Here's the 'forum' to answer the questions, Mr. Mayor

Mayor Paul Callaghan (Rochester Voice file photo)

When the Rochester Chamber of Commerce hosts its Candidates Night on Monday, there are a couple of questions the mayor should answer, but probably won't have to.
They are the same two questions The Rochester Voice asked him during a City Chat with the Mayor on Aug. 4
Ironically, the city's Public Information Officer introduced hizzoner by saying City Chat was a time for constituents to ask the mayor any questions they wanted, including "the good, bad and ugly."
The Voice took the occasion to ask the mayor two questions.
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 beginning at the 1:24 mark can clearly watch as Steve Beaudoin makes a motion to halt Lachapelle's speech and Dana Berlin quickly 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 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 two questions, Callaghan said angrily "I'm not answering your 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.
Still, the mayor refused to answer.
At the end of the Chat with the Mayor, 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.
Is this the guy you want to represent your city for another two years?
A person who tries to steamroll anyone who confronts him on any matter and thinks he can "move on" with no consequence.
If you can't answer the tough questions and be accountable for your actions, you're no good to this city or anyone who lives here.
Sadly, the media panel that asked questions at past Candidates Nights is no longer being featured, according to the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, which is hosting the event in City Council chambers.
We hope someone will ask the two questions we wanted answers to but never got.
But if you do, hizzoner no doubt will simply say "This is not the forum."
Don't let this mayor, who loves to say, "We're moving on," move on with no repercussions for his corrupt and dishonest behavior.
The Candidates Night starts at 6:30 p.m. with City Council candidates followed by the mayoral candidates at 8 p.m.