A little dig

Dear Peter O’Sullivan: When they told you about the value of public service, I bet you didn’t have this in mind. I mean, I was surprised to discover that Boston even had a “director of street furniture,” which is your job. (Are you in charge of all the couches I see on the sidewalks in Allston at the end of the academic year? If so, I hope you’ve had your shots.) Lo and behold, however, I discover that we do indeed have one and that, after a two-year battle, you have triumphantly brought to the North End a $300,000 coin-operated public commode, which, at that price, better be commodious indeed. It seems it all began in 1997, after Mayor Tom Menino went to San Francisco and found himself admiring that city’s public toilets. (Note to self: Buy mayor a Zagat’s, stat.) Well, I guess Fisherman’s Wharf can get a little boring. Apparently, Hizzoner’s pride in civic plumbing was bruised. He vowed not to be outdone in the field of lavatorial convenience. The city planned to put up 10 of these facilities, and seven of them have been built, including this latest one. Of course, this being Massachusetts, the ultimate price tag has nothing to do with similar services provided in other cities. Costs rose because of added construction expenses. Luckily, the construction firm involved is responsible for all costs, because the city and state are not exactly, you know, flush these days.