During a recent city council meeting, the president of the League of Women Voters of Hudson raised significant concerns regarding the council's adherence to sunshine laws, which mandate transparency and accountability in government operations. The president highlighted a troubling incident from last fall when the council held an executive session to decide on filing a lawsuit against former city manager Jane Howington related to her separation agreement.

The council's decision to seal the lawsuit from public scrutiny was met with criticism from Judge Michaels, who noted that Howington's separation agreement was already public information, rendering the sealing unnecessary. The judge also criticized the city's attorney for misleading the court and ruled that Howington was entitled to attorney's fees for her defense. Following this, the council voted unanimously to settle the dispute for $80,000, a move the League deemed lacking in transparency and accountability to Hudson taxpayers.

The League emphasized the importance of sunshine laws, stating that they exist to prevent misuse of power by public officials and to ensure that citizens are informed about government actions. The president also addressed the financial challenges facing Hudson Community Television (HCTV), which is experiencing a deficit according to the city's five-year plan. The League urged the council to find solutions to sustain HCTV, which serves as a vital resource for residents, particularly those without access to streaming services, to stay informed about local government and community issues.

The League of Women Voters of Hudson reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for transparent governance and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to discuss these pressing matters with the council.