The public’s business deserves to be heard in the public, not behind closed doors.

Accusations that elected leaders in Steubenville have violated the public’s trust by holding illegal meetings under the guise of “executive sessions” are concerning, and must be addressed quickly.

Open Government Advocates, a governmental watchdog group, alleges Steubenville City Council members violated the state’s sunshine laws six times over the past two years.

This happened when, according to the organization, council went behind closed doors illegally to discuss matters that are not allowable under Ohio’s Revised Code.

Transparency in local government is important. Not only is it required by law, but it is the only way to build public confidence that their elected representatives are, in fact, working for them. The people are the source of their authority, having handed it to them at the polls. The people also are the source of the funding with which those governments operate and deserve openness.

City leaders need to address these concerning allegations, and move to implement policies and procedures that lead to the public’s business always being aired in an open forum. Anything less is a disservice to the community.