What the hell were you thinking?

I work for a city whose mayor is openly gay. Not, a problem, it’s a pretty open and accepting city. The mayor is new to the role, but has been in city government for a long time and he’s pretty good at what he does. He has great vision, and is skilled at utilizing resources and lobbying for our city. I’ve worked with him in different capacities for a lot of years and he’s not afraid of hard work.

So, what’s the problem? Recently the news broke that back in 2004 or somewhere around that time, he had sex with an 18 year old page from the state capitol. This story has brought the city to slow grind. ALL the media wants to talk about is this story and what people think about it. There was a news conference by the two senators from our state to talk about some very important funding issues, and the only questions asked were about the sex scandal. City commissioner met to work on much needed affordable housing for the homeless, and all the media want to talk about is the scandal. City council meetings are held, and all the public comments are about the scandal.

While all the local papers are full of the most juicy tidbits on the scandal, and the important things that need to happen to get thing done in a timely manner, during a economic crisis are floundering. Some people want him to resign, others are standing by him. But, really it doesn’t matter if he does or doesn’t because then the questions from the media will still be about the scandal, and if he did the right thing by resigning when the city was wrestling with hard times.

I haven’t talked to our mayor since this all broke, which is probably a good thing. I’m sure the urge to slap him in the back of the head and say, “What the hell were you thinking?” would be too great to resist.

Here’s a good rule of thumb for all people, but probably especially for politicians….if they’re young enough to be your child, don’t have sex with them. You’re just going to look like a dirty old coot chasing youngsters. There’s no way to spin that or overcome it. And, forget about keeping it secret, it’ll never happen.

I know it takes a bit of a narcissist to be a politician, and that people really do fawn all over them and hang on their every word. Especially when they’re popular and doing a good job. It’s so easy to believe someone would be so honored they would protect you. You don’t even listen when your own people tell you you’re being an ass. So, what is the answer? Well, there may not be one, but I’m proposing a new governmental position, the official Head Slapper. I’ve been practicing my technique.