Kate Toomey’s no good, very bad night

It’s not all fun and games being a city councilor—just ask Kate Toomey, who was visibly irritated after being the target of several disagreements at Tuesday night’s meeting. First, Toomey, who is considering a run for mayor, came under fire for her proposal to hold a series of hearings on the budget around the city from a few councilors, notably Paul Clancy and Phil Palmieri, who accused Toomey of trying to change the budget process and adding additional responsibilities to an “intense time” for councilors. “This is an intense time for citizens of the city as well. I’m not asking to change the process of the budget,” said an annoyed Toomey. “[We need] the opportunity to get out there and talk to people…not everyone watches [budget hearings] at 4 in the afternoon…If you don’t want to have three, have one. I think it’s important that we get out…that they know what’s happening.” Later in the meeting, Toomey stopped speaking several times on her motion for the City Manager to use Twitter after being interrupted. (When she mentioned that Governor Deval Patrick uses the quick hit messaging service, Clancy quipped about his 28% approval rating). Toomey’s night was capped by a blocked motion to have local colleges due a study on moving the city to a single tax rate over 5, 7 or 10 years.