My latest book, The Council, was just released by Solstice Publishing! A political satire, The Council pits an idealistic county councilman and a local environmentalist against greedy developers and a dysfunctional government.

The protagonist, Luther Smith, a high school science teacher, is newly elected to the Sylvan County Council. Idealistic, inexperienced, and eager to make a difference for his students and constituents, Luther is confronted with corruption, incompetence, and lunacy from his fellow councilmembers. At meetings, his colleagues brush aside public comments, doze, drink, and discuss what makes the ideal cheeseburger.

Lisa Hogan, a down-on-her-luck single mom and avid naturalist, discovers that developers plan to raze the last tract of forest in the county to build a massive housing and shopping project. Angry about the developers’ sway over the county government, Luther joins Lisa’s battle against the project. Facing a dysfunctional bureaucracy, corrupt politicians, and lazy journalists, Luther and Lisa form a growing bond as they attempt to navigate the legislative labyrinth, mobilize the community, and try to save the forest.

Some praise:
“The Council paints an all-too accurate picture of local government. Elected officials would do well to follow the footsteps (while avoiding the stumbling) of the main character, Luther.”
- Justin Zimmer, Mayor of Emporium, PA

“You may think this story is full of absurdity and exaggeration, but I assure you, it is frighteningly close to reality. And that's precisely what makes this book so hilarious.”
- Local Councilman who was told to remain anonymous by the Ethics Commission

“To the casual reader, The Council may seem an over-the-top satire of local politics. But as someone who has run for local office, Weber hits a little too close to home with his portrayal of local politicians and how the "sausage" is made. Anyone involved in local politics will recognize some, if not all, the players, and maybe even recognize themselves in this story.”
- Robb Tufts, 2006 candidate for Anne Arundel County Council

“The Council is an enjoyable read with laugh out loud moments, complete with farcical scenes that at times ring uncomfortably true. The story captures how it feels to be an optimist working for change in local government and brings a healthy dose of skepticism to both the dedicated activists that literally can’t see the forest through the trees as well as to the convoluted machinations of career politicians.”
- K. K. Mullin, environmental instructor and coordinator