Residents praise unions, raise public-records concerns during Lawrence council public comments

During the Lawrence City Council's public participation period on Feb. 4, two residents addressed the council with contrasting appeals: one voiced support for municipal unions and workers; the other complained about an alleged delay in the city's response to a public-records request.

"We are united to support Lawrence Police Union," resident Umoyun Malley said in remarks that thanked police, public-works and inspectional-services employees and urged help for people experiencing homelessness. Malley provided a street address for the record.

Another speaker, Richard Russell of 34 Cross Street, told the council he had submitted a public-records request titled "2024Foyer-1299" on Nov. 18 and said the city had not responded after 78 days. Russell said the request sought emails from city addresses to Facebook or Meta accounts during a specified period and raised questions about appointments to a citizens advisory committee for the police-chief search, noting his concern that a city employee and a $500 campaign donor were both on the committee list. He said he had filed a follow-up request seeking the list of applicants and reasons for rejection.

No council action was recorded in response to the comments during the meeting. The speakers' remarks were entered into the public record, and Mr. Russell said he would await the city's response to his public-records requests.

Ending: Comments reflected both public support for municipal employees and an outstanding open records dispute; the transcript records the statements but does not record any immediate staff response or council direction.