In our quirky little town of Federal Way, Mayor Jim Ferrell has hopped political parties more times than a game of musical chairs at a bipartisan birthday party. But it seems he’s found a new group to tango with—the Stand Up Federal Way squad, a bunch whose unofficial town motto might as well be “You’ve never truly ruled until you’ve ruled un-elected.”

This crew has cozied up to the government so much that they’re almost running the show from behind the curtains, with their own special clubhouse right in a government building. It’s a sort of VIP pass that’s so exclusive, it seems the rest of the townsfolk have been left out in the rain without so much as an umbrella.

Rumor has it, they’re filling their treasure chests gainfully and scripting the daily sidewalk ballet—getting a law passed ticketing any little old lady who dares to mosey along down the street with her shopping cart. But it’s not just being against wheeled baskets by the elderly and car-less; they’re hot on the heels of the homeless and big cheerleaders of certain political candidates (RINOs) who might not exactly be the poster kids for saving unborn kids.

In a dramatic twist, our chairman and deputy editor faced some tough choices—a website listing here, a little intimidation there—but like any good drama, it really just ended with a shrug. Still, that doesn’t change the whispers of unruly street-side entanglements with the squad’s posse.

So, what’s this unofficial band of merry meddlers up to next? Nobody knows for sure. They’re about as predictable as a reality TV show—will they bring more soap-opera-style governance or just continue to star in the role of Federal Way’s hometown misadventures? Stay tuned for the next episode of “As Federal Way Turns”.

— Addy Leksleer, Jumpstarter-In-Waiting from Unincorporated King County

Featured photo: Addy Leksleer, 15 yrs. old (Jumpstarter-In-Waiting, Generation Jumpstart Club)