Members of the Gray Town Council did the right thing Thursday by voting to discipline the town’s recreation director in public session. It made legal an illegal move by the council to take this action in executive session the week prior.

Last month, Town Manager Deborah Cabana fired Dean Bennett for cause, and Bennett appealed the decision to the council. The council properly called an executive session to discuss the appeal, and then voted in secret to reverse Cabana’s decision, in violation of Maine’s Freedom of Access Act. Maine law requires council votes to be held in public.

Called out on its error, the council scheduled a meeting to re-hold the vote in public. We welcome the change of heart, in the public interest.

Now, the taxpayers of Gray know who among the council voted to retain Bennett, opting for a 30-day suspension and long-term probation over the recommended termination, despite proof that he mismanaged at least $16,174 in public money.

Those who voted to keep him on the payroll are Chairman Peter Gellerson and Councilors Mark Grover and Matthew Sturgis.  Those who voted to uphold the termination are Councilors Margaret Hutchins and Cathy Manchester.

Probably worth remembering next election cycle.

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