The conflict of interest policy was being worked on long before the story about Jackie Cherryhomes appeared in the paper. The incident involving Jackie was just one more in a long string of incidents that have raised questions about conflict of interest. This discussion has been going on within the policy board for a long time, just ask Judy Schwartau. Judy has been complaining for years about special interest group influence on the policy board. Not to sound too simple here but it is no surprise that NRP has a lot of money and that a lot of people want NRP funds. There is a constant stream of solicitors at Bob Millers door every day, all showcasing projects and programs, and all wanting to know how to get ahold of NRP money. People have tried many ways to get NRP money through one angle or another or to influence how NRP funds should be used at both the neighborhood and the policy board level. While it seems very strict, I think the new policy removes any and all possibilities for special interest groups to influence NRP funding policy by becoming policy board members. If you noticed, the people complaining the loudest in this mornings article all have inherent conflicts according to the new policy. That should tell you something. As am employee of NRP I am entitled to apply for NRP housing loan funds in my neighborhood but chose not to because I think it would look bad. It simply removes any and all questions regarding any conflict I might have, percieved or otherwise. I agree wholeheartedly with the new policy and hope it passes. Barb Lickness Whittier Ward 6 __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Yahoo! Messenger - Talk while you surf! It's FREE. http://im.yahoo.com/
