The City of Monroe Ethics Committee First Case
Compora saw a door (file photos)
By: Adam Bennett story updated February 06. 2007 8:36AM © The Monroe Evening News
Monroe City Councilwoman Linda Compora Monday accused a fellow council member of violating the city's new ethics ordinance.
I will get a $50,000.00 police investigation
She alleged that Councilman Edward Paisley improperly used his position and accepted a monetary gain in a deal where a downtown property obtained a grant for building improvements.
Dave Smith Could Be In there!!!
I will get a $250,000.00 State police investigation
The building at 11 Washington St., which housed the former Leski Market, had received a $7,600 facade grant from the Downtown Development Authority to fix windows in the building. Ms. Compora alleged that Mr. Paisley - a co-owner - had lobbied the DDA for the grant approval while he sat on council.
"That is a blatant ethics ordinance violation," she said during the
council's meeting Monday night.
Mr. Paisley denied the allegations, saying the accusations were baseless and
false.
"If she thinks that everyone who eats, works or sleeps downtown breeds a
conflict of interest, then I understand why she doesn't come downtown," he
said after the meeting.
In terms of an alleged conflict of interest, he said be believed there was
"absolutely none."
The accusations were the first public charges since the council adopted a set of ethics guidelines for elected officials and government appointees. Included in the code are regulations against conflicts of interest and improper use of position.
If sent through the process for ethics charges, any violations could carry a penalty of a $250 fine.
Pasley Cleared
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CITY OF MONROE
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
MONDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2006
265 It was moved by Councilman Burkett and seconded by Councilman Paisley that Proposed Ordinance No. 06-018, as amended, an ordinance to create the Code of Ethics of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Monroe, Michigan, be placed on its final reading.
Councilwoman Compora had concerns regarding lines 9 through 13, Purpose and Public Policy, line152, Conflict of Interest and line 170, Improper Use of Position. She questioned whether it should be an ordinance or a policy and does not like the establishment of a Board of Ethics because it provides the perfect tool for harassment, but felt if there had to be one, it should consist solely of City residents. She pointed out that all references to authorized expenses of the Mayor and Council put forth in the ethics policy last year have been deleted and that there is no provision for making people accountable for the expenses of their spouses if they go on a trip
David Smith, 530 Hollywood, encouraged Council to pass the ordinance stating that he does not think delaying it further could possibly make the document clearer or any better than it is.
A vote was then taken on the motion.
Ayes: 6 Nays: 1 (Councilwoman Compora)
Motion carried.
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