Those of us that were either present at the May 20 Council Meeting or watched the proceedings on the streaming video would have had no trouble noticing that Council Member Al Kunisch, a volunteer policeman for Oro Valley doing everything he could to support any and all matters concerning the police department.
Inasmuch as Kunisch is not directly involved with the police department, we would think he avoids a conflict of interest in voting "yes" for anything the police require.
Perhaps the Town Attorney could clarify that issue.
Then, there's the other issue. You probably all recall that a motion to increase Oro Valley's donation to TREO to $40,000 was passed by a 4-3 vote. Voting in the majority was Mayor Loomis, which was certainly not surprising.
But there's another issue.
If anyone checks the list of TREO Board of Directors, you'll find none other than our mayor listed.
TREO Board of Directors
Honorable Paul H. Loomis
Mayor, Town of Oro Valley
So---- is it a conflict of interest for our mayor to cast the deciding vote to fund an outside organization (TREO) on which he is a board member?
We only ask the question. We'll leave it up to our Town Attorney to determine if this is acceptable.
Even if it's not violating an legal issues, might it not be morally & ethically irresponsible to spend taxpayer's money where you have a vested interest?
4 comments:
It is my understanding that Mayor Loomis is a member of their Board of Directors because of Oro Valley's financial contribution. Look at other members: Bob Walkup, Sharon Bronson. Both of these individuals represent their respective entities on the board just as Mayor Loomis does. Tucson and Pima County contribute much more to TREO than Oro Valley does. My humble opinion would not constitute this as a "conflict of interest"
Interesting point James. So, instead of a "conflict of interest," are you suggesting it's a "quid pro quo?"
Oro Valley donates to TREO, so TREO gives Oro Valley mayor a board position.
Either way, it "smells!"
As a follow up to my original statement, the TREO site indicates that Mayor Loomis represents PAG not Oro Valley.
Art, I actually hadn't thought about it the way you mention, but that is an interesting thought. I would say that it allows Mayor Loomis oversight to TREO and the money that Oro Valley donates to their organization.
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