If the Newton City Council is ever accused of favoritism when it awards a contract to a local business rather than the apparent low bidder — which they legally have the discretion to do — they can “live with that.”

That was the prevailing opinion expressed by a majority of councilors Monday during a discussion about the pros and cons of a “local preference” ordinance for the City of Newton. City Administrator Robert Knabel suggested a previously recommended preference ordinance would create a “slippery slope,” but also noted an ordinance would create greater clarity for city staff in the future.

But, councilors seemed reluctant to “hamstring future city councils and city staff” by enacting a preference ordinance. Councilor Noreen Otto said the city council has the discretion as well as the “common sense” to apply its discretion when it makes sense to do so.