In the past, Fire Starter has pointed out Endicott Mayor John Bertoni's less than diligent execution of his mayoral duties. Whether it is leaving Village board meetings to go to card games or extended absences from the Village, King John the Witless has shown that his work ethic leaves much to be desired. What Fire Starter was unaware of was the fact that Bertoni has been doubling as a crime fighter. A bloviating mayor by day and a crusader for justice by night.
Fire Starter has reliably learned that the mayor caught a serial offender red handed. While patrolling the Oak Hill area of the village, the mayor viewed a culprit committing his evil deed. Fueled with the righteous indignation of the just, our hero sprung into action.
Who was this evildoer? And what was his offense? He was a teenage skateboarder who was skateboarding in the street. Fortunately for Village residents, Bertoni was on the job. He immediately identified himself as the sovereign of Endicott and demanded that the offender remove himself from the street. The youth, obviously unimpressed, made a face and told Bertoni that he didn't really care who he was.
Well, skateboarding in the street was bad enough. But now youth had gone too far. He had insulted the crown and this must not stand. So our hero followed the youth home and confronted the youth's parents. He again identified himself as the the Mayor of Endicott. When the youth's parents were likewise unimpressed, he clarified that "he owns the Village". They responded by clarifying that THEY owned their home and he should remove himself from their property.
Well the offenses continued to pile up. Skateboarding, disrespect from the youth, and disrespect from the youth's parents. This was obviously beyond Bertoni's capabilities. So he just let it drop there...or that's what any normal adult would do (of course, most normal adults would have avoided the whole situation rather than escalate it into a confrontation). Instead, King John the Spiteful sought to prove that he "owned the Village" by calling the police department. Officers responded and took a report (Fire Starter will provide the report if it becomes available). No arrests were made but consideration was given to sending Bertoni for a psychiatric evaluation.
As silly as this incident appears to be, it reveals a serious flaw in Bertoni's character. Being Mayor is not about flaunting your title and bullying residents. It is about SERVING the public; not self serving. It is about providing services, not providing jobs to friends and family. And it is about being first among equals, not lording your title and power over residents and employees.
King John the Feckless and his imperious ways will catch up to him. It is up to the voters to send a loud and clear message in November. We hope he hears it.
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