Councilor Acts A Bit Too Common

Councilor James Calnon (right) wanted to know why he wasn’t invited to join in any reindeer games.

While writing this post I have to remember that the councilor’s last name is CalNon, not CalGon.

Of course, being a product of the first TV generation, some commercials have permanently imprinted themselves on my mind, even though I wasn’t interested in the product. Calgon Bath Oil Beads was a soap hawked with the memorable phrase, “Calgon, Take Me Away.”

This was best illustrated by showing a harried housewife getting away from her daily stress by soaking in a full tub all bubbly with soothing Calgon soap.

Anyway, things got a bit testy at the last City of Plattsburgh Common Council meeting. During a special session Sylvia Stack, President of the North Country Cultural Center for the Arts, was explaining why the NCCCA should have first crack at the Federal Building when it becomes available.

At one point Sylvia was saying she would be more than happy to present any materials to the council, such as a financial statement or a business plan. She pointed out that the relationship between the council and the NCCCA was a two way street. While she and NCCCA supporters didn’t mind appearing at council meetings, Sylvia said that the councilors should visit the NCCCA and see what the organization was doing to promote arts and culture in the city.

Suddenly James Calnon (Ward 4) erupted. He said he didn’t like Sylvia telling him what his responsibilities were when she never invited him to visit the NCCCA. He acted coarse, petty. And on Valentine’s Day, to boot.

After a brief but heated exchange with Sylvia, Calnon sat there and didn’t say anything else. He just fumed.

Maybe Calnon should try releasing his tensions before a common council meeting by soaking in a warm tub of bubbly Calgon. And if he doesn’t have time for a complete body immersion, maybe just soaking his head would work.