Yesterday we presented evidence that Council Member Solomon may well have a financial interest in a property known as Parcel 9B. This parcel lies between the 17th and 18th holes of the Canada golf course. Today we posit: Shouldn't he recuse himself for all voting matters regarding the town owned golf courses?
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Solomon’s unethical behavior
We have already seen how Council Member Solomon will vote concerning Oro Valley's town owned golf courses. Solomon voted to use public funds to improve lands on which he has a financial interest at the June 6, 2018 council meeting, This occurred during the FY 2018/19 budget discussions.
At that time, Steve Solomon spoke on the benefits of a bond that designated $3.8 million dollars to go towards improvements on the golf properties. He not only spoke in favor of the bond, he also voted in favor of the budget that included the bond.
A lie by omission is still a lie
At the July 18, 2018 council meeting, after it was revealed during the Call to Audience that Council Member Solomon had a financial interest in what happens to the golf courses, Solomon responded:
Solomon lied by omission. While he didn’t technically own any property on the golf course, he was in escrow to purchase property on the golf course. He conveniently left that part out.“I just want to assure everyone that there was absolutely nothing that occurred that was unethical. I do not own property on the golf course…”
It's a question of ethics, morals, and the public trust
Council Member Solomon has a clear conflict of interest when it comes to what happens regarding the town owned golf courses. Solomon should recuse himself from any votes having to do with these facilities.
However, we doubt this will happen.
Our sources inform us that Solomon may have received legal advice on this issue advising him to withdraw from escrow prior to the vote, then vote to continue all 36 holes of golf, then reopen escrow. If he chooses this route, the fact would still remain that he voted in his own best interest. This may not be illegal, but it is gaming the system for his own benefit. It's unethical and a violation of the public trust.
If Solomon does not recuse himself immediately, then Mayor Winfield should ask the town attorney to provide legal counsel on whether Solomon's pending ownership of property 9B presents a conflict of interest to Solomon in regards to being able to assess golf course options; and to advise the Mayor on actions the town should take if such is the case.
