Natchez’s mayor and board of aldermen again trampled the spirit of the state law intended to protect the public’s right to an open government.

Four members of the Natchez Board of Aldermen voted Tuesday to slam the door on the public as they talked business with a would-be casino developer who has locked up arguably one of the city’s most valuable pieces of property.

Aldermen did so without specifically explaining what would be discussed and why it was so sensitive that the people who own the land — taxpayers — couldn’t hear.

Members of the public attended the meeting to hear the developer’s latest plans.

What’s worse than the vote itself is the fact that the city’s legal counsel and the mayor encouraged Aldermen Joyce Arceneaux-Mathis, Bob Pollard, Tony Fields and Mark Fortenbery to make the vote. They assured them that the general heading of “business strategy and financing” was a suitable reason to shutout the public.

Only two aldermen — James “Ricky” Gray and Dan Dillard — voted against the closed session.

The Mississippi Supreme Court has been clear on the intent of the state’s Open Meetings Act:

“Every member of every public board and commission in this state should always bear in mind that the spirit of the Act is that a citizen spectator, including any representative of the press, has just as much right to attend the meeting and see and hear everything that is going on as has any member of the board or commission.”

The Mississippi Ethics Commission, which enforces the law, has also been clear that reasons for closing meetings should be clear and specific.

Of course, the high and mighty aldermen know more than the Supreme Court and the Ethics Commission.

Just ask them. If you’re lucky they might pass their answer under the closed door.