The people get to be a part of the process.

That is why we have elections. It is why we have school boards made up of the people who live in the geographical area of the district. It is why we have local government instead of just ceding all responsibility to the state.

The people have a right to see what is being done in their name. They have a right to raise their voices when they want to influence the decisions that are being made. They have a right to be heard in opposition or in support.

The people of Arnold have been cheated of that opportunity.

The city council fired Mario Bellavia from his position as city manager. It is believed council took that action Sept. 20. Was that established by a public vote? Was it an agenda item from a meeting?

It was not.

Council members and the mayor held a secret meeting. Solicitor Jaclyn Shaw was unable to give additional information about what happened at that meeting. She said it was a personnel issue.

Pennsylvania’s Sunshine Law does allow executive sessions to take place for personnel issues. It does not allow government entities to hide behind those meetings when it comes to votes.

A personnel matter can be discussed in executive session in complete privacy. However, when it comes to the decision, that has to be made in public.

That did not happen. People did not get to see the process. They might well have agreed with council’s decision if it was made openly. By doing it in the dark, council cheated itself of the support that might have come with that action.

Now a discussion on the topic will be on the Oct. 10 meeting agenda. Residents who want to comment can do so at that time.

That is too little and far too late. Twenty days after an action has been taken is unacceptable when it comes to asking the people for their opinion.

That is akin to holding an election after the winners were sworn in. It is executing the prisoner and then asking the jury if he was guilty.

“The law requires votes to follow public comment because it recognizes that government functions best when it is aided by an informed and actively involved citizenry. That simply can’t happen if decisions are made behind closed doors, then announced to the public afterward,” said Melissa Melewsky, media law counsel for the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association.

Let’s be clear: This is not simply about being fair to the media, although that is part of it. It has nothing to do with Bellavia and everything to do with the actions taken by this municipality. It flouts the ethical responsibilities Arnold owes to every resident.

Copyright ©2025— Trib Total Media, LLC (TribLIVE.com)