video;

[shifting]

I'm gonna try and keep this short.

[says a smiling Sam Merlotte, wearing familiar plaid and jeans against the familiar wood and glass backdrop of his bar.]

My name's Sam Merlotte. I live in De Chima and I run Merlotte's, which - if I'm allowed to brag a bit - is probably about the best bar and grill you could stumble into or out. Now, this isn't the first time I've thrown my hat in this particular ring, and there's a lot about what I stand for that I think you're gonna find in common with the other candidates, but I don't think that's a bad thing. Core values are what shapes a community.

Community's my platform. People don't say it enough, but we're a remarkable group - and not really for the things people do talk about us for. ImPorts start off here a bunch of strangers with our lives turned upside down, and yet instead of scatterin' to the winds, we build somethin' together. You see it every month, how we offer help to newcomers and answer questions. And while we've also got our troublemakers, that exception doesn't break the rule. Time and again I've seen trouble hit and imPorts join one another to reach out and speak up.

And in the end, that's what an ambassador is: the voice of the community. Given the opportunity to be the Ambassador of De Chima, I'd like to use that voice to strengthen inter-community communication between ourselves, the government, and the natives. More specifically, I'd like to work with the other Ambassadors to start regular town halls in the imPort cities for community outreach, and to open the floor for imPorts to address concerns and discuss solutions. I'd also like to look into establishin' a more official welcome wagon for new imPorts, to ease the imPortation process. Both of which I'm perfectly willin' to get into more detail about with anyone who'd like to ask... but I think I've already pushed my own time limit.

[Sam straightens and nods to the camera.]

So lemme just leave you with this: however strong you are, I believe we're stronger together. And if that's somethin' you'd like to see represented in De Chima, I hope you'll vote Merlotte.

Comments

[shifting]

[Sam gives a low whistle.]

That's still a helluva pedigree to start with.

And I can't say as I know what a TOWIE is, but I think you've already hit gold with gettin' paid for givin' orders - I can't tell you how many people I've known who'd kill for that.

[trouvaille]

Reality television. British. Dreadful.

( Gwen has absolutely no desire to cash in on ImPort celebrity; she'll make select charitable appearances, but besides those with a niche interest in it girls and philanthropists, she's otherwise staying under most people's radar. )

But it has been so useful in getting my feet under me here - I freelanced for a bit, I worked with a few different people, and then after I started working on the ambassador's library opening, he offered me this position. Charity, politics - so much of it is just 'knowing how to handle male ego'. No offense meant to present company.

[shifting]

No, none taken. I've been told it's pretty much a 24/7 job.

I feel a little like I'm poachin' you, but any other free advice for me?

[trouvaille]

I'm thrilled to be finally getting paid for it, but while I'm being charitable - Senator Hundred is quite right about the wardrobe update, but you can't think oh, I'll wear any old suit that fits me and call it good. Especially if it's... ( delicately; ) A new thing for you. Part of looking professional is looking confident, and part of looking confident is being comfortable.

What you'd ideally want to do - Daenerys might know someone in the industry who can help you with this - is work with a stylist to give you some polish without making you feel like you're wearing a costume. The clothes can't be wearing you. Little things people couldn't even pin down and describe if they were asked to can make or break credibility.

[shifting]

[Sam's smile quirks upward, obviously humored by the suggestion He glances briefly down at his shirt.]

Am I that bad?

And I appreciate the suggestion, but I think a whole stylist is a little much. People're still gonna be more interested in my message than my shoes. A good suit should do me.

[trouvaille]

I'm not talking about a dedicated glam squad - just a leg up to begin with. See a tailor, at least, and make sure good suit means good for you.

The details do matter. It's little things that people don't even notice unless they're wrong.

[shifting]

Good, cause I'll be honest with you, just hearin' "dedicated glam squad" said aloud makes me nervous.

But a suit I can do. You watch, I'll come out of this lookin' like a politician yet.

[trouvaille]

See if Daenerys knows anyone De Chima based and support your local businesses.

[shifting]

Sounds like good advice. I'll do that.