Sue Higgins: Accountability only exists when the public demands it

To The Daily Sun,

Since July 2025, I have made a deliberate effort to become more active in local government. One thing became clear very quickly: important matters appeared to be decided outside the public eye.

Council meetings frequently lacked thorough discussion, and committee minutes were often delayed, incomplete, or inconsistent with what later came before the full council. That raised a fair question: where were the real decisions being made?

I began speaking out about transparency because public trust depends on it. I was disappointed by the dismissive attitude shown by former interim mayor Charlie St. Clair and former councilman Bruce Cheney when legitimate questions about openness and accountability were raised. Public concerns should not be brushed aside with arrogance or indifference.

The issue was serious enough that Ward 2 Councilor Bob Soucy publicly defended the city’s record in an Oct. 30, 2025, Laconia Daily Sun article, stating: “Everything is wide open. All our meetings are wide open, and all our minutes are wide open. We don’t have old boy discussions, like some say.”

Unfortunately, those words have not aged well. Councilor Soucy has since been tied to a Right-to-Know controversy involving decisions outside posted meetings, the very kind of behind-the-scenes decision-making many residents feared. Rather than step down from the committee in question, he chose to remain. That choice further weakened public confidence.

Still, this moment can serve a purpose. Citizens are watching more closely now, as they should. Accountability exists only when the public demands it.

In 18 months, voters will remember the conduct of Councilors Soucy and Jon Hildreth, as well as anyone who defends actions that undermine transparency and the public’s right to open government.

Laconia owes thanks to Doreen Richards, Councilman Mike Conant, and Mayor Mike Bordes for standing up for honesty, openness, and accountability.

Sue Higgins

Laconia