I wish I could say I was shocked at the attitude at the last City Council meeting (July 20) of Mayor Lionel Guay but upset more accurately describes my feelings. Having followed city politics for numerous years, almost nothing shocks me now. However, when the mayor puts the needs of a city employee ahead of the obligations of a duly elected city official, something is wrong.

If Mr. Bennett felt very strongly regarding his proposal on the table then he should have scheduled it during a time when he could be present or have one of his competent staff members relay his message. Instead, the issue was tabled and rescheduled at a time when not all city councilors could be in attendance but Mr. Bennett could.

For Mr. Guay to scold Mr. Mendros for his concern about not being able to make the rescheduled meeting is uncalled-for. Why was he not scolding Mr. Bennett for being absent instead of rewarding him? Why can’t the meeting on this matter be scheduled at an appropriate time for all? Are Mr. Bennett’s attempts to intimidate the citizens of Lewiston more important than the rights of this community to proper representation?

I applaud Councilors Bernier, Connors and Mendros for voting against tabling this issue. We need more people like them who will stand up for their constituents rather than wait to play follow the leader with the administration.

Jacqueline P. Smith, Lewiston

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