Too perfect

Members of the Independent Precinct Organization (IPO) believed that all people were equal. Elected officials were not thought to be any better than anybody else. And they were suspicious of anybody who claimed to be “perfect” or felt entitled to “special” treatment.

So, it was surprising when members gathered in 1974 for their annual fund-raiser and the elected officials whom the organization had supported were introduced in order of their presumed popularity.

 As attention focused on the final celebrities, a huge applause greeted State Rep. Joe Lundy when he stepped forward and raised his hand to thank the audience for its support.

 An even louder ovation was heard for State Sen. Dawn Clark Netsch as she tilted slightly backward, waved vigorously, and displayed her wide, infectious smile.

The hall shook when Ald. Bill Singer, a candidate for Mayor, was introduced. He grinned and raised a hand in recognition of the loud applause.

Then Ald. Dick Simpson, the organization’s founder was recognized. Clapping and hooting and cheering eclipsed anything offered the previous celebrities and it didn’t stop. It was deafening.

Simpson did not smile, he did not wave, he did not respond at all. He just stood there, hands at his side, as if he had been forced to endure the proceedings and had no choice but to wait for the pandemonium to end.

Meanwhile, a person in the audience turned to the person standing next to her and said, “He’s the one who should be running for Mayor.”

 The others must have appeared to be just a little too perfect.