Pueblog USa
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
A Different Sort of Ethical Problem in Government
How do you stand? Is it all right for two Council members to work for each other?
An article in the Chieftain reports that two of the seven finalists for City Council District 2 seats have close ties to current members of Council, but there’s “no conflict.” Of interest, we assume.
It seems that finalist Betty Martinez works at the same firm as Randy Thurston, and finalist Derrick Padilla is Council Member Ray Aguilera’s boss at PCC. It makes for an interesting ethical situation.
Mr. Aguilera admits the situation is awkward, but says he won’t abstain from voting for the successor to Gil Ortiz. Actually, that’s the easy part. The voting will be by secret ballot and, unless it’s a complete shut-out for Mr. Padilla, he won’t know whether his subordinate voted for him or not.
No, it’s the recorded votes on regular Council business where problems could occur. That’s where differences between the two men will be obvious and personal consequences could result. And, to tell the truth, I’m not sure that it’s Council’s problem.
Council’s responsibility is to select the best person for the job. PCC’s responsibility is to ensure that supervisors do not coerce employees over stuff that happens outside work. I’m sure that the two individuals involved have a good relationship and will be adult about their differences if Mr. Padilla is selected.
It’s getting wide representation on Council that’s a problem. I’m not sure how far I think Council should go in considering place of employment in selecting a Council member. The Council should aim for diversity and wide representation across the community, and it somehow doesn’t seem right that two Council people should come from the same employer, when there are so many other folks to be represented, not just by neighborhood, but by occupation.
Next entry: Is Politics Only to be for the Rich? Part One Previous entry: Caveat Emptor