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Resident urges Lawrence council to send resolution supporting statewide audit ballot question to Beacon Hill; committee sends request for city-attorney review
Summary
A resident, Rich Russell, asked the committee to draft a resolution supporting a statewide ballot question on auditable financial dealings; the committee voted to table the request and asked the city attorney and clerk to prepare a draft and opinion before forwarding.
A member of the public asked the ordinance committee to draft and forward a resolution from the Lawrence City Council endorsing a statewide ballot question requiring auditable financial dealings among state branches.
Rich Russell of 34 Cross Street told the committee that the ballot measure received about 72% support statewide and urged the council to send a resolution to Beacon Hill because he believes state leaders are "stonewalling" the constitutional process. He said local public-record requests can obtain similar financial information from the city and argued that the commonwealth should follow voters’ direction.
Committee members welcomed the comment and agreed the city attorney and clerk should review and draft any resolution. The committee moved to table the matter and send it to the city attorney and city clerk for drafting and legal opinion; the motion carried. The item will return to committee with a prepared draft and city-attorney guidance.
What’s next: The proposer and staff will coordinate with the city attorney and clerk to prepare a resolution and legal opinion for the committee's next meeting.
