Ma'am, could I have a moment of your time?"

Rainbow replied, "Sure, what's up?"

Sunny asked, "So who did you wind up voting for?"

The pegasus replied, "I voted for Amethyst Star."

Sunny asked, "Why did you vote for Amethyst?"

The pegasus replied, "Because I am doing much better now that I was four years ago. Yeah when she first brought in the weather mage I was out of a job for a while but then I was able to get a job delivering mail from here to Canterlot and back. That pays much better than what controlling the weather did and besides, I think everything now is waaaaay cooler!"

Sunny commented, "Thank you for your time ma'am, you have a good day."

The pegasus replied, "You too."

Sunny then approached the next pony she could find, a unicorn with two dolphins for a cutie mark. She approached her and asked, "Ma'am, could I have a moment of your time?"

The unicorn replied, "Yes, but make it quick. I have to get to my job."

Sunny asked, "Very well. Who did you vote for and why?"

The unicorn knew that she simply couldn't come out and say that she voted for Amethyst for the reasons that she did. She replied, "Well I am doing a whole lot better than I was four years ago and just looking around it is obvious that the town is doing better off, much better off."

Sunny commented, "Well you have a good day ma'am."

The unicorn replied, "You as well."

Sea Swirl headed off towards the town hall and Hard News commented, "So far it looks like plenty of Amethyst supporters out there."

Sunny replied, "It does and that does not surprise me. Amethyst has done a lot for this town and I have a feeling that not just ponies, but everycreature is likely going to want more of this progress."

Hard News got a notice that it was time to move on. He said, "Well Equestria, this is all the time we have for now in Ponyville. We will return to Ponyville tonight for the results."

The cameras stopped rolling and the ENC crew headed towards the new end of town, towards the base of the Sky Needle where she noticed a stage was being set up. She saw an earth pony with three bags of money overseeing the construction. She approached him and commented, "I take it this is where Amethyst's watch party will take place?"

The pony replied, "Yep, I along with everypony else in The Ponyville Department of Tourism and Economic Development want to make sure that Amethyst has the best victory celebration in Equestrian history."

Sunny also noticed speakers being set up and pegasi putting something at the top of the Sky Needle. She asked, "I take it there will be music and fireworks going off if she wins?"

The pony replied, "You mean WHEN she wins." He pointed back towards Ponyville and continued, "You've seen how many more Amethyst 2020 signs there are in town. Amethyst has a proven track record here and all Iron Will has done is promise that he will harm his own business to restore silly traditions and lousy weather."

Sunny said, "Yeah, I can see where you are coming from." Sunny noticed that ponies were coming in and out of the structure. She knew that the place had a restaurant and suggested to her crew, "Come on guys, let's go and grab a bite to eat."

The crew nodded and followed her inside. When they got inside Sunny was very impressed. The elevator's were spacious and moved quicker than any other that she had ridden in. She would be even more impressed with the restaurant as it was very cosmopolitan and had a menu that all ponies, city folk and small town ponies, could easily afford and would be accommodated by.

Amethyst's Preparations

After a long day of voting, the polls finally closed at 1900 and Sunny and the ENC crew exited the restaurant and lounge where they had spent a great deal of the day. They knew that the time to go live was fast approaching and when they exited the building, they noticed that a huge crowd had already gathered, waiting for the news on whether or not their candidate won.

While the crew was getting set up, Amethyst was arriving and saw the one pony she had wanted to support her by coming to an event in the front row. She embraced her and exclaimed, "Sea Swirl, you came!"

Sea Swirl returned the embrace, "Well I did promise I'd be here and I'm not about to back out of my promise." Sea Swirl was looking around at everything that had been sat up and continued, "Wow, the tourism and economic development guys are really going all out for you."

Amethyst replied, "Yep. From what I understand, if I win, fireworks will be going off, loud music will be playing and a spotlight will be shining on the exit when I come out of the building to greet everypony before heading to the podium to address the crowd."

Sea Swirl noticed that Amethyst said if instead of when she won and this impressed her. She again embraced her and said, "Now that's the attitude you need. It is so much better than you acting like you have already won."

Amethyst replied, "Well this one is not guaranteed." She looked back towards the entrance and continued, "Well I better get inside. The plan is for me to watch the coverage of other places before they return here."

Amethyst then headed inside and headed up to the lounge to mingle with other citizens who were up watching ENC coverage of other contests across the country.

The Results

It was over an hour after the polls closed and like it was four years ago, an extra crew had been sent so that coverage from Iron Will's watch party could be covered along with Amethyst's. Also like it was four years ago, Sunny was reporting form Amethyst's watch party and Breaking News reporting from her opponent's party.

It was around 2030 when the cameras finally started rolling in Ponyville and the first to address the nation was Sunny. She began, "Good evening Equestria, my name is Sunny Flames reporting from Ponyville at Amethyst Star's watch party."

The screen then split in two and Breaking News added, "And my name is Breaking News, the head reporter for The Ponyville Express reporting to you from Iron Will's watch party."

Hard News decided to focus on Iron Will's party first. He asked, "Breaking News, how would you say things are at Iron Will's watch party?"

Breaking News replied, "Well I would say that things are looking pretty good for the Minotaur. The crowd isn't huge but it is definitely better than Miss Mare's party four years ago."

Hard News asked, "So how would you say the atmosphere is there? Do you think the attendees have a feeling that their candidate won?"

Breaking News replied, "Well the creatures present seem to be in a good mood. Music is playing and ponies and other creatures seem to be interacting much better than one would think."

Hard News replied, "Well that is good." The coverage then turned to Sunny and Hard News asked, "What about Amethyst's watch party, how would you say it is going?"

The cameras first panned to the huge crowd and rock music was blaring in the background and ponies were singing and dancing before the camera panned back to Sunny. She replied, "I had a strong feeling that this watch party would be big but I never imagined this. Whole families are present, everycreature is singing over the lyrics of the music, changing them to lyrics that glorify Amethyst."

Hard News commented, "It sounds like the town is treating Amethyst more like a rock star. From what I saw when the camera panned to the crowd, it is huge and has a mix of all sorts of ponies and creatures alike."

Sunny replied, "It does and one thing I have noticed is like last time, the unicorns were completely loyal to Amethyst. I would bet that every single unicorn in town showed up."

Hard News remembered how last time Twilight did take part in things. He asked, "What about Princess Twilight, have you seen her around?"

Sunny replied, "Actually no. I didn't see her any this year. I didn't see her during the first debate, I didn't see her during the primary, I didn't see her for the last debate and I haven't seen her today."

Hard News suggested, "Maybe after last time, she decided......" Hard News got notification that the results were in. He continued, "And the results are in. When it comes to Referendum 1, there were 270 votes in favor of casino gambling and 57 votes against it. Starting next January 1st, casino gambling will be legal in Ponyville."

Everycreature at Amethyst's watch party began to cheer while the reaction was split at Iron Will's party. The crowds at both parties went silent as Hard News began to announce the results of the mayoral election. "In the Ponyville general election, Amethyst Star received 265 votes, Iron Will received 60 votes and there were 2 write in votes. Amethyst Star has been re-elected as mayor of Ponyville!"

The moment Hard News announced Amethyst's vote total, loud music began to blare, fireworks began to be shot off, both from the ground and some were shot off from the top of the Sky Needle. When Amethyst left the building and stepped up onto the stage, the crowd began to sing,

"Amethyst, superstar! Oh how wonderful we all think you are!"

Amethyst, superstar! Oh how wonderful we all think you are!"

Unlike it was last time, rather than simply approaching the podium and thanking her supporters, she went out pumping her hoof skywards and yelled, "Booyah Ponyville, Booyah!"

The crowd began to cheer louder and chant, "Amethyst, Amethyst, Amethyst!"

Once the crowd quieted down she shouted, "We did it Ponyville, we did it!" She took a deep breath before continuing, "I know four years ago nopony thought we could do this, nopony thought I could fulfill my promises but WE proved them wrong! We did it everypony, we did it! The municipal property tax will soon be no more, we paid off our debts, we're running surpluses and thanks to me, everypony is more prosperous! The farmers are more prosperous, the businesses are more prosperous, everypony has more money in their saddlebags, tourism is through the roof and we are modernizing!"

Again the crowd erupted into a loud cheer and the focus returned to Sunny. Hard News commented, "I definitely would say that Amethyst is Ponyville's superstar."

Sunny replied, "The way the crowd reacted to her victory it seems like she has achieved rock star status here."

Hard News said, "Well it looks like Amethyst achieved her goals and now we move over to Iron Will's watch party."

The mood there was far different and many creatures were already beginning to leave, not even waiting for the Minotaur to give his concession speech. Hard News asked, "Breaking News, it looks like there is quite the opposite mood over there."

Breaking News was not thrilled over the results but knew that he could not get overly emotional over things the way he did four years ago. He replied, "I think it is actually worse. Four years ago, Miss Mare's supporters stayed for the concession speech while most of the ponies here are already leaving. It seems like only the non-pony creatures are....."

Iron Will stepped out in front of what remained of his crowd and was not thrilled. He sighed in frustration, "I just don't get it. Are the ponies here this fickle that they won't even stay to listen to my concession speech." He snorted, "Well congratulations Amethyst, you won. Give it four more years and this town will not even be the same. It will be a full blown resort town ran by unicorns."

He slammed his microphone down and headed off the stage. The rest of his supporters filed out and Breaking News sighed in frustration, "Well maybe it was all for the best. This is proof that Iron Will does not have the discipline to be mayor."

Hard News was shocked that Breaking News was not sad but frustrated. He asked, "So what now? Do you think Ponyville will ever embrace tradition again or do you think Amethyst has pushed the town to the point it will never return?"

Breaking News sighed, "All we can hope for is that ponies will get overwhelmed by the big city atmosphere that is developing here and elect a traditionalist next time, a real traditionalist."

Hard News said, "I suppose all you can do is wait for four years." He then got a beep in his earpiece and continued, "Well that is all the time we have in Ponyville. Up next is coverage of the results in Las Pegasus and then Vanhoover."

The cameras stopped rolling in Ponyville and Breaking News finally headed home. While he was hoping that four years in the future that a traditionalist would get elected, deep down he truly knew that even if things such as winter and other traditions were to be restored, it was too late. He knew that Amethyst and her buddies in The Ponyville Department of Tourism and Economic Development would see to it that progress would continue.

He then looked over towards the Ponyville clock tower and sighed, "I bet that's next. I bet she'll replace it with one built out of metal and have a digital display."

The Victory Party

Nearly an hour after the results were announced, the party at the base of the Sky Needle was still in full swing. Amethyst had headed down into the crowd to mingle with everypony long ago and unlike it was four years ago, Sunny decided that she wanted to go and simply have a conversation with Amethyst, a completely casual conversation with her.

When she finally reached her, she noticed that she was talking with Sea Swirl. She tapped on her shoulder and said, "Congratulations Amethyst, I knew you'd do it."

Amethyst replied, "Well thanks Ms. Flames. I had a feeling I would but you know how I am, I didn't want to jinx anything."

Sunny embraced her and said, "No need to be so formal! Just call me Sunny."

This was something that shocked both Amethyst and Sea Swirl. She returned the embrace and replied, "Very well then Sunny."

Amethyst was in such a state of shock over Sunny embracing her that she didn't even know what to say. Luckily for her, Sea Swirl would come to her rescue, "Oh don't mind her. She may not go fanfilly over you anymore but she still watches your show religiously."

That gave Amethyst the time to think of something to say, "Yeah, I've watched your show every night long before I considered going into politics."

Sunny asked, "I'm glad to hear that but what do you have planned for your next term since the Sky Needle seems to be a success already?"

Amethyst replied, "Well like we talked about off camera in the summer, I along with The Ponyville Department of Tourism and Economic Development are hoping to get an arch set up near the train station and we are hoping to get a statue put up in the center of town that not only depicts the three tribes but also the other creatures that live here in town."

Sunny gave her a smile and asked, "Wow, you already have plans to make sure that everycreature knows that you don't favor ponies over them, don't you?"

Amethyst replied, "Yep and one other thing I have planned is a tower here on the new end of town is a tower that will not only display the time but the temperature as well. If we're going to be modernizing, we may as well have a bit of a skyline, one that can easily be identified from a distance."

Sea Swirl was listening and asked, "Amethyst, are you sure about that? I know everypony is doing a lot better off but it seems like you're trying to turn Ponyville into a big city. It seems like some ponies are right, you are trying to destroy our small town feel."

Amethyst protested, "I am not. I am simply trying to give this town a more cosmopolitan feel. It has already changed a lot in the past four years and I'm not one to do things half way. We are going to have casino gambling next year so we may as well go the whole nine yards."

Sunny chimed in, "She does make a point."

Sea Swirl replied, "Yeah, she does."

Amethyst's stomach began to growl and she suggested, "Hey, what do you say we go and get some food. The tourism department has plenty of cake and cider, probably enough for the whole town, over at the dessert table."

In unison Sea Swirl and Sunny agreed. Unlike it was four years ago, Amethyst's party went much later into the night and there was more than enough food for all. Sunny couldn't help but think to herself, "I can only imagine what it will be like when Amethyst wins next time! I'm betting that not only will this end of town be much bigger but the old end of town will begin to modernize too!"

Breaking News's Final Piece: Departure of the Last Non-Unicorn

The Ponyville Express: Wednesday, November 7, 2068 C.E.

Editorial: Departure of the Last Non-Unicorn

by Breaking News

One thing I can not help but notice is how Ponyville has changed over the decades. I grew up here and I always loved the publicly funded festivals, the small town feel and events such as Winter Wrap Up, the Running of the Leaves, creating winter and the Nightmare Night Festival.

When I went to journalism school back in Manehattan back in 1996 I am going to admit, I loved learning all the tricks of the trade but there was one thing that I hated, the big city hustle and bustle. I grew up being used to peace and quiet, I grew up knowing everypony I ran across and the friendly conversations we would always have. In Manehattan, it was not like that. Most ponies don't know one another and the ponies will yell at one another when they get in one another's way.

When I returned home in 2000 and got a job with The Ponyville Express, it was right as election season was beginning and I remember how there was a progressive unicorn going up against Miss Mare. I remember how happy a majority of the community was when that unicorn was defeated easily.

Back in those days, I remember truly believing that Ponyville would always be that community that was an oasis of happiness and harmony in a nation where the big cities were growing and the city ponies simply weren't that friendly. I remember when 2016 arrived and Miss Mayor was running for her fifth consecutive term. I remember all the promises she made and I remember all the promises Amethyst made. I believed until the very end that our mayor would win and finally crush the wave of cynicism and privatization that Amethyst brought with her.

I still remember that election night when it was announced that Amethyst had won. I remember my heart sinking as I dreaded what she would do to the town. My dread became a reality all too soon as she scrapped all of our traditions, brought in mages that controlled the weather, eradicated bugs that cold winters would have killed off and rejuvenated the soil to make it more fertile.

While she did make many promises, she took things to a whole new level over the years as she along with her wealthy donors in The Ponyville Department of Tourism and Economic Development began to expand the town to the south and created a modern, "cosmopolitan" end of town that began to destroy the small town feel we had.

It was in that first four years that she did a great job of pretty much making sure that the traditions of old would never return as the town's demographics had changed. In 2016, we were a community of PONIES, primarily earth ponies but by 2020 when she was up for re-election, the town had become diverse and over half the population was unicorns, unicorns that were fiercely loyal to Amethyst along with businessponies that were loyal to her as well.

I remember that 2020 election, it was Amethyst going up a Minotaur that was promising the return of tradition yet keeping some of what Amethyst had used to destroy the town. He was hardly a good candidate but I hoped he would win. When he was crushed by Amethyst, my frustration became greater. I knew that by the time 2024 would arrive, the town would have so many unicorns in it and so many other opportunistic creatures in it that a traditionalist would never stand a chance.

That is exactly what happened, the unicorn population began to grow further and modernization not only continued to build the new, modern end of town but even the older, traditional side of town began to modernize. It was in 2026 when almost every single straw roof had been eradicated in favor of wooden roofs and in some instances, new houses entirely were being constructed, primarily out of brick with metal frames. By 2031, I was the only one with a traditional home with a straw roof.

I was happy with that as I was determined to keep it that way until Amethyst finally banned straw roofs in 2033. Why did she do this do you ask? She claimed that it hurt tourism and may keep some Equestrians from coming, she claimed it made the town look like a dump. What was worse, most of the town celebrated her decision, they celebrated the fact that she was one step away from eradicating everything traditional.

One thing that I remember the most was in 2037 when the Apple Family, the last farmers in Ponyville, sold off Sweet Apple Acres to a juice company back east because what had become a city life simply was not for them. I remember the day when they packed up and moved to Appaloosa, I remember believing that was the day that Amethyst had finally won. I remember the ribbon cutting for what became a factory farm. Amethyst was there with the CEO of The Equestrian Fruit Beverage Company with huge smiles on their faces. I remember having to interview them and having to come up with an objective article about it. That was the hardest article I ever had to write.

The decade of the 2040s only became worse as more and more unicorns moved in. Eventually their business savvy nature even drove out other species. I remember in 2049 on her ninth inauguration day when the statue of the creatures in the town square was moved to a local park in favor of a statue depicting Amethyst herself as the savior of Ponyville. I remember the huge dedication ceremony she held. While I knew that it would never happen, I hoped and prayed to Mother Faust every night that things would return to normal. I prayed that the unicorns would return to the larger cities but the more I prayed, the more the unicorn population increased.

I remember that it was finally in 2052 when, for the first time in Ponyville's history, that a candidate ran unopposed in the election. I remember on what was basically another coronation night, there was Amethyst standing at the base of the newly renovated Sky Needle with the whole town except for myself, cheering for her and absolutely adoring her. That was the first time I honestly considered relocating and hoping I could get a job with another paper but when all there was were other big city papers hiring, I chose against it.

I remember it was in 2060 when Ponyville finally had a vice mayor and the vice mayor was no better than Amethyst. She was Amethyst's grand-niece, Morning Dew. During that year's Vice-Mayor debate, I learned she was a carbon copy of Amethyst and was basically the heir to the office of mayor. Yes it is still an elected office but Amethyst and anypony related to her were loved in Ponyville by that point.

The 2060s saw no change, more unicorns moving in, more ponies of the other tribes relocating to more diverse communities and then earlier this year, the unthinkable happened. Amethyst Star, in her thirteenth term announced her retirement and that her vice-mayor, Morning Dew, would be running for mayor. I was thrilled when this happened. While it was far, far too late to bring back the Ponyville I loved but I was hoping that at least she would want to restore some traditions.

When she unveiled her policies, that would not be the case. Her policies were simply continuing Amethyst's legacy and her vice mayor, Anvil, the head of a construction company, had the same mindset. I did have hope though. Their opponents were a pair of unicorn stallions who wanted to do things to restore the old way of life and hopefully diversify the town again.

Like it was in 2020, a referendum had been added to the ballot. In one final spit in the face to tradition, Amethyst put a referendum on the ballot that would change the name of Ponyville to Unicornopolis, a name that in my opinion signaled that the community was solely for unicorns. When I learned of this, I was appalled. I went so far that I was out campaigning against the referendum, putting a great amount of bits and energy into saving the town's name and legacy.

In the end it was all for naught. Morning Dew and Anvil crushed their opponents and the referendum only had three ponies who opposed it, myself and Morning Dew's opponents. This was the moment I knew everything I feared in 2016 when Amethyst became the first non-earth pony to get elected was achieved. The fears I had of her eradicating all tradition had finally come to pass.

Now here it is, November 7, 2068 and this is the final two weeks of Ponyville. Two weeks from today, the town will throw the biggest celebration in Ponyville's history as it will officially become Unicornopolis. I for one plan on starting to pack tonight and relocate to Appaloosa and with any luck I will be gone within a week because I will not, I repeat, I will never be a citizen of Unicornopolis.

All I can say is congratulations Amethyst. Congratulations on destroying what was once the most traditional community in all of Equestria. You succeeded, you succeeded in what your REAL desire was back in 2016. You and your kind eventually caused all the pegasi to leave, you caused all the other creatures who eventually came in to leave, you caused all the farmers to sell out to corporations and once I am gone, you will have caused the last non-unicorn to depart this community.

I will always have my fond memories of the community I grew up in and began work in long ago. It is sad though that my final memories will not be of a wonderful, small earth pony community but instead, a metropolis populated solely by greedy, power hungry unicorns.