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Mayoral candidates' talent show turns out to be no joke

E-mail|Link|Comments () October 3, 2009 12:10 AM

By Abbie Ruzicka, Globe Correspondent

Controversy took center stage Friday night at a talent show meant to bring a lighter side to what is becoming a heated campaign for mayor.

The forum, which brought together candidates for mayor and City Council, was set up so the hopefuls could make their pitches through the performing arts in a show dubbed "spotlight on the candidates," held in Hyde Park.

But the political infighting that has already gripped the campaign between Mayor Thomas M. Menino and his challenger, City Councilor Michael F. Flaherty Jr., surfaced once again when Sam Yoon, the defeated candidate who Flaherty says is now part of his "ticket," was barred from the event. As a result, Flaherty refused to participate with Menino.

On Tuesday, Flaherty, appearing with Yoon, announced that he would run on an informal ticket with Yoon as his "deputy mayor."

Flaherty and Yoon had planned on singing a song together at the talent show, which was hosted by Riverside Theatre Works.

The controversy began when event organizer Jay Paget told Flaherty that Yoon could not perform with him, as only candidates running for office were allowed to participate.

Flaherty "was invited, he just decided not to show up,” Paget told the crowd of about 75 people Friday night.

The councilor performed in the talent show in 2005 and 2007, Flaherty's spokeswoman, Natasha Perez, said. He decided not to show up for Friday night's show for “unity’s sake,” she said.

Flaherty accused Menino of politics as usual through a statement to the Globe Friday night: “You know the city’s in trouble when you can't throw a variety show without someone ending up on Mayor Menino’s naughty list,” he said.

Theatre program director Julie Beckam said she was disappointed Flaherty did not come.
“I wish he could have just sat in the audience,” she said of Yoon. “It killed me to say no.”

Yoon was unavailable for comment Friday night.

Menino immediately addressed Flaherty’s absence when he took the stage.

“I had nothing to do with Michael Flaherty not being here,” he said, before he went on to express his love for Boston and his job as mayor with some creativity and self-deprecation.

"Two against one/that doesn't seem fair/ we all know I am a better mayor," he recited in verse. "I love our city and so do you/I offer my thanks for all you do,"

Menino, as he walked into the theatre, said he wanted to avoid the blame for Flaherty's absence. “I’m here for a fabulous night.”

A number of city councilors also attended, performing poetry, dancing, singing, and stand-up comedy. Music was provided by the band, The Hanging Chads, and comedian Jessica Casciano emceed the event.