MY ARM was aching after I finished my phone call with Carterton mayor Ron Mark on Tuesday afternoon.
I was quizzing Mr Mark on his feelings about Carterton being No1 in the North Island for population growth.
They do say a good journalist only knows one question to ask: and that's the first question. What do you think about Carterton being the highest growing district for population? After I had filled 11 note pages of shorthand, Mr Mark asked for another question.
"No ... no, I think that's everything," I said.
It's always pleasing when a mayor is passionate enough to speak from the heart. Obviously it's good for soundbites for a newspaper, but when a mayor cares about their district, and isn't afraid to let it show, then you can feel there's some energy going on.