Thatcher - I would submit that the standard you are using for conflict of interest is not adequate and the bar you set is way too low. You write, "we live in a country where you are innocent until proven guilty. All this said it brings up the question of Conflict of Interest: both ethical and legal." In the legal Canons of Ethics, which all attorneys are bound to uphold, there is the standard that attorneys are to "Avoid all appearances of impropriety." I believe that is a much better standard for our elected or appointed officials to be held to, NOT "guilt beyond a reasonable doubt".
If a deal appears to be questionable, or it even appears that there may be a potential conflict of interest, public officials should simply recluse themselves from participating in the decision making process. Every level of government; City, State and Federal should have formalized Codes of Conduct spelling this out. Dann Dobson Summit Hill - Saint Paul Thatcher Imboden <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: With all of the talk regarding campaign donations and conflict of interest regarding the Klodt development, I felt like asking a few questions and making some pointed comments on conflict of interest in the development world. I'll preface this by saying that there definite questions regarding the Klodt donations, such as: why the vote was cast, was the candidate aware of the donations, was the candidate partaking in illegal practices, etc. Without having these answers, accusations should be treated as such - since we live in a country where you are innocent until proven guilty. All this said it brings up the question of Conflict of Interest: both ethical and legal. This will be tailored towards development. And I really am looking for honest answers, as I have some thoughts on this, but others' opinions on the matter really help develop your own no matter the direction. 1 A - What is a conflict of interest and how should they be handled for elected or appointed officials regarding development projects that come before a governmental board? Is it campaign contributions, personal friends who do development, living next to the development, etc? 1 B - Is it unethical for a governmental official to act on a development in which they've received campaign contributions from a developer? If it depends, then what does it depend on? 2 A - What is a conflict of interest and how should they be handled for those contacting government bodies regarding development? (Such as residents, business owners/managers, property owners). Is it those who work in real estate who have an interest in the area, is it residents who live a block away who fear property tax decreases, etc? 2 B - Is it unethical for real estate professionals (agents, developers, etc) to be involved in the process, specifically when development occurs in the area they have interest in? Why I ask those questions is because of this: I recently began working at a real estate firm that is involved in development in my area. I've been really active with my neighborhood at varying levels for a long time and have been asked many of times what my conflict of interest is lately. At times, I've felt that people think my opinion shouldn't count on development issues because of my job, even though the developments don't involve my company or its partners. It's really a matter of education, as when I've informed people of the conflict, the issue tends to get resolved. BUT, then I hear people say things like "my property values will go down" (my perspective is quite the opposite), which to me is a direct conflict of interest - but just because it's a conflict of interest, it doesn't mean one can't be involved and be fully a part of the process. I don't think there's anything inherently wrong with a developer and some of its staff donating to a political campaign, specifically if the developer owns significant amounts of land in the jurisdiction or if they live there. It's a grey zone in my opinion, because people like me who've been active and want to see Minneapolis grow and succeed on many levels - who work for a developer/property manager may want to support a candidate who shares (or comes close) their *personal* vision for the city. My decision to support a candidate because of their view may very well line up with how my company feels. But a company obviously shouldn't have their employees contribute if they weren't going to already based upon their own personal interests. I hope we can have a reasonable discussion, one that can highlight disagreements - for I'm trying to see how we can better understand conflicts of interest.because it seems to me that there are too many generalizations being made. Let's be proactive and find specific ways to improve the system. -Thatcher Imboden CARAG REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. 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