Stratford's Town Council Players Bomb Onstage!

As if the sitting Town Council needed another black eye, those of us observing yesterday’s proceedings were greeted with yet another installment of the three-ring circus of adolescent behavior that has become its hallmark. Chairman Henrick’s inability to maintain decorum was outshined only by a Democratic show of divisiveness and petty affront that once again reduced our political process to the laughingstock of Connecticut.

Remember when we used to get to laugh at Bridgeport’s political missteps? Those days are long gone, replaced by the childish temper tantrums that have come to define our town.

As Bill Hanney attempted to explain his plans to renovate and the Shakespeare Theater, Gavin Forrester engaged him in a spirited debate over why his estimate was so much less than others. In typical fashion, a good question went unanswered as the fragile egos of our representatives became more important than town business. Before Hanney could fully answer as to where his business plan was, the Town Council Players (thanks, Calvin) raised the roof themselves.

What followed included a grade-school argument between Forrester and Miron over whether Miron’s finger was too close to Forrester’s face, although I saw NO instance of a physical confrontation from my vantage (unlike what was reported in the Connecticut Post). Regardless, calling the mayor a “nut” in public council sets a questionable example.

In another instance of childlike petulance, Emma Brooks topped them both by storming out of the chambers rather than staying to try and restore order herself. What better metaphor for the actions of this Town Council the last few years: running away from the table because you’re too embarrassed to stay.

The upshot? As a result of the infantile behavior displayed by our elected officials, another night’s work was left incomplete. Another delay. Another round of “pass the buck.”

Another failure.