If you have ever been part of the public process — on either side of the dais — you know the messiest part of the equation is — the public. Once you are elected, appointed, anointed, you set to work doing the public’s business. You study, research, watch and listen to endless consultants about education, recreation, procreation and you form researched, studied opinions. You meet with your co-councilors, board members and staff and set plans to move forward to educate, legislate or (let’s be honest) possibly manipulate current standards and laws. After all, you know where all the loopholes, wormholes and sinkholes are. You might move a line item here, bury a special project under there and muddle the meaning of the ordinance so it more carefully meets what you think is best. And please know I am not implying actual malfeasance … just a certain ease-ance.