George Romano

== George Romano ==
George Romano was an American Navy veteran, business owner, and prominent political figure known for his involvement in Appalachian politics following the Great Collapse. After the Second Battle of Harrisburg, he served as the leading senator for the Nationalist Party in Appalachia. Romano was known for his aggressive leadership style, which he attributed to his military background. He was well-respected among his party followers, but many outside of the Nationalist Party saw him as being crude, misleading, or inflammatory.
Romano was born in a wealthy home in Ridgewood, New Jersey, on 15 March 1959. After attaining his bachelors degree, Romano joined the US Navy as an Ensign. He served in the Navy for over twenty years, seeing various conflicts beginning with the US Intervention in Lebanon in the 1980s. Romano retired as a Captain in 2004 after a rather prolific military career.
Following his retirement from the Navy, Romano started a company centered on financial study and business assistance. He saw moderate success in customers who reached out for help with their failing businesses. After a series of further investments, Romano became known as a rather savvy entrepreneur in Philadelphia. In 2016, he ran for city council and attained a seat as a Republican. He vowed to work with both sides to bring positive change.
Romano was viewed with mixed feelings from his constituents. Fearing he'd lose his position in a city that was becoming more democratic, Romano announced he wouldn't seek to stay in the council again in 2019 and instead was planning to run for State Representative. His plans were cut short by the outbreak of the Jinanvirus and subsequent Great Collapse. Romano caught the virus and almost died, and due to loved ones passing away from it, Romano began to harbor a deep hatred for Seaboard. In 2019, Romano reached out to Harrisburg on behalf of Philadelphia, and acted as a leading official for the city. While visiting Harrisburg for the first time since the Great Collapse, he first heard of the newly-formed Nationalist Party. He met Rick Lopez, their leader, who looked up to the more experienced Romano. Upon returning to Philadelphia, he became a de-facto representative, staying in Harrisburg frequently to see to it he could take care of Philadelphia however possible.
After the death of Governor Edwin Parrish following the Battle of Harrisburg, Romano went into hiding, knowing General Sherman would see him as a target. This was solidified when Seaboard troops caught Senator Rick Lopez and executed him under Seaboard's orders. Romano worked diligently within the state to aid intelligence efforts of the Appalachian resistance, as well as coordination within their members. After the city was taken back and the Appalachian Republic was formed, Romano was universally respected. He became the lead senator of the Nationalist Party, and nearly became the first President of the Appalachian Republic, losing by a tiny margin to Elaine Cocklin.