It’s no wonder why good people don’t run for elected office anymore. 

That’s the thought we were left with following what can only be described as a circus that broke out during Tuesday evening’s Bradford City Council meeting.

For a minute, we almost felt like we were in Washington with all the bickering going on — and nothing of substance getting done.

During the public comment portion of council’s meeting, a group of visitors berated members and other city officials with a variety of questions ranging from the serious to downright absurd. One question that was asked touched on how a fee schedule would be determined for the proposed stormwater management program and what the funds would be used for (a legitimate question).

But there were far too many ill-founded queries: Accusations of lying, the unconstitutionality of business privilege taxes and allegations that crime has doubled in the city, despite figures to the contrary. There was more: Why are all the businesses moving out of the city to the surrounding townships — which overlooks the proven fact that 14 new businesses have opened on Main Street, with more coming.

One visitor even said that city residents will “have to pay for the air they breathe” if Mayor Tom Riel continues as mayor.

And it didn’t stop there. City officials were consistently talked over while trying to conduct business. One individual even went so far as to get in his vehicle at the front of city hall and honk the horn repeatedly.

Now we realize this is an election year, but this type of behavior takes it to a whole new level. We expect this from Harrisburg or Washington — not Bradford, Pa.

What was lost in all the revelry was the sad reality that a few citizens — some not even residents of the city — could derail public business with their behavior. Instead, the session was taken over by a group of individuals — including one mayoral candidate — who were hell-bent on deriding public officials and making a mockery of the proceedings. What good was accomplished by this? Nothing. It only served to paint those shouting out cat calls as ignorant and bereft of serious thinking. It definitely wasn’t befitting of city council chambers — or any municipal body for that matter.

Sadly, those with legitimate concerns to be brought before council had to wait until after the meeting to question city officials and have their concerns answered. Is this any way to do business? Is this any way for individuals seeking office or members of the public to act? This isn’t romper room after all, it’s municipal government — which just so happens to affect all taxpayers.

An Era reporter covering the meeting said it was the first time she had ever seen the mayor of the city have to use a gavel to try and keep law and order. That’s embarrassing. 

And we won’t even get into reports of school boy shenanigans of stealing other candidates’ signs from Tuna Valley yards and greenspaces. Are you kidding us? Maybe there should be a rule where no political signs are posted — anywhere. 

With the primary election approaching, we hope there is a modicum of decorum as we move forward. Taxpayers deserve better.