Published: March 24, 2009 7:00 PM Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star
A Vernon politician is fighting off claims of conflict of interest. The Vernon Taxpayers Association is urging Coun. Jack Gilroy to withdraw from any decisions about integrating the Vernon and Okanagan Landing fire halls because he is a former city deputy fire chief and his son and nephew are unionized firefighters. “He has family members in the firefighters union and in good taste, he should recuse (disqualify) himself,” said Tony Stamboulieh, association spokesman. “It’s not enough to be above board. You must also be seen as being above board. We’re not accusing him of anything but if you are an ex-firefighter and there is a lot of emotion about the volunteers, he should do everything in his power not to appear that he is taking one side over another.”
However, Gilroy insists a legal opinion permits him to stay at the council table. “I’m only in a conflict if I vote on a contract that gives wages to my son,” he said. Integration would bring both halls under one administrative roof and possibly lead to unionized firefighters being stationed at the Landing hall, which is currently operated by volunteers. Gilroy says there would be no financial gain for himself or his family if integration occurs, and he will continue to take part in all discussions and will ultimately cast a vote on the matter. “This is too important of an issue. I’m not stepping out,” he said.
1 comment:
Whether or not there is any financial gain for himself, he should still step away from this...he is, or will be perceived as being too close too the issue.
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