The city's PR nightmare over this project reaches new heights.  Local officials should know well by this time that there's a sizable audience of government bashers out there that will seize upon any excuse to discredit the public sector.  In such a caustic environment, is it any wonder that "unanticipated" cost over runs and "out of the blue"  councillor demands for private offices in a new (and many would say essentially unnecessary) building provokes  an outcry?  Just how far such discontent will spread is anyone's guess.  What is clear is that the "leaders" of the charge to tear down the old hall and discard the idea of recycling EWEB's former HQ now face a growing legitimacy challenge which, if they are not careful could lead to yet another vacant "pit" downtown.  Tsk Tsk.