While reading the April 14 article, “Auburn Planning Board supports Court Street development,” the word “recuse” jumped out to me.

In checking the meaning, the dictionary showed “recuse” is to withdraw (oneself) from any decision making so as to avoid a semblance of personal interest or bias.

This information led to questions.

Why wouldn’t the board member, who worked with the buyer when purchasing the property, have to “recuse” himself from voting?

Would another board member, who is a Realtor, need to “recuse” herself because of career bias?

What led to board members voting unanimously that the member not “recuse” himself?

Are Auburn board members aware that they might need to be prepared to “recuse” themselves?

Mary Ann Norcross, Auburn