AUBURN – Mayor Norm Guay stepped up to defend city staff Monday, calling criticism of City Manager Pat Finnigan unacceptable.

“Based on comments I’ve heard around the community, there have been suggestions that the staff has been less than forthcoming about public information,” Guay said. “Those comments are unacceptable. Staff continues to follow the direction of the City Council. We are very fortunate to have had the quality of people that we have always had.”

City Councilor Bob Mennealy filed a Freedom of Access request with the city manager’s office last week, asking for a detailed accounting of the city’s economic development spending for the past three years. The economic development fund is collected from the city’s tax-increment financing districts.

Guay said articles in the Sun Journal and questions he’s had about the issue prompted him to defend the city staff.

“They are hard working, dedicated, loyal and above all, honest employees,” Guay said.

Councilor Kelly Matzen agreed, criticizing attacks he feels are aimed personally at city staff.

“I don’t think that kind of thing has a place in our dialogue,” Matzen said.

Mennealy defended his request, saying it was not a personal attack on anyone.

“I don’t think I questioned anyone’s integrity,” Mennealy said. “I just feel that the facts are presented in such a way that they seem to support certain positions. I want to see all of the facts to make good decisions. I don’t feel the least bit guilty for asking for that information.”

staylor@sunjournal.com