COUNCIL MEMBER JOE CORCORAN Place 4

Favorite book and/or movie?

Cry, the Beloved Country has been my favorite book for years. It’s a moving story about a provincial Zulu pastor who travels to Johannesburg to save his son on the eve of apartheid rule in South Africa. I’ve read it five times. It taught me about injustice, faith and forgiveness. A large part of who I am as a man comes from this book.

Mantra for living/favorite quote?

“People can smell the BS” - this was told to me before I ran for Council, but it applies to everything. I try never to be someone I’m not. I really try not to make myself seem more important than I am. I never respected anyone in politics or life that did that.

One special skill/story/hobby not commonly known about you?

Kind of the opposite of a special skill, but I never learned to whistle, snap, or wink. So if you see me snapping my fingers, know I’m definitely faking it.

What's your favorite board or card game?

RISK will always be my favorite game. I have so many good memories with family and friends taking over the world, making (and breaking) alliances, and letting my imagination fly.

If you could sit down and have a meal with anyone, who would you choose and why?

President John Adams would be great! But only if his wife Abigail could join us. They were truly a power couple. I find that idealistic people make the best dinner company, and that’s them to aT. They were abolitionists when it was unpopular.

What was your favorite childhood book?

There is a book called Three Trees about three little trees that have grand plans for what they’ll become when they grow up. Each of them is initially disappointed, but becomes an object along Jesus’s journey and finds fulfillment. It was a heartwarming book. Otherwise, Jurassic Park as a teenager. Easily the most fun book I’ve read even to this day. It’s also a great treatise on being too reckless with emerging technology.

If you had a day with no deadlines, no responsibilities, and unlimited funds, how would you spend the day?

After a two- or three-hour bike ride in the countryside, I’d probably spend the rest of the day trying to make my partner's life easier. Errands, buying her some awesome presents, treating her like a princess. Making her happy makes me happy!

Coffee or tea? Favorite meal...breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner?

Coffee and breakfast, no question. But Middle Eastern food is my favorite food overall. It’s so varied and can do a lot with just a little.

What is the most flattering compliment you have ever received?

That I’m good company. I’m self-conscious about being boring.

Do you still believe in Santa Claus?

“Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! How dreary would the world be if there were no Santa Claus. It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginias. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.”

That quote by Francis Church makes me tear up every time and says what I believe better than I could.

What do you usually eat for breakfast?

Eggs with Tabasco, eggs with Sriracha, eggs made with olive oil.

If you could go anywhere on vacation, where would you go and why would you choose that location?

Hawaii. I have been several times and it is my favorite getaway spot as I am far enough away to get away but still have all of the conveniences of being in the US.

Best childhood memory:

I grew up in a very modest home. One Christmas was a particularly tough year. At work, my father won a canned ham as a Christmas prize. Mom made a great meal with that canned ham and macaroni and cheese and biscuits. We ate and laughed and loved that day. It was a very special time given what we thought the alternative would be.

What are the songs that make you sing along when you hear them?

All of the 80’s songs! I drive my daughters crazy!

If you could only have one superpower, what would it be?

The ability to fly!!! With this superpower, I could go anywhere at any time!!!

Do you still believe in Santa Claus?

Yes...definitely!!! I love the spirit of Christmas and Santa Claus plays a major role in this. Plus, who wants to take a chance of not getting presents?!?

What is your favorite season of the year and why?

Spring! I love all of the blooming trees and plants and the warmer weather.

What do you usually eat for breakfast?

I normally do not eat breakfast…just coffee!

What is your favorite holiday and why do you love it?

Thanksgiving for sure! We smoke a turkey and just eat and relax and watch football.

What is your most cherished possession?

I have a ruby ring that was my grandfather’s, which was handed down to my father. On his passing, it was handed down to me.

Where is your happy place?

The golf course! I love to golf.

What is your favorite season of the year and why?

Spring or Fall – I love the colors of the trees blooming and flowers coming in. But I also love the cooler weather and leaves turning colors.

What is your favorite holiday and why do you love it?

I love Christmastime because we have such a long period of joy and take time to reflect on our blessings.

What is one ability you believe everyone should possess?

Listening. Too often, people listen to reply and do not listen to learn. I cherish listening to others, gaining new perspectives, and trying to fully understand where the other person is coming from.

What is one item on your bucket list that you have already checked off and which is next?

I enjoy traveling and seeing new parts of the world. I wanted to go to Egypt and was able to in 2012. My ultimate goal is to visit every state in the US.

What’s one special skill/story/hobby not commonly known about you?

When I had more time, I really enjoyed sketching.

What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned in life so far?

It is serving people. Service has been a significant part of my life and I encourage neighbors to find ways to get involved. Connecting with fellow community members and seeing the world from multiple points of view makes you stronger and builds the connectedness of your local neighborhood. Maybe it’s picking up trash on the weekend or simply showing up at a neighborhood event – find a way to get involved and do your part.