EDITOR:
Conflict of interest is a situation in which someone who has to make a decision in an official capacity stands to profit personally from the decision. For example, a judge who rules on a case involving a corporation in which he or she owns stock has a conflict of interest.
Those with a conflict of interest are expected to recuse themselves from (i.e., abstain from) decisions where such a conflict exists. In fact, to minimize any conflict, the individual should not participate in any way in the decision, including discussions.
I wish to bring the above to the attention of the Minden electorate due to potential problem which I feel might result from the outcome of the coming election of the Minden Town Board members.
In the past 15 plus years that I have attended Minden Town meetings I can recall a question of conflict of interest arising less than five times.
In reviewing the Minden Town Meeting agendas for the previous five years, I find that for 2005, 06, 07, 08, and 09 there were respectively 14, 12, 17, 12, and four agenda items which directly, or indirectly, involved R. O. Anderson Engineering Inc. and the majority of these dealt with real estate development projects, master plan changes, etc. in the local area.
The downturn in the economy is probably reflected by there being only four items in the year 2009, but an upturn in the economy will probably result in an increase in the number of agenda items.
Matt Bernard, director of surveying for the above firm, is a candidate for the Minden Town Board. Being an employee of the firm he surely has an interest in its financial well being.
If elected, and Mr. Bernard recuses himself from such an agenda item, it leaves four members to decide the issue on that agenda item. This could result in a tie vote (2 versus 2).
Without a majority being attained the item would be defeated. I feel, in fairness to both the community and R .O. Anderson Engineering Inc., that it is important a full five-member town board addresses such issues.
If elected and he does not recuse himself from an item which someone else may consider to be a conflict of interest it could result in lawsuits or other legal entanglements costing the town time and money. I don't think this is a desirable possibility for the town.
Considering the above I find it would be very difficult for me to vote for Mr. Bernard at this time.
Should his relationship with R.O. Anderson Engineering Inc. change, I would certainly reconsider this decision as I feel he has exceptional qualifications in being a town board member.
Sanford Deyo
Minden
