"The Mayor beautifully captures what''s gone wrong--and could go right--in areas of the US left behind by capitalism gone off the rails. With an ear attuned to both racial and class dynamics, he captures the poignancy of people who feel deeply rooted in the "warm bath" of the communities they grew up in. They want them to thrive; if voters want to preserve democracy, they''ll make sure they do." --Joan C. Williams, Distinguished Professor (Emerita) and Director, Equality Action Center, UC Law SF, author of Outclassed "We are fortunate that Brian Alexander, one of the foremost chroniclers of off-the-beaten track America, has taken it upon himself to tell the story of local government in one particularly overlooked small city. The Mayor is rich in character, texture and drama and manages to be maddening and inspiring at the same time." --Alec MacGillis, reporter, ProPublica, author of Fulfilment "Alexander brings us Chester, Pennsylvania, in all its joy, sorrow, and harrowing blight. an exquisite, searing account of a long-shot attempt to resurrect democracy in the only bankrupt city in America.

An illuminating dive into the betrayal of our small towns--and our country." --Andrea Pitzer, author of Icebound "Driven by his deep love for the invisible forces that bind communities together, Brian Alexander bears witness to the tenacity of tiny Chester, Pa., still punching back despite absorbing the body blows of American racial capitalism for over a century. Equal parts sweeping history and intimate snapshot, The Mayor offers a gripping portrait of the toughest small city in the country." --Benjamin Herold, author, Disillusioned: Five Families and the Unraveling of America''s Suburbs ster, Pennsylvania, in all its joy, sorrow, and harrowing blight. an exquisite, searing account of a long-shot attempt to resurrect democracy in the only bankrupt city in America. An illuminating dive into the betrayal of our small towns--and our country." --Andrea Pitzer, author of Icebound "Driven by his deep love for the invisible forces that bind communities together, Brian Alexander bears witness to the tenacity of tiny Chester, Pa.

, still punching back despite absorbing the body blows of American racial capitalism for over a century. Equal parts sweeping history and intimate snapshot, The Mayor offers a gripping portrait of the toughest small city in the country." --Benjamin Herold, author, Disillusioned: Five Families and the Unraveling of America''s Suburbs ster, Pennsylvania, in all its joy, sorrow, and harrowing blight. an exquisite, searing account of a long-shot attempt to resurrect democracy in the only bankrupt city in America. An illuminating dive into the betrayal of our small towns--and our country." --Andrea Pitzer, author of Icebound "Driven by his deep love for the invisible forces that bind communities together, Brian Alexander bears witness to the tenacity of tiny Chester, Pa., still punching back despite absorbing the body blows of American racial capitalism for over a century. Equal parts sweeping history and intimate snapshot, The Mayor offers a gripping portrait of the toughest small city in the country.

" --Benjamin Herold, author, Disillusioned: Five Families and the Unraveling of America''s Suburbs ster, Pennsylvania, in all its joy, sorrow, and harrowing blight. an exquisite, searing account of a long-shot attempt to resurrect democracy in the only bankrupt city in America. An illuminating dive into the betrayal of our small towns--and our country." --Andrea Pitzer, author of Icebound "Driven by his deep love for the invisible forces that bind communities together, Brian Alexander bears witness to the tenacity of tiny Chester, Pa., still punching back despite absorbing the body blows of American racial capitalism for over a century. Equal parts sweeping history and intimate snapshot, The Mayor offers a gripping portrait of the toughest small city in the country." --Benjamin Herold, author, Disillusioned: Five Families and the Unraveling of America''s Suburbs ng dive into the betrayal of our small towns--and our country." --Andrea Pitzer, author of Icebound "Driven by his deep love for the invisible forces that bind communities together, Brian Alexander bears witness to the tenacity of tiny Chester, Pa.

, still punching back despite absorbing the body blows of American racial capitalism for over a century. Equal parts sweeping history and intimate snapshot, The Mayor offers a gripping portrait of the toughest small city in the country." --Benjamin Herold, author, Disillusioned: Five Families and the Unraveling of America''s Suburbs.