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A lack of communication on the two sides triggered massive debate and many hard feelings. The public, especially, reacted with visceral anger.
Given the events of last week, I could be commenting on the ongoing federal government shutdown that, after 30 days, is affecting all of us one way or another.
Then again, I also could be referring to the removal of Warren police officer and school resource officer Adam Chinchic from a city elementary school after he ticketed Principal Carrie Boyer for repeatedly parking illegally in a handicapped space.
In fact, I'm commenting on both.
Isn't it amazing how many problems can arise when communication is lacking?
Consider the ridiculous antics going on in D.C.
Friday, Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi canceled her plans to travel by commercial plane to visit U.S. troops in Afghanistan, saying President Donald Trump triggered a security risk when he spoke about the trip.
The Associated Press called it "the latest twist in what has become a Washington game of brinkmanship between Pelosi and Trump, playing out against the stalled negotiations over how to end the partial government shutdown."
It came after other political stunts, including Pelosi asking Trump to reschedule his Jan. 29 State of the Union address. She cited security issues at a time when the Homeland Security Department and other agencies remain unfunded.
Trump, of course, responded by canceling the military plane that was to have carried Pelosi and a congressional delegation to Afghanistan on a previously undisclosed troop visit.
Trump suggested she travel commercially instead. He called the trip a "public relations event" and said it would be best if Pelosi remained in Washington to negotiate to reopen the government.
There have been few signs of progress in shutdown negotiations, largely because there have been little (or no) talks, and neither side has expressed much willingness to give in.
So goes life inside the Capital Beltway.
And then there is life in Warren.
It was here that tensions rose when Warren City Schools superintendent Steve Chiaro called for the removal of Chinchic, who had put a ticket on the principal's vehicle that was parked in the handicapped loading area.
Public and police outrage ensued, especially after it was determined that Chinchic had warned Boyer twice before not to park there.
Chiaro told me last week that he saw a "deteriorating relationship" between the two, and when he learned of the ticket, he immediately called for the officer's removal, largely to prevent further problems between the two.
He did not know at that time, however, about the prior illegal parking warnings. So, I asked, would that knowledge have made a difference? Possibly because the illegal parking practice would have been dealt with and it would have ended, he responded.
Everyone was angry about the situation. I know because of the volume of letters to the editor and Sound off! submissions I've been receiving, not to mention the posts on social media and on Tribune Chronicle stories at www.tribtoday.com.
The incident drew interest from a throng of international media.
Luckily, Warren school and city leaders, along with police officers, were willing to sit down in closed-door meetings on at least two occasions last week.
Friday, Chiaro issued a written apology, sent to the Tribune Chronicle. The understanding and ultimate apology, Chiaro said, came after "positive dialogue and conversations" between the Warren police union and city officials.
Cooler heads prevailed and now it appears the sides have reached at least some form of resolution.
Sure, questions still remain, but for now, it appears the two sides are talking and hopefully will be able to continue this important relationship of working together.
Now if only the president and the Dems would be willing to follow suit in Washington, we'd all be better off.