See article by Charles Rabin today: Debate may change ethics board direction .
I have an open mind. I have changed my mind on the Ethics Commission (from my 3/22 Post) because of the article today and the comments from Eye on Miami readers. The Ethics Commission STILL has a long way to go, even with the changes they proposed, as described in yesterday's Herald article.
From reading the article today, it appears the ethics attorney might be a big part of the problem with her willingness to view issues too narrowly. I say "Do the smell test Ms. Frigo."
Mayor of Miami Beach David Dermer was right on when he said:
''What you're opining today will drive a loophole the size of a tank through our city ordinance,'' he said. ``It's all about appearance. This is just dead wrong.''
Executive Director, Robert Meyers, should take his cue from the newest member of the Commission. Rabin writes:
The intensity of the discussion caught the attention of ethics trust executive director Robert Meyers. ''It was more like a hearing,'' he said. ``It's completely out of character for the way we've handled opinions in the past.''
Finally it was Magda Abdo-Gomez's turn. The board's newest member was sworn in only a few moments before the discussion took off.
She called focusing on the associate ''splitting hairs based on words. I don't care what you call him. The relationship is still there, and it appears inappropriate,'' she said.
Whatever the Ethics Commission has been doing and the way it has been working is not working. So take Magda Abdo-Gomez appointment as a wake-up call to the Commission (Or a sign from God).
4 comments:
anybody knows the status on the Diaz/Arriola/Winton land deal case???
This needs to happen, a clarification of all aspects from residency requirements to lobbyists to election rules and sunshine laws. So many cases get dumped due to insufficient law and/or evidence.
How come Mayor Dermer is not kissing up to President Bush anymore. Ahh...fair weather friends. STAND BY YOU MAN!
I think that even a small appearance of conflict of interest should rule an official out of lobbying or being connected to lobbying activities of a city/county or other agency of the government.
You can not sit a few doors away from an associate and claim oh he has no influence over any issues before me. My word if you are just a citizen and you speak to an elected official on the street; you have just influenced his or her decision; let alone be in the same law firm.
GO MAYOR DERMER!
Go Mayor Dermer!
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