The city council for the city of Auburn held a workshop on Sept. 11, a special remembrance day for all, but I guess not important enough for Mayor Norm Guay to be in Auburn.

The workshop discussed who would preside over the city council in the mayor’s absence. Kelly Matzen, councilor-at-large, brought this question to the workshop because before Mayor Guay left for vacation in Florida, he appointed Councilor Matzen to take his place.

The city of Auburn’s Charter, in section 3.2 Vacancy, states: “Whenever the office of Mayor becomes vacant within six (6) months prior to the next municipal election, or whenever the Mayor, for any reason, is unable to attend to the duties of his or her office, the City Council shall appoint one of its members as presiding officer to perform the duties of Mayor.”

There has been a lot of talk lately about the city charter and how the officials of Auburn need to follow it. If Mayor Guay knew before he left for Florida he wasn’t going to be back in time for the upcoming meetings, why didn’t he bring it before the city council prior to leaving? He brought it only to Councilor Matzen’s attention.

Anna L. Camire, Auburn