Concerns over potential misuse of the new city code of conduct dominated the Keene City Council meeting on December 5, 2024. The revised charter now allows for the removal of council members after two violations of the code, raising alarms about the implications for governance and accountability.

During the meeting, a council member highlighted the risks associated with the new charter revisions, emphasizing that the city attorney, who will investigate violations, is also an employee of the council. This dual role could lead to biased recommendations, potentially allowing a majority of the council to remove a member without adequate checks and balances. \"A majority of council that did not like one of the newly elected could decide to remove him or her from office,\" the member warned, pointing out the lack of safeguards in the process.

The discussion revealed that ten code violations had already been filed against council members, with only one deemed valid by the attorney. The financial implications were also significant, with estimates suggesting that the city has already spent around $4,000 on handling these violations. This figure raised concerns about the efficiency and productivity of the council's operations, with members questioning whether the code was serving its intended purpose.

Another council member proposed abolishing the code altogether, arguing that it has led to unnecessary drama and could be exploited for political maneuvering. \"It's just going to cost us time, money, stress, and drama,\" they stated, advocating for a more straightforward approach to governance.

The meeting underscored a growing tension within the council regarding the balance of power and the potential for the code to be weaponized against members. As discussions continue, the council faces the challenge of ensuring accountability while protecting its members from potential misuse of the new regulations. The outcome of these deliberations could significantly impact the future dynamics of the Keene City Council.