CAN’T WE all just get along?

Apparently not, when it comes to the Bridgeport political scene. The re-establishment of the board of public affairs has been a divisive issue in the village for several months.

The discussion ended Tuesday night.

After its third and final reading, council members deadlocked with a 3-3 vote. That necessitated a tie-breaking vote from Mayor John Callarik.

Callarik voted against the board of public affairs, opting instead for status quo.

As a result of the outcome, the village administrator will continue to exercise extensive powers while a department supervisor will help oversee water operations.

The final vote, while razor thin, was conducted in proper fashion.

We commend village officials for utilizing all three readings before deciding the ordinance’s fate. Such a process provided council members ample time to research the matter while also giving the citizens of Bridgeport an opportunity to let officials know their feelings.

Now with resolution in hand after some passionate disagreement, it is time for a healing process to commence. Council members on both sides of the BPA issue need to accept the decision and move forward together on other pressing matters.

We hope the 3-3 split is one based on the issue at hand and not personalities.

Should the latter be the case, gridlock would pervade the village, and Bridgeport residents would be the ones to suffer.

Bridgeport has realized much progress over recent years. A united village council can continue the positive momentum.

Council members must realize they are elected to serve their residents, not to champion their own personal agenda.