The Simpson's Movie- Optimism Fading

I have been very optimistic about the possibility of our Springfield hosting the The Simpson's Movie opening but after reading today's SJ-R article, I have a sinking feeling in my stomach. I am not one that will try to blame our self-perceived ineptness for this. I actually think we are making a good effort by following the rules. Unfortunately, other larger cities are putting some real effort and resources towards this project. We can't justify spending public funds on this but that's not the real reason I don't have a good feeling about this.

The real reason this has taken a bad turn for us is the method in which the Springfield will be selected. Allowing the world-wide public decide automatically gives bigger Springfields the advantage. There will be a percentage of people who don't have a Springfield to favor and we can possibly grab a portion of those votes. I know I'm going Tim Russert on you but here are the bigger Springfield metropolitan populations that will affect the election results.

Springfield, MA 686,174

Springfield, MO 407,092

Springfield, OR 337,870

Springfield, IL 206,112

Our only hope is to grab some Chicago votes. Can we depend on Chicago to come out and vote? I don't know. None of us have seen our video or any other video so if we can produce something special, we may have a chance. Unfortunately Springfield, Mass got Ted Kennedy to appear in their video. That almost makes me want to vote for them just for that fact that he must "get it" with the whole Mayor Quimby thing. And Springfield, MO used their minor league baseball team. We should have done that too. Oh wait, see the video on the previous post.

I wish the best for our Springfield but this contest just got very competitive.