THAT’S DEBATABLE:Responding to conflict-of-interest claims

Two alleged conflicts of interest have been raised recently in Newport Beach regarding City Council decisions. Besides taking direction from the city attorney when such issues are raised, is there anything else council members can do to respond to residents’ concerns? Does the council need to review its conflict of interest policy?

The alleged conflict charges against Debra Allen are trumped-up political mudslinging by those insistent on changing the General Plan to take away open space. No one has even alleged a financial interest, which is the required test of any real conflict. The charges leveled at former City Atty. Bob Burnham appear to be equally without merit.

A year ago, the Daily Pilot condemned careless attacks of this nature as “dirty politics.” Today, the paper slings these charges with wild abandon.

I fear our community is slipping down the slope into the politics of personal destruction. We must not allow that to happen.

KEITH CURRY

District 7 councilman

The City Council takes all conflict allegations seriously — recognizing that allegations may result from confusion over complex laws or personal or political agendas. The allegations against the former city attorney — made by a few understandably frustrated residents — are not supported by evidence.

Certainly Debra Allen was unaware of any possible conflict based on the distance between her home — not a secret — and a parcel across MacArthur Boulevard. The City Council looks to the city attorney for advice recognizing that the Fair Political Practices Commission is the final arbiter. The council will always take a hard but responsible look at allegations and ensure that all city officials act solely in the best interests of residents.

LESLIE DAIGLE

District 4 councilwoman

Did not respond.

NANCY

GARDNER

District 6

councilwoman

The Fair Political Practices Commission is the final authority for interpreting and deciding on potential conflicts of interest by public officials. While our city attorney advises the council on conflicts from time to time, the City Council does not and should not attempt to determine when a conflict has actually occurred.

As far as I know, the Newport Beach conflict of interest policy is fully compliant with state law, and I do not think we need to review it at this time.

MICHAEL HENN

District 1 councilman

Did not respond.

MAYOR STEVE

ROSANSKY

District 2

Confidence of residents in the integrity of their municipal government is of the highest priority for a city council. Many times, when conflict-of-interest claims are raised, resolution is complex. Claims of conflicts of interest are regulated by state law and are administered by the state Fair Political Practices Commission. When claims of conflicts are raised that may be valid, a city council must err on the side of caution. It must take all steps within its power, including actions such as revoting on an issue, to abate the appearance of any conflict. Legal resolution of the claimed conflict must be left to the FPPC in accordance with its procedures.

ED SELICH

District 5 councilman

Did not respond.

DON WEBB

District 3

councilman