It's no surprise that the "Empire Strikes Back."

After Sherry Popham's Jedi-like stance in defiance of the dark forces aligned against the good people of Monroe County, the powers behind the Gang of Three have lobbed major salvos of detritus and bile in her direction.

Count Mario declares "I am the commissioner." Darth Jerry lashes out with a frivolous legal action. Mysterious lords from the Developers Guild leak misleading communiques in a feckless attempt at character assassination.

And now the emperor himself unleashes a Swift-boat attack that reeks of self-serving propaganda. Next thing you know, Bubba Fet will be dispatched.

But like her cousin Princess Leia, Mistress Popham stands firm against the false charges, making it clear that she has fought the good fight all along.

The vain attempt to show hypocrisy instead reveals altruism — that she turned down the big developer bucks because they wouldn't accept working waterfront restrictions. Darth Jerry's bogus charges of ethical violations only serve to show her steadfastness against the ethically challenged.

Where do we go from here? What will it take for us to see a Return of the Clear-eyed? Please, Sherry, lead us forward.

Is it possible for you to usurp the throne of either of the currently faltering Gang of Three? If so, let it be known that — like the Ewoks struggling against the Sith lords — we stand at your side.