When a Westerleigh Town Council member seeks an advisory opinion on whether she should recuse herself regarding a proposed reuse of a former school in close proximity to a private residence, she will I don’t expect to receive any. Since it is under development, she will be allowed to participate.
“Petitioner is a member of the Western City Council, an elected office in the city, and recommendations regarding whether the Code of Ethics prohibits him from continuing to participate in Town Council discussions and decision-making regarding the proposed plan. Opinions are sought regarding the reuse of the former Tower Street School, given that the Tower Street School site is located in close proximity to the petitioner’s private residence.
“Here, the petitioner states that the land on which her personal residence is located is located 400 meters from the Tower Street School. In addition, the petitioner states that the new building replacing the existing old school building is located on a new She has indicated that it will continue to be used as a community center, consistent with its use prior to its closure due to the coronavirus pandemic. Therefore, she does not anticipate any economic impact from the proposed development. Further, the petitioner has no financial interest in the development plan and no business, financial, or family relationship with any of the investors in the property or with any of the fund’s managers or employees. Therefore, based on the above analysis, it is the opinion of the Ethics Committee that the applicant should be able to participate in the Town Council’s discussion and decision-making regarding the proposed reuse of Tower Street School.”
Re: Cordio, Joy (Lawyers Weekly No. 74-044-23) (Advisory Opinion No. 2023-44) (November 14, 2023).
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