The newly-elected Mayor of Cicely is none other than Maggie O'Connell, the shrewdest, toughest and most decent candidate in the mayoral race. At the Srst City Council meeting, Chris is oddly fixated on Maggie in a position of power and experiences spasms of delight as she pounds the gavel. Although she meets with resistance to her first issue, Maggie's a natural in politics and her impassioned assertiveness catches everyone off guard. Acting like a love-struck adolescent, Chris votes against his principles in support of Maggie's proposal. When Maggie refuses his vote because it is based on a fixation, Chris is humiliated and crestfallen and resigns from City Council.

Phil is thrilled when he receives a note from Joel inviting him for a round of golf and is amazed that there is a regulation course in the middle of nowhere. Upon his arrival at Manonash, Phil is flabbergasted by Joel's wild, native appearance and taken aback when he realizes that the "course" begins in a meadow. While Joel impresses Phil with his patient diagnoses and golf skills, he also teaches him by moonlight to blend his senses in golf by connecting his mind and body. Just when Phil is beginning to understand, Joel disappears in the dead of night, forcing him to make due alone in the Alaskan wilderness. When Phil awakens in the morning, Joel has reappeared and explains that he had to check him out before turning over his practice and is pleased with his focus, attention to detail, head and heart.

Marilyn goes into the dog breeding business when she purchases a champion Siberian Husky named Chuck for five thousand dollars as an investment, since she doesn't even like dogs. When the stud doesn't perform, she tries to get her money back to no avail and is inconsolably stuck with a dog she hates. Yet, on a cold rainy night when he curls up by the fire, it just might not be so bad.

Details
(Production Bible):

Maggie O'Connell defeats Walt Kupfer, becoming Cicely's new mayor.

Marilyn's new dog is named Chuck. Chuck -- pure Husky, Monadnock lines. Father was a two-time winner of the Iditarod. Mother made her mark in the Yukon Quest. Chuck's stud fee: between $300-500.

Favorite movie: Mr. Smith Goes To Washington.

Favorite books: "Roberts' Rules of Order" and "Solid Waste Management -- Directives and Discourse"

Joel once beat the club pro at the pitch 'n putt on Finger Lake.

Joel likes dried seal fat.

Most Memorable Quote "Vote your conscience, Chris, not your penis."

[Help! I need names of missing tunes from the original airings - email me.]

• a democratic song when election results come in, maybe Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli?

• Bossa Nova music when Chris tells Ed that he made a pass at Maggie.

• smithereens tune? when Ed delivers Chris' resignation press release to Michelle and Maggie.

• I'll Be Around - Tony Bennett (thanks Karen!)
[Marilyn lets Chuck in to curl up at the fireplace on a rainy night.]

Boots? [Talks to Maurice, Chris and Ruth-Anne about the trash dumpster initiative.]