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Council debates attending candidate-hosted forum amid Open Meetings Act concerns
Summary
Councilors discussed a solicitor's opinion that attending a candidate-hosted community forum could create an Open Meetings Act issue if more than four members participate; several councilors said they would not attend, and members noted campaign events on town property raise separate concerns.
Councilors reviewed a solicitor's letter about whether attendance at a candidate-hosted community forum would create an Open Meetings Act (quorum) issue.
The clerk had circulated a notice from the town solicitor advising caution if more than four councilors attend and participate; councilors discussed differences between passive attendance (sitting in the audience) and active participation. Some councilors said they would not attend the event because the invitation was coming from someone running for council and that hosting or participating in a campaign-related forum on town property could blur the line with campaign activity.
One councilor stated, “I will not be attending because...a forum being run by somebody running for council to me is just not correct,” expressing concern about appearing to endorse a candidate while on official business. The council agreed the library and clerk should be consulted about use of town property for candidate events and that the solicitor’s guidance would govern individual member decisions about attendance.
