Local Realtor John Beutler approached Mayor Sandi Bloem to try to get her to make amends with Duane Hagadone. He set up a meeting between the two, away from Hagadone HQ, about Dec. 28. Seems Beutler was there to mediate. Hagadone, of course, spent the time berating the mayor for a checklist of things that she's done wrong, real and imagined, from the gardens to the height ordinance. I understand that Her Sandiness, politely, tried to answer his questions and explain a few points but kept her wits and temper. The odd thing is, when they went to leave -- not really on any better terms or with any more understanding -- the two hugged. A longer, friendly hug. Seems as if neither side knows what the hug means. ... And the other big question is why is Beutler playing mediator?

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