(Photo taken from Adresseavisen, August 28.)
Move over, students. Trondheim has a new scholar in town. Meet Kent Ranum, the mayor who decided that running a city wasn’t quite enough mental stimulation. So, he’s taking a three-month leave to join a prestigious study program.
Do not worry though. We can afford it.
Here’s the fun part: the program is completely free. Norway’s public higher education doesn’t charge a thing. The only cost? His own board and room. And for a man who earns way more than the average mayor and has a comfortably deep pocket, that’s basically pocket change. Meanwhile, the rest of us are still calculating whether we can afford rent and avocado toast.
While Ranum is off hitting the books (literally), Erling Moe will step in as temporary mayor. Three months. Think of it as a political understudy situation, only with slightly fewer musical numbers and slightly more city council meetings. Is this Admirable or Absurd? - I can’t quite decide.
On one hand, I suppose it’s good that our mayor wants to excel as a leader and learn from the best. Lifelong learning is a noble goal. On the other hand… I just can’t seem to decide if I find this inspiring, slightly hilarious, or a little bit of both. So while the rest of us are voting for politicians who promise to improve the school system for our young and hopeful, this is what’s happening now!
Aaaaah, Norway…Still, you’ve got to love how down-to-earth it all feels here. Things that might cause uproar elsewhere are handled in Norway with that calm, stress-free shrug: “Ja, ja, of course the mayor can go study, we’ll sort it out.”
Ah, Trønderland. Aaah, Norway. The land of equal opportunity.
No, wait… wasn’t that supposed to be America?
So confused right now!
Anyhow , the moral of the story is that even mayors deserve a sabbatical. Even in city hall, brains need buffing. And if you happen to be a wealthy Norwegian mayor, cashing out millions a year, you can do it without asking anyone for money. But, apparently still get paid his normal mayor wages too while going on his fancy study break.
Because only in Trondheim can you run a city one day, run to class the next, and still get applauded for extra credit.
The land of Fair Play or Just Privilege?
Do let me know!
Yours truly,
T.