Times: Hercules council to revisit Conflict of Interest Code
— by Jeffrey Wisniewski — 22 February 2011 — 1 comment below »
Tom Lochner reports:
The Hercules City Council on Tuesday plans to discuss the city’s Conflict of Interest Code, last adjusted in the fall in part to reaffirm financial disclosure requirements for some top officials and consultants and tighten them for others.
Hercules’ Conflict of Interest Code is based on the state Fair Political Practices Commission’s standard-model code requiring elected officials, candidates, high-ranking administrators, and some appointed officials, consultants and contractors to fill out an annual Form 700 — the Statement of Economic Interests. [...]
Former City Manager Nelson Oliva filled out a questionnaire for [Mike] Sakamoto in early 2010, checking “no” for all questions related to whether the consultant will make a governmental decision, serve in a staff capacity or equivalent, or manage public investments. Sakamoto filed retroactively in July, following a news report that he had not filed. He no longer is a consultant to Hercules.
Oliva also filled out a questionnaire for NEO general manager Walter McKinney, concluding that McKinney did not have to file a Form 700. The city recently terminated its NEO/AHSG contracts, valued at $950,000 in fiscal year 2008-09 and the at same amount in 2009-2010.
The City Council conducted a very positive review of its current policies and procedures, including its “Sunshine Policy” which includes things such as conflict of interest issues, nepotism, etc. Myrna De Vera had a number of suggestions as did members of the community, especially Anton Jungherr who almost single handedly rewrote their policies (they should hire him and pay him for all the work he has done voluntarily on this!). I was very encouraged by the discussion and I recommended bloggers visit the City website and review the council meeting video. This discussion was in the middle and took up some time. It is my impression they are still open for additional suggestions so if you have any – send them in!