You're probably itching for a change of pace from relentlessly humorous stories we bring you every Friday. So, this week we're changing it up a bit, with the help of our friends at The Atlantic Cities.
This week, we bring you the first in a regular (?) series titled "Officials Gone Wild," which is devoted to relaying "the crimes, errors in judgment and everyday embarrassments perpetrated by our esteemed municipal leaders." These sad stories should make you feel better, or perhaps worse, about your local leaders (especially if these people actually are your local leaders).
This week's inductees into the public official hall of shame includes the former Water Director at the Imperial Irrigation District (California) who was caught on tape abusing his stepson for not playing catch correctly; the Marietta, Georgia councilman who assaulted a fellow councilmember; and a councilwoman in Hillside, New Jersey, who's "been accused of trying to power-leverage her way out of a traffic ticket." The councilwoman from New Jersey, Metcalfe notes, "has since gone on record to say she was 'having a bad day.'"
Scumbag public officials beware, John Metcalfe is onto you.
FULL STORY: Introducing Officials Gone Wild: A Blotter of Local Leaders Behaving Badly

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
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