Why does the public’s business need to be discussed in private?

That’s the question we asked ourselves after Monday’s closed-door meeting of Natchez city leaders.

Members of the Natchez Board of Aldermen likely will claim that they went into executive session to discuss “litigation strategy” as city attorney Hyde Carby suggested.

Carby is correct that the board may — emphasis on may — go into executive session to discuss pending litigation.

But such closed-door discussions would seem completely unnecessary given the circumstances of what’s being discussed.

Monday’s discussion wasn’t over a wrongful death lawsuit filed against the city’s police or a dispute over a personnel matter. One could argue those type of cases could require private discussions to prevent tipping off the other side in the litigation.

However, Monday’s discussion was to discuss a lawsuit filed over what a citizen — and in this case the former mayor and other community leaders — believes is an unfair city voting district lines.

The only “side” in such a dispute should be the side of what’s fair.

The only “side” to be considered should be the side of what’s best.

The only “side” to be considered should be the side of what’s right and just.

Instead, at least from outward appearance anyway, the only sides being considered behind closed doors are the sides of jockeying for the upper hand without much public debate or knowledge.

Natchez deserves better.