Peterborough Mayor Jeff Leal seemed quite pleased with himself recently when he asked the Commissioner of Legislative Services, David Potts, his views on “the weaponization of the legal system to achieve political ends.”

Potts answered, “I am concerned … I think you should be concerned as well.”

It is not too much of a stretch to think that Leal knew that was the answer he would get. And perhaps that Potts knew this was the question he would be asked?

I wonder what Potts’ answer would have been if Leal had asked his views on “the weaponization of strong-mayor powers to achieve political ends.”

And what did all this have to do with city council and the issue at hand? That’s what Coun. Joy Lachica wanted to know.

She challenged the chair, who happened to be Leal, on the appropriateness of allowing the question. She lost her challenge — predictable,........

© Peterborough Examiner