I was watching our local public access television station on March 7. The station was showing the latest and most dramatic installment of the Auburn City Council meeting. If anybody else was watching, I’m wondering if their mouths were as wide open as mine.

I was dumbfounded by the behavior of virtually every participant of the council, the mayor included. I was appalled by the general lack of courtesy, professionalism and consideration by each and every individual.

Grandstanding, opining, finger-pointing and name-calling were rampant. As the meeting went on, the hostile tone increased.

I wonder if Auburn councilors realize their behavior was being taped? Nail-biting, hair-twirling, rolling eyes, and bored faces shoved into exasperated hands were easily discernible. Is Auburn’s City Council actually to be considered professional, astute and competent?

I expect more from elected officials. I expect them to be respectful, intelligent, astute, articulate, organized and, most importantly, humble. I witnessed none of that.

I hope every citizen of Auburn was watching that meeting and I hope they will hold their City Council accountable. I hope to see a dramatic change in the council’s behavior toward a more productive end. Ultimately, I hope not to feel embarrassed by them.

As a resident of Lewiston, I can only sit back in disgust of the Auburn City Council. I shall be paying very close attention to the Lewiston City Council and holding it to the same standard I expect of my neighboring city.

Joseph V. Keelan, Lewiston