I’m writing to express my concern over the way the majority of the Lewiston City Council handled a recent issue brought before them.

Since when does an individual’s stance on morality override the law, especially when a person’s livelihood and career are at stake?

City Administrator Jim Bennett handled himself unprofessionally and in biased fashion, not only by the mass confusion he caused at the end of every long-winded statement he made, but also by offering only two of the three choices of action over and over again, revocation and suspension.

The law may have been pushed to the limit, but it certainly was not broken as it is currently written.

If Mr. Bennett is unable to separate his personal opinion from the fact of the law, maybe his position should be reconsidered.

Councilor Mendros seemed to be the only rational person on that council that evening. Not only did he appropriately state the facts as he should have, he was reluctant to take away the career and business that Augustine Russo has spent the five past years cleaning up and building.

Councilors Paradis, Jean and Connors ought to be ashamed of their hasty decision to revoke the license, never once considering in what position this would put the owner as well as his employees.

It’s time for councilors to ask themselves: Are they there to do what’s right, according to the law, or to push their weight around? What really is their agenda?

Christine Karales, Portland

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