Out of the shadows and in the open.
Via WMTW:
Lewiston Mayor Bob MacDonald said members of the public have the right to know who is receiving taxpayer-funded welfare benefits.
MacDonald wants to change state law to allow the creation of an online database.
But even if MacDonald is successful in changing the law at the state level, federal law protects the privacy of welfare recipients.
People on Lisbon Street and in downtown Lewiston seemed against the idea of publicizing personal information about those who receive welfare.
“Absolutely not. That’s exploitation of people who are already down on their luck,” Lewiston resident Cindy Hobson said.
“To put them in the public eye degrades them — takes away from their privacy,” Lewiston resident Leland Haney said.
MacDonald used his weekly Twin City Times column to suggest the creation of a website to list the names and addresses of people receiving public assistance, along with the amount of time they’ve spent on the welfare rolls.
“I think it will discourage a lot of people from committing fraud,” MacDonald said.
Opponents said it’s a form of public shaming, but MacDonald doesn’t see it that way.
“I mean, it’s taxpayers’ money, you know. They’re always talking about transparency. Well, this is transparency,” MacDonald said.