M.C. hammers: At last night’s Budget Committee meeting, Metro Council Republicans criticized the mayor for not giving the legislative body a larger role in finding ways to fix a $20 million hole in the city’s budget. Words like “contempt,” “fumbling” and “impulsive” were thrown around. It’s true the mayor’s office doesn’t go out of its way to include the council on a lot of decisions. However, with the city in the red, shouldn’t the mayor’s office, council and unions be cooperating with one another a little better? They all seem to be anchored to their usual bitter corners and talking points. Where’s the leadership? Also check out the photo in the C-J of Councilman Kelly Downard, R-16 — is he throwing up gang signs?

Art of poor: Another part of the mayor’s unilateral strategy to close the $20 million budget shortfall has been to cut arts funding by 50 percent. That will reduce the $1,023,750 Metro government originally pledged to 26 arts groups down to $511,875.

Boel is back: The WLKY anchor returns to the airwaves. Two months ago, he pleaded guilty to DUI in Shelby County. Many wondered if the last image of the investigative reporter that local viewers would see was a not-so-flattering mug shot. In a statement, Boel says he’s ready to get back to work and serve the public.

Person of the Year: With 25 candidates for Time Magazine’s annual issue, should anyone other than Barack Obama even be considered?

Keep the change: With an exceptionally low voter turnout, incumbent Republican Sen. Saxby Chambliss easily defeated Democratic challenger Jim Martin in Georgia. Now all post-election eyes are on Minnesota.