Providing you with the next exciting installment in Little Cottonwood’s leaders series your correspondent cornered mayor Roger Bourke after one of his many town council meetings that keep the town budgeted and resourced. A long-time resident and life long rocket scientist, he and his wife Margaret both have contributed to the town’s wellbeing.

Canyon Blog: So, how exactly did you come to be mayor of the world’s greatest powder ski town?

Mayor Bourke: When the previous mayor ran for re election he was the only name on the ballot. I have a principle, where there needs to be more than one option for voters. So on the final day of registration I put my name in.

CB: And re election, given that this is your second term?

MB: Well, it happened again. But I am pleased to serve a community I hold in high regard.

CB: How did you first come to be in Alta?

MB: In 1958 Junior Bounous was an instructor at Sugar Bowl and my then girlfriend was providing daycare to his and Maxine’s kids. And they really extolled the virtues of Alta. So, in 1966 we took an overnight train with our son and stayed at the Peruvian. They had a St. Bernard named “Barron” whose height matched our son so he renamed him “Nose.” The rest is history.

CB: Tell us about your career at JPL.

MB: After grad school I went to work there. And it was really a time that was the dawn of planetary exploration. I feel I was there damn near the beginning.

CB: What was the best part?

MB: Well, ever since humans have been able to look up at the night sky, they’ve wondered what those little specs of light were. In the space of a generation, a group of talented people at JPL were able to turn those points of light into worlds. I was part of that group.

CB: Very cool indeed. Coming back to Alta, what is it exactly to you?

MB: Sanctuary.

That has to be the most concise answer your correspondent has received in many instances of asking the question. And for that reason, and in the interests of investigative excellence a follow up was necessary for the record. (Insert long pause as your correspondent waits patiently.)

MB: Ah, yes. Alta is very special and can be easily damaged but not repaired. Those of us who love it must continue our stewardship.

Wise words from a wise man and another great contributor to this community that so many are proud and lucky enough to call home. Till next month when we’ll divert to a bit of history and mystery in Peruvian Gulch.