During a recent Lewiston City Council meeting, residents expressed deep concerns regarding transparency and budgetary decisions that they believe are detrimental to the community. A notable point of contention arose when a resident questioned the legality of a council meeting held on June 6, suggesting that public comment rules were improperly enforced to silence dissent. This resident, Donna Gallant, criticized council members for their lack of action during previous legal hearings and called for greater accountability.

Gallant, who has a personal stake in the local education system as a Ward 7 School Committee member and a parent, emphasized the importance of supporting the school budget. She argued that cuts to education disproportionately affect students and called for legislative changes to address unfunded mandates that burden local schools. Gallant highlighted the need for economic development in Lewiston, advocating for more businesses to improve the tax base and support public education.

Other residents echoed her sentiments, expressing frustration over the council's spending practices. Bob McCarthy, a former council member, criticized the current council for adding numerous positions to the budget without considering taxpayers' ability to afford such increases. He pointed out that the budget passed included 13 new positions, which he deemed excessive for a community struggling financially.

Jay Roderick, another resident, directed his criticism towards the administrative costs within the school system, arguing that excessive administrative positions contribute to the financial strain on the city. He suggested that the city should operate more like a business to manage its resources effectively.

Overall, the meeting underscored a growing discontent among Lewiston residents regarding fiscal management and the perceived lack of responsiveness from their elected officials. As the community grapples with budgetary constraints and the need for improved public services, the call for transparency and accountability remains a central theme in ongoing discussions.