Last week, the Lewiston City Council was scheduled to discuss the appointment of Luke Jensen to represent Ward 5 on the School Committee, filling the seat of Richard White.
Jensen’s name was put forth by School Committee Chairwoman Linda Scott, and forwarded to the City Council by Mayor Bob Macdonald.
Then, Councilor Tim Lajoie asked for a delay to address “constituent questions and concerns” regarding the appointment.
The discussion is now slated for executive session tonight, and while there’s been a lot of criticism on social media about the move to go behind closed doors, the City Council is within its right to do so.
Under the Maine Freedom of Access Act, the council may convene an executive session to discuss the appointment of an individual to a governmental body or agency.
FOAA doesn’t require such discussion in executive session. In fact, the statute specifically says a session “may” be called. The law doesn’t use the word “shall.”
There is a choice, here.
Councilors are allowed to discuss this appointment — which has raised so many questions — in public.
Often, executive sessions are called to protect the reputation of the person under discussion, but public officials have already commented on the possible appointment and then the delay. The damage, if there is any damage, has already brewed.
If Jensen is appointed — or perhaps not — there will always be question about what happened behind closed doors.
So, how about it, City Council?
You already made this discussion public. Finish it up in the full light of day.
jmeyer@sunjournal.com
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