City Councilman Mike Regis is a great guy. When he sought office a few years ago, we heartily endorsed his bid.

Since taking the post, we feel he has offered true insight, has investigated all sides of issues presented and worked diligently to give the people of Poulsbo his very best.

Unfortunately, Regis is also a chatterbox.

This is part of his appeal but it is also turning into his downfall as a councilman.

Don’t get us wrong here, we still like Mike.

We just wish he wouldn’t talk out of class.

Executive sessions are serious business and while Regis — and all the council for that matter — knows this, he is apparently having a tough time coming to grips with the concept of “closed meetings.”

Whether you love them or hate them, executive sessions are a vital part of government. There are some things that are honestly best said and discussed behind closed doors. Issues that are in their infancy and may involve legal recourse if uttered outside the confines of such an environment.

Even so, the censure of Regis last week was his second. He can’t claim ignorance on this one, or the first one for that matter.

The interesting thing is that Regis is a stickler for the rules and often cites city code when matters of building and planning come to light.

Nonetheless, he seems to forget about the “code of conduct” he helped pass last time council sought means for the public rebuke.

In city government, loose lips don’t sink ships. They do, however, sink plans and proposals that might improve life in Little Norway in the long run.

Worse yet, they sink our confidence in those elected officials who we put so much of our faith in. The sacred trust of the voters has been trod upon.

Not once, but twice by Regis.

We hope he learns his lesson this time.

There is much more at stake here than one man’s political career.

There is something every Poulsbo taxpayer deserves every minute of every day they call themselves residents of Little Norway — peace of mind.