Mayors Across America - The Book - Features Granville, ND

 PRESS RELEASE
Mayors Across America
A 3,600 Mile Bicycle Journey Documenting the American Mayor
Newport Beach, CA – April 14, 2009 – The first time went too fast, so he did it again.
When Ed Morris set out to ride his bike cross-country for the second time he did so with
the idea of exploring the contrast between big city politics and small town reality. He
rode in pursuit of answers to questions about government, leadership, and character;
curious as to what images of community he would capture. The moving outcome of Ed’s
journey is the book Mayors Across America, an insightful montage of the men and
women who form a collective identity of our nation.
“A bike is the perfect vehicle for traveling across the country.” – Ed Morris
Over a period of 59 days, Ed and his friend Tim Hovey traversed the country, charting a
course through 13 states. Camping by night and peddling over 90 pounds of gear more
than 60 miles by day, their route wound them through numerous cities and towns, many
of which provided an opportunity to interview the Mayor thus capturing a snapshot of
civic leadership and regional psyche. They developed a heightened sense of place,
absorbing their surroundings from the unique vantage point of handlebars. The book’s
images reflect this intimate view, honing in on the connection between environment,
economy, and community.
“The Mayor is the perfect vehicle for creating a collective portrait of the United
States.” – Ed Morris
The challenges facing the mayor varied depending on the size of the city, but all of them
had equal resonance with their constituency. In Washington D.C. (pop. 572, 059) Mayor
Anthony Williams optimistically faced issues endemic to a large metropolis. In Glenfield,
North Dakota (pop. 134) Mayor Bob Boulvitsch spoke simply of the exodus of the
young, a very serious problem given the town’s tiny size. Each Mayor embodied the civic
persona, casting a reflection of the towns status as they worked to meet the demands of
the community.
“There is so much to see.” – Ed Morris
Mayors Across America is a visual journey that creates a powerful connection between
people. It speaks to the hopes, dreams, challenges, and triumphs that comprise the
patchwork populace of our diverse country. And it explores the quiet dignity that moves
so many to become something more, the Mayor.
Preview and Purchase the book, watch the video trailer and more visit:
www.MayorsAcrossAmerica.com
For more information please contact:
Ed Morris
949-209-8771
ed@MayorsAcrossAmerica.com
About Ed Morris
Ed Morris is a professional photographer who lives with his wife, Jessica, in Newport
Beach, CA. For more information please visit www.edmorrisphotography.com.