It’s probably fruitless to remind political consultants that character counts, but what in the world was going through the mind of a stand-up guy like Mayor Dennis Hession when those political ads were discussed? Maybe it went something like this:

Consultant: “In this one, we’ll hammer Verner for missing council votes.”

Hession: “I’ve missed votes, too.”

Consultant: “Yep. Same percentage as a matter of fact, but it wouldn’t help to mention that.”

Hession: “But what if she had good reasons, like a death in the family?”

Consultant: “It is up to the voters to evaluate the information and use it as they will. We’ll also hit her for her votes on the Peaceful Valley condominium tower settlement, sewer and utility rate increases, property tax hikes for emergency medical services and to maintain police, fire and library services.”

Hession: “Wait! I either voted for or agreed with those moves. They were in the best interests of the city.”

Consultant: “Look, are you running for mayor or ex-mayor? You don’t seem to understand why it needs to be done this way.”

Hession: “Actually, I’m afraid I do.”

Consultant: “Don’t worry. If you’re called on it, you just need to say …”

Hession: “… ‘It is up to the voters to evaluate the information and use it as they will.’ “

Man of action. “The permanent campaign” has evolved into a term of derision when describing politicians who govern based on the next election. But it can be a good thing if it prompts action where indecision once ruled.

In the past eight months, Hession has decided to let the temporary property tax lapse, hire 24 police officers and 10 firefighters, extend library hours and lower the inordinately high utility tax.

Compare that to the long pauses in leadership when it came to the firehouse sex scandal, the Otto Zehm case, the need for substantive police oversight, the jettisoning of Jack Lynch and filling key positions.

The only way to know whether that surge in decision-making was motivated by political survival is if it stops after Election Day.

That is, if he wins.

Grudge match. Did you catch Jessica Brown’s sports column on Thursday about the parents who browbeat Hall of Famer Linda Sheridan, a retired high school volleyball coach? Several of her former players are high school coaches, and she gives them advice. Horrible, I know.

One of the coaches she helps works at Lewis and Clark High School. Sheridan coached at Shadle Park. This was too much for a Shadle Park alum, whose daughter plays for North Central High School.

How, she asked Sheridan, could she help a South Side school?

The north-south feud is not this city’s most charming trait.