Scandal in Limesy Mayor Elections - Obama and Hillary Got Nothing on Local Politics

Dateline Normandy -- An unexpected and bien sur controversial turn of events here in Limesy following the election for the new mayor of Limesy. In what we expected to be a cakewalk for Michel, our neighbor and the deputy mayor for more than 25 years turned into a scandale a la americain as mudslinging came to dictate the campaign in the final weeks- but hey, that's politics. Michel's unexpected adversary sent mailers to Limesians blasting Michel with the headline ``The one who already takes himself to be mayor.'' It went on to say Michel was a hot-headed politico who had no plans other than to give himself a title he felt was due, among other charges. Michel's opponent however failed to say what his platform was other than not being Michel. We have to interject here that we're big fans of Michel and his wife Alyette - they are great neighbors and friends - one of the first to invite us into their home after we moved here. So we're not too objective, but we found it un peu scandaleux that one of his ``grave faults'' was being temperamental to a point that he was abusive. That goes completely against what we have know of him these past 2 1/2 years. But back to the election: At first Michel declined to respond to what he dubbed ``ridiculous'' charges but the day before the election he sent his own mailer out contradicting all the statements made by his opponents and again outlining his plans for the community. However, the damage was done and Michel wasn't elected, though neither was his opponent. The mayoral election process is a bit complicated to explain, but in the end a panel of elected council members ended up selecting the new mayor, who is the head of a local school. But the mudslinging came at a cost to the community. Local merchants chose different camps and hard feelings and divisions are apparent. Still, all will hopefully work it self out over the long run - as with Obama and Hillary?? ~30~