As the weeks pass the differences between our new Councilwomen, Marti Emerald and Sherri Lightner, are becoming clear. Emerald is ideological - exactly the liberal union shill she was painted as during the election, maybe worse. Lightner is thoughtful and largely nonpartisan - she looks at each issue as is comes in an almost scientific way. Emerald doesn't study up on the issues before the council, but always has something to say (often something embarrassing to herself). Lightner does her homework, and when she speaks it is with an educated voice.

I think it's fair to say that these general perceptions of the two women are widely shared downtown. They are certainly no secret to Emerald, and it grates on Emerald's hair trigger nerves that Lighter is taken more seriously, is more respected, and is viewed as more intelligent and more effective. To paraphrase someone at breakfast this morning:  "Emerald won the election of course but she feels screwed. She feels like no one takes her seriously, and she can't stand it that she's viewed as a dim and ineffective, particularly in comparison to her classmate Sherri."