As a City Council Member, Dennis Hession has almost always been available for comment on any issue, from cable rate hikes to the Rookery Block to the Jim West scandal. The night of the recall election, Hession allowed a KREM 2 News crew into his home with light kits, cameras, and cables, to do a live interview immediately following the results. Hession agreed to do it, even though it was a last-minute request by us on a very busy night.

During meetings, Hession is diplomatic and thoughtful, and takes time to fully explain the reasons behind his decisions. It takes a lot for him to interrupt people during the public comment period, even the regulars who come to spout off every week. Everyone's allotted 3 minutes. Only if they go extremely long, you'll hear Hession say, "Sir. Excuse me, Sir. Your three minutes were up quite some time ago, so please rap up." It almost always works, except for one night that sticks out in my mind. Former City Council Member Steve Eugster was blasting the council for trying to amend the City Charter. The council wanted to add more checks-and-balances, like sanctioning power over the mayor. Eugster, who wrote the charter, spoke through several of Hession's time allottment warnings, until a police officer finally escorted him out.

Hession isn't one to stir up controversy. Especially during the West scandal, I'd hear rumors about the Mark Busto investigation or the internet file release, and call Hession for confirmation. He'd pause and answer any questions I had, but he wouldn't volunteer any extra information.

Hession admits he isn't completely comfortable in the mayor's office yet. Mayor West knew that after an interview, we'd have to follow him for a few minutes to get video of him at his desk, walking through the office, etc, to use in our stories. After our first interview with Hession in his new office this week, he expected us to leave, and seemed confused as to why we followed him around afterwards. A city staffer turned to me and said, "He'll learn."