Late last week, word went ricocheting around progressive circles that Mayor Rob Ford’s office had leaned heavily on city clerk Ulli Watkiss not to appeal a court ruling ordering a by-election in Ward 9 because of irregularities with the voters list. The decision came in response to a lawsuit filed by Gus Cusimano, who lost last fall to incumbent Maria Augimeri by just 89 votes. Cusimano, who comes decked out in a blue-and-white Ford Nation uniform, characterized the judge’s verdict as a victory for democracy or fairness or somesuch. City lawyers had said they might appeal, but Watkiss, who is ultimately responsible for elections, decided against further legal interventions. Hard on the heels of the speculation about Watkiss’ alleged capitulation were dark mutterings from the left about the possibility of calling for her resignation. City officials must be impartial and impervious to political squeeze plays; this mandarin, goes the logic, appears to have caved to the brothers Ford. Ergo, off with her head. Is that the sour scent of desperation I smell? The progressive left should know better than to pick on civil servants, especially civil servants who must operate in exceptionally difficult conditions, as is currently the case. The city’s senior officials are not the problem. Let’s say that again: the city’s senior officials are not the problem. So don’t make them into scapegoats.