Having lived in the area and the City before and during Da Mahr's reign, I can tell you that there is definitely only one real political position in the City that matters (two, if we presume that Maggie behaves like every other American wife). It's reprehensible and it would be good to see the reign end for that reason.
But, and I almost shudder to say this...a longtime friend who moved away 15 years ago is in town visiting this week, and as we were walking around downtown she commented on how the City seems so much cleaner and vibrant now than it did then. And, on reflection, I agree with this, though I didn't notice myself before then (maybe I was so close to the changed environment).
I don't know if you can credit Richie with any of this change, but there certainly has been one that roughly coincides with his term.
Anyway, Democracy died long before the day Meigs was closed. It's just that this action was such a clear indicator of the arrogant power City Hall had already assumed.
