During a workshop Monday night, the Auburn City Council took up the issue of “de-authorizing” a bond package approved last year to build a parking garage in the city.

On the merits of the argument, proponents of moving forward with the bonds make a strong case. The garage is an anchor for further economic development, and the business community should be able to depend on the city to fulfill its obligations once it commits to a deal.

Councilor Bob Mennealy, who’s leading the charge against the garage, raises legitimate questions, and his views shouldn’t be shunted aside because they are inconvenient.

Several former city councilors and developers, who were in attendance and supported the bond, were allowed by Mayor Normand Guay to speak.

In the past, the mayor has been more reluctant to allow public comment during workshops. On several occasions that we can recall, firefighters, concerned with the direction of contract negotiations between their union and the city, were not allowed to speak their minds.

The City Council generally limits comment to the public hearings, which are designed to give residents a say. At least that’s been the practice in the past.

De-authorizing the garage bond is a contentious issue and will likely generate a close vote when the City Council takes up the issue May 2. Guay opposes de-authorization, which is a reasonable position considering the bonds were passed under his stewardship. But it appears that the mayor allowed people who agree with him to speak – perhaps in an attempt to sway an undecided councilor – while in the past he’s refused others the same opportunity.

Guay might be right about the garage, but stacking the deck during a workshop isn’t appropriate.