I know a whole lot of people reading this are expecting to see something juicy, perhaps something scandalous. As much as I hate to disappoint those that are here for the gossip, this is on the opposite track.

 

What holds true for those who came here out of curiosity, seeking some dirt, or because they may be concerned, is that it does involve Mayor Andy Lang. It does involve a comment he made at the most recent City Council meeting. And, if the person he had directed it at had not been a saint of a human being, things could have gone south.

 

Let me be clear. What took place was in genuine fun. In fact, in more than two decades of covering Bridgeport City Council meetings it rests as arguably the funniest comment ever handed out by a sitting mayor. In fact, the remnants of what was previously a packed Council chambers at the Oct. 10 meeting agreed – it was funny.

 

What proved just as good, was the rebuttal. The rebuttal just happened to be from perhaps the person closest to the mayor in his wife Lisa Lang.

 

Since this blog does not always have to be serious, and since the comment was gold, I figured I might briefly write about what could have gotten Lang in hot water with his spouse. I hope you all enjoy it as much as myself and those on hand did.

 

During a presentation portion of Council, Lisa Lang got up to speak on behalf of the Friends of Bridgeport Recreation. When she was finished giving an update on the all-inclusive playground that will be built in the city, she talked about her role in the Greater Bridgeport Convention & Visitors Centers Arts Council.

 

During her speech, she downplayed her role on the board and even jokingly questioned why she was on it.

 

“I’m not sure why I would be appointed to a board that involves arts and culture. I can’t sing, I can’t dance …” said Lisa Lang before Andy Lang, seated firmly and with a deadpan face, interjected this.

 

“Can’t cook,” said the mayor as the room erupted in laughter.

 

About the only thing I checked for immediately was Lisa Lang’s response. Afterall, if ever there was a statement that was not just political suicide, but potential political assassination, this was it.

 

Lisa Lang just rolled with it, laughed, and responded, “True, but I order out very well,” with a smile.

 

By this time, the rest of the Council members were shaking their heads, laughing, and well, enjoying a really lighthearted moment courtesy of the mayor. For those who have only seen Andy Lang in his mayoral role and responsibilities, you have likely seen the kind and very business-like demeanor.

 

If you get to see him in a social setting, and I have many times, he has a wonderful sense of humor. And everyone knows Lisa Lang matches and exceeds most in the humor and fun department.

 

To his credit, before the meeting ended as the Council members each gave final comments, Lang either backtracked or decided to make peace.

 

“In fairness, my wife is actually a really good cook,” said Lang.

 

I will take his word for it. Of course, the journalist in me – and the mooch – may need to find out for sure. Because of that, a follow-up blog after Lisa submits a home-cooked meal would officially settle the debate.

 

Whether the meal comes or not, is a moot point. What is not, is that even though most Bridgeport City Council meetings are to the point, they are not necessarily stuffy either. But it sure was nice to see everyone drop their guards and laugh.

 

Even better was seeing the victim of the laugh roll right along. Thanks to Lisa Lang, no political career ended about two weeks ago.

 

Editor's Note: Mayor Andy Lang smiles after delivering his comment in the top photo, while Council member Jeff Smell can't contain his laughter in the bottom photo. Middle photo shows Lisa Lang prior to her husband's verbal jab giving a presentation on the city's all-inclusive playground.