Bob Wood

When the Mayor Smiles

The City Clerk passes the Mayor a note.

The Mayor is expecting it. He smiles. That smile is barely noticeable, but I catch it.

Let’s face it; joviality isn’t the Mayor’s strong suit. Governing the city is serious business requiring him to think strategically. There is always an agenda but not necessarily the one printed and distributed to the public. Sometimes the Mayor’s agenda is shared with selected Council colleagues. Not with me, though.

So, what’s to smile about this dreary winter evening at Clarovista City Hall?

As usual, Councillors made all significant decisions at last week’s committee meetings. Tenders were awarded; arena expansion plans tabled; approvals given for this and that. A long-standing item, developer J.P. Gormley’s hotel/marina/convention centre pipe dream, was finally quashed in a 5-4 vote.

In fact, the year’s fourth Council meeting promised to be such a nonevent that just two media representatives have shown up. The others have joined the deputy mayor at a ribbon-cutting for the new mini-mall. They’ll have an early evening while we listen to delegations (most of whom we’ve already heard at committees), go through formalities and record our votes.

“All in favour?”

Proceedings are underway. I’m beginning to doze off as we give approval for Councillor Bristow to speak. Blustering Jim is quarrelling

(once again) with a proclamation promoting much needed harm reduction activities – a responsibility of another level of government.

But that smile bothers me interrupting my nap.

Then, with a flourish befitting the office, the Mayor scribbles a note passing it to the Clerk.

I scan the gallery. There’s the Planning Commissioner. I can’t remember the last time her attendance was required at Council.

The door opens. Resplendent in an Armani suit and Crocodile print leather loafers, J.P. Gormley makes an entrance.

I might have known.