Equal access to public facilities is a fundamental right that should be available to all citizens, regardless of their abilities. Regrettably, Methuen’s City Council has a track record of neglecting individuals who need public accommodations and facilities, particularly those with disabilities.
A valid case was filed by this writer alleging that the City Council violated the Open Meeting Law on December 5th, 2002, due to City Hall’s limited accessibility. The City Solicitor has defended the Council by arguing that the city has not neglected the mandatory ADA requirements.
However, it is important to note that the Council has not only failed to meet the ADA requirements, but they have also spent significant amounts of time and resources fighting against the resident’s justified claims instead of taking steps to promote the rights of Methuen’s disability community.
It is critical that the City Council instructs the City Solicitor to prioritize the protection of civil rights and ensure that all residents have equitable access to public facilities. Ignoring violations of civil rights may have severe consequences, and it is not acceptable to make light of them by laughing or joking about the matter.
Sid Harris