Last night’s special-called meeting of the Bay St. Louis City Council was – what’s the word? – contentious. Painful. Embarrassing. All of the above. This morning a fellow beach walker said it was better than a reality TV talent show. But with no winners.

You really had to be there to get the full effect: the angry outbursts, accusations, finger pointing, red faces and frustrated head shaking.

Some business was conducted but mainly it was tag teaming and circling back around familiar issues. It appears some officials are still rubbing their eyes after getting that rude wake up call from the state auditor’s office. 

And once again, no writ of mandamus. 

There were a lot of empty chairs in the council chambers when more people ought to be paying close attention to what’s going on at these meetings. Even when it’s painful to watch.