They said they wanted "the good, the bad and the ugly": guess this was too ugly

Mayor Paul Callaghan at a recent City Chat (Rochester Voice file photo)

ROCHESTER - During his introduction to Friday's monthly Chat with the Mayor in the Community Room at the James W. Foley Memorial Community Center, Public Info Manager Matt Wyatt explained that this was a time to ask the mayor any questions, "good, bad or ugly," but when The Rochester Voice asked Mayor Paul Callaghan to explain his behavior during two recent City Council meetings he refused comment.
Specifically, he was asked to explain two things:
First, why, on April 18, did he ignore a motion on the floor of the City Council to stop his deputy mayor, Pete Lachapelle, from delivering a vitriolic speech against three councilors. Anyone who views the video at the 1:24 mark can clearly watch as one councilor makes a motion to halt Lachapelle's speech and another seconds the motion. At this point a mayor would normally ask for discussion followed by a vote, but Callaghan said nothing. Moments later Lachapelle says, "May I continue?" and Callaghan says "Yes." To view the April 18 video click here.
Second, Why on July 11 did he allow Lachapelle to speak to an agenda item regarding an ethics complaint against Lachapelle that was submitted by City Councilor Steve Beaudoin, who felt aggrieved by Lachapelle's April 18 speech. Due process calls for the councilor who submitted the agenda item to be heard first, since he submitted the request, but instead, Callaghan gave the podium over to Lachapelle, who was accused of violating the ethics policy that, ironically, he had shepherded through as the codes and ordinance chair.
To view the segment referred to go to the 1:42 mark of the July 11 meeting by clicking here.
In reply to this writer's question, Callaghan said angrily "I'm not answering you questions. "This is not the forum."
"When is the forum?" The Rochester Voice asked.
"This is not the forum," the mayor repeated.
"When is the forum?" The Voice repeated.
After a couple of uncomfortable moments for all, Democrat State Rep. Chuck Grassie attempted to switch topics and Callaghan gladly complied.
At the end of the chat, The Rochester Voice sought out the mayor for an answer on his forum remark.
"When's the forum, you said this wasn't the forum, when's the forum," this reporter said.
"This isn't the forum," the mayor chirped.
"When is the forum?" we asked again.
"Have a nice weekend," the mayor said brusquely as he walked away again.