It looks like the city council is torn on new ‘ethics’ standards that are being proposed. Van Pearlberg (Ward 4) and Philip Goldstein (Ward 7) have a bit of diametrical viewpoints on the new standards that would be upward of 30 pages opposed to the 4 pages of ordinance that is in place today.

“The division on the council against drafting new ethics rules has pitted the new members and King against Ward 7 Councilman Philip Goldstein and Ward 5 Councilman Anthony Coleman.” (MDJ)

This is a very interesting debate in my opinion. On one hand, you have some of the new members pushing for tighter governance and more public disclosure of information from the council members, while on the other hand you have some members saying the current policies ‘work just fine’. This is surely an interesting discussion to keep an eye on over at City Hall.

The county rules require more financial disclosures by elected officials than the city. The county’s code specifically spells out times when elected officials should refrain from voting on certain matters.

Among Pearlberg’s suggestions are requirements to make council members file a periodic statement of finances with the City Clerk that would be available for public review.

Among the required disclosures would be any sources of income exceeding $500 per year and ownership worth more than $10,000 or is greater than 5 percent of any business and property.

Additionally, Pearlberg wants to require council members to disclose similar business and property ownerships of spouses and family members.

Council members would also be required to disclose relationships in which through their private employment they might serve as an official representative.

Council members would be prohibited from voting on matters involving financial interests detailed in their disclosure statements.

Read the full story over at the MDJ

What do you all think? Should the Council be required to have full disclosure of relationships and financial matters when something is brought up for vote that has a direct or indirect effect on their personal business interests? Thoughts?

>> March 7th, 2006 – Updated Story from the MDJOnline

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