Scott Bentivegna, of Lawrence
Congratulations to Rick Miller and Bob Bostock for carrying the banner demanding an open selection process for a new member of the town council. It is only through their hard work that the three nominees of the Democratic Party eventually provided background information, statements about why they wanted to serve, and sat down for interviews in an open meeting that anyone could attend.
Many interested residents and I attended the interviews on Jan. 20. Rick and Bob asked each of the candidates thoughtful questions about a wide variety of issues confronting our town. It was a civil, nonpartisan, informative discussion. It’s exactly the kind of open process that we need in local government.
With our local, county, state and federal government all controlled by one party, it is not hard to imagine why the Democratic committee was reluctant to hold open interviews. In fact, the selection process as written in legal statutes virtually assures they will keep their power even if they do nothing! It is against these nearly insurmountable odds that Rick and Bob showed they TRULY are for open and transparent government. I’m glad Rick Miller and Bob Bostock stood up for the residents of Lawrence and fought for an open and transparent process.
Transparency is a key requirement for rooting out corruption in government. It is the only way to ensure decision-makers are held accountable to their constituents and not to outside political machines. If the residents are not happy with the Democratic committee’s choice for council, or any other decision, they have the power to contact their local committee person and demand an explanation why.
I am sure that Miller and Bostock will continue to stand up for all the town residents against the entrenched Democratic political machine that thinks it’s accountable to no one. We need more people like Rick and Bob on town council and at all levels of government.

