The article about the Portland City Council approving the street lamp sculpture for Woodfords Corner (Page B1, June 7) reports that the councilors approved the plan even though it “has not been well-received by their constituents.”

This raises some important questions.

If this is public art and is supported by public (taxpayers’) money, why doesn’t the public have a say in the choice?

If the councilors represent their constituents, why don’t they represent their constituents?

If the public doesn’t like the sculpture, how will it make Woodfords Corner “a more enticing area to visit”?

If the preferences of the public are not taken into account, and if councilors’ personal tastes are not to be considered, why do the so-called experts on the Public Art Committee get to decide, and on what basis?

“The Emperor’s New Clothes,” anyone?

David Moltz

Portland