WPCNR CITY HALL CIRCUIT. December 25, 2005: In recognition of Christmas Day, WPCNR brings back a favorite of the past posted on this site many years ago, updated:

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the city,

Construction cranes were idle, developers’ sites silent with no activity.

Not a legislator or councilperson was stirring not even a high school student.;

The County and City budget stockings were hung by Michaelian & Main chimneys with devil-may care air,

In hopes Assembly Angels Amy and Adam and Legislator Bill Would Stuff Them fair.

The citizens, nestled snug in their beds with the Mayor’s City Center  finally fulfilled,

With visions of sweet sugar plums from Trump Tower, City Center, Fortunoffs and Pavilion mall soon to fill sales tax into the city till.

 Paul Wood in his trusty chair cellphone in ear and the divine Ms. Reasoner applying her budget cap,

Had just settled the city in for a short winter’s nap; No new approvals no zoning zen on tap.

When out on 221 Main site, there arose such a clatter, Paul Wood

Sprang from his desk in City Hall garret suspending Secret Developer Talks to see what was the matter,

Away to the window, he flew in a flash, stunned to see Cappelli and Trump  crew Begin on Christmas Eve anew.

He tore open the shutters and threw up the sash,

As cranes, girders and whistles sounded across Main Street with a crash.

The moon shown on the crest of the rising Trump Casino shown on Cappelli’s Christmas Eve Crew,

Commissioner Gismondi was summoned, issuing a stop work order to the intrepid Lou and the dapper Don.

“It’s Christmas,” he said to the peerless leader . “Santa can’t come with all this to-do.”

Turning from the developers in marathon secret talks, the nimble Wood and barrister Dunphy

Fashioned a Christmas gift for all the City.

“It’s a disgrace,” said gatekeeper Paul Wood, when hounded by clamorous press

Seeking an explanation for the cacaphonous distress.

“How can we do the people’s business, even on Christmas,” said right hand man Maloney

As Saint Theresa and reliable Manieri patiently awaited the holiday agenda thick and toney.

The construction lights gave the luster of midday, to trucks and dirt causing them

To glow like fresh fallen snow.

When what to the crew’s surprise should appear,

But a big red sleigh, pulled by six councilpersons..

With a jolly old driver, so lively and quick, looking very

Much like Mayor Joseph Delfino with a sleigh full of holiday cheer.

The city servants working late, knew in a moment it must be their leader.

More rapid than eagles his coursers they came on the wintry scene

“Now, Boykin! Now Malmud! Now Delgado!

On Roach! On Greer! On Berstein!

To the Top of City Hall! To the Top of the Wall!

Into the Council Chamber they rushed to assemble a proclamation to all!

Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!

As empty lots before developers fill,

With towers to the sky,

To the City Hall roof his sturdy council did fly.

With the Mayor’s sleigh full of toys, and the jolly Mayor, too.

In a twinkling, I heard on the roof

The serious voices of each councilman giving proof

That the sleeping city was in sure hand.

As Mr. Wood drew in crewcut head, turning around,

Down the circular stair the Mayor and Council came with a bound.

The Mayor was dressed in his Mayor’s suit, from his head to his foot,

His brown trademark suit was draped with ribbons from openings at Wal-Mart and Vino 100 to boot.

A bundle of plans, for sewer and water Nicoletti brought forth for Mayor and council to consider.

The Mayor, his eyes how they twinkled! His dimples how merry!

His droll little mouth was drawn up in a smile…”No, Bud, no plans for awhile!”

The Mayor spoke not a word, but went straight to his desk, he bade Council be seated, and with not a voice of denial,

Presented the resolution, the council spread the communications with glee

He congratulated Straub, Jennings and Chong for law and order with style,

He Lay plans for condos and apartments for the homeless with care

With BID restaurants to cater the less fortunate with compassion's splendid fare.

Gifts to the city from the hardest working Common Council without guile.

Thanking the council, commissioners, and city staff, and benefactors generosity

America’s favorite Mayor sprang to the circular stair, and sleigh,

To his team gave a whistle, and away the Mayor and council flew like the down of a thistle.

But the citizens heard them exclaim, as the team drove out of sight,

"We can never thank you enough"

The proclamation just passed to citizens all:

‘Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”