That four of Lewiston’s city councilors seem to have been conducting city business outside of public meetings is, unfortunately, no longer a surprise to most people.
Having already written about this issue twice before, in March 2022 and March 2023, I am frustrated that it continues to be a problem.
Public representative bodies, including the Lewiston City Council, are required by law and by their own rules to hold meetings in public. Sufficient notice must be given beforehand so people can attend and comment. Since it requires a minimum of four council members to pass legislation or take other actions, any discussion by a group of four or more regarding city business must be done in the public eye.
Coordination in private silences the voices of everyone whose representative was not present, but these city councilors seem more concerned with bullying their agenda through than they are with basic respect for representative democracy.
This is also evidenced by the same group’s refusal to approve any appointment to the Ward 4 School Committee seat after a recent resignation. It should be especially concerning that an entire ward of over 5,000 people now has no representation when it comes to what goes on in our schools.
Lewiston deserves better. We deserve leaders who will commit to conducting the people’s business openly and transparently. Some council members’ continued refusal to do so shows a blatant disregard for the public process and for their constituents.
Scott Harriman, Lewiston
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