Lawrence: Chockful of Nutters

Star Columnist Matthew Tully dares to look closer at Lawrence politics.

Lawrence elevates squabbling to high art

Here are a few of the more memorable moments -- which included conspiracy tales, tears and bizarro behavior -- that came with reporting today's column about city government in Lawrence.

• City Councilwoman Linda Treat threatened me with a lawsuit for asking questions. Then, as I sought to end our chat, she sobbed. Finally, the Democrat, who usually votes with Republicans, said she's received death threats since joining the council.

• Mayor Deborah Cantwell, a Democrat, agreed to an interview but came armed with two aides who tried to answer many of my questions. Cantwell talked about political opponents who allegedly have had her stalked, and later forwarded e-mails from a council critic, hoping to make the council member look bad.

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