Definition of Conflict of Interest - a conflict between the private interests and the official responsibilities of a person in a position of trust
Carmen Purdy was the chairperson of the Urban Deer Committee which advised the City about our urban deer and recommended a deer cull. This was obviously a very controversial decision and is still reverberating throughout the East Kootenays. No matter what side of the issue one is on, it is our understanding that Mr. Purdy did a steadfast job at guiding the committee through its many meetings and mountains of information. When it became known that Mr. Purdy was awarded the contract to cull the deer concerns were raised about the process. Should the Chairperson of the committee which made the decision to cull the deer then go ahead and profit from that decision? In all fairness Mr. Purdy did offer to resign from the committee when he put in his bid for the contract. However, it is our understanding that Mr Purdy was advised by a 'city employee' that he did not have to resign. It was not until newly elected Mayor Wayne Stetski heard that Mr. Purdy had won the contract for the deer cull that Mr. Purdy again offered to resign. To be clear, the committee that Mr. Purdy chaired, did not make the decision regarding the awarding of the contract. Mr. Purdy, by offering to resign, seemingly recognized what a possible conflict of interest it would be but it is of concern that an employee of our City did not see that this very controversial decision required more than the letter of the law. As long as committee members have the opportunity to profit from their decisions, any decision they make will be called into question. The City needs to ensure that the decisions will be above reproach. Even the appearance of Conflict of Interest is unacceptable .
Excellent post. Certainly fair to Mr Purdy as it should be, but, like you, I am concerned about the city employee who allegedly told Mr. Purdy that he did not have to resign. Strictly speaking, the employee may have been correct under existing BC conflict of interest rules, but in this municipality, as you note, even the appearance of a potential conflict, direct or indirect, should not be acceptable. This should be made perfectly clear, and to members of council too.
ReplyDeleteCome on, folks. To say "However, it is our understanding that Mr. Purdy was advised by a 'city employee' that he did not have to resign" is unfounded assertion to make in a public forum. I generally like the articles posted here, even if I don't always agree. But this article casts a poor light on all City staff who I am sure are trying to do their best for all the citizens of Cranbrook. I know you can do better than this.
ReplyDeleteGood for Michael Morris to state his opinion and to reveal his name. I still get annoyed by posters who have suddenly become nameless so to speak. I have lived for 70 plus years and still have to meet someone named anonymous.
ReplyDeleteThanks Joe. I have been doing and teaching journalism and communications for over 50 years now, and "anonymous" has never been part of my vocabulary, even though at times I may have been on the wrong side of an issue, but hopefully not on the side of wrong. Call me "old school" but there is no place for Anonymous in public discourse on the issues,even though I know we live in a world of unnamed sources, talking points and government by news release.
DeleteMr Morris, in view of your posts and comments in this forum, I am very surprised to hear you are in journalism and communications. Everyone should be entitled to have their say here... even Anonymous. We really aren't interested in names or personalities... just the issues.
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