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Political comeback right on cue
(by Barbara Christian - August 03, 2011)
WINDOW ON MAIN STREET, BY BARBARA CHRISTIAN
Political comeback right on cue
Over at the Chagrin Valley Little Theatre these weekend evenings, actors Don Edelman and Frank Mularo are playing cantankerous old showmen on the brink of making a comeback in Neil Simon's comedy "The Sunshine Boys."
Across the river in Chagrin Falls Village Hall these Tuesday evenings, former Mayor Henry Bruner is holding court as head of the charter review commission and wryly hinting he might be up for a comeback too.
He is only half kidding. A lot has changed at Village Hall since Henry stepped down as mayor three decades ago. He's not sure he agrees with all that has been going on.
Lately, poring over the village charter, conversation between Henry and his fellow commission members has turned to current events, one of them in particular: West Orange Street and the townhome project being built there.
In case you are out of the loop, most folks agree the West Orange Street development does not represent village leaders' finest hour. It has stirred up the proverbial hornets nest of controversy. Everyone is talking about it, so why not the charter review commission?
Henry has wondered whether something in the charter needs to be changed or added to protect the village against another West Orange Street.
Recently, he suggested maybe there should be a charter amendment requiring those in the seat of village power to actually read the charter and zoning codes before giving the nod to future such projects. Specifically, Henry does not understand why the architectural review board was not permitted to exercise its duties and powers.
The conversations he has been having with the four other charter review commission members are not unlike the ones folks are having over veggies at Sunday's farmers market or barbecues in backyards across town.
During the charter commission discussions, Henry has taken on the lead role as gadfly, an "everyman" or an "old and crusty," as he characterized himself. That's not a bad thing. Being old and crusty comes with candidly saying what people think. That's a good thing. It clears the air.
The comeback Henry was only half serious, but it might not be a bad idea. In fact, during a recent charter meeting, Henry, possibly channeling Andy Hardy, suggested he and his fellow commission members -- also of a certain mellow age -- form a slate for November's Village Council election.
It should be mentioned the charter commission is made up of three former mayors. Totaled, they have a lot of years of experience and wisdom, not to mention outspoken crustiness.
Had it been an Andy Hardy movie, his "let's form a slate" suggestion would have been set to patriotic music, and some tap dancing. Knowing how to tap dance is good if you are going into politics.
But alas and alack, Henry's idea for a five-person political comeback, albeit only half serious, was met by the sound of crickets.
Still and all, Henry should not give up on the idea. He might consider going it alone. With Dwight Milko leaving council, there is an opening. A one-man "old and crusty" slate would sure get folks' attention. Run, Henry, run.
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