When you read about what took place on Salt Spring Island and the Appeal Court Judges decision this month regarding what constitutes a Conflict of Interest, individuals who are elected must be very careful if they expect to wear more than one hat. Who is their loyalty to? Can they serve both equally?
When you look back at the Union Bay Residents’ Association and how close they were to Brian McMahon, VP of Kensington Island properties, who was also a member and aware of the decisions (if he was not present) to change the water source for his development. The Union Bay Residents’ Association was registered as a non profit society. Susan Hargreaves became the spokesperson and the one individual vocal and consistent the entire time the Residents’ Association was active. The UBRA filed one yearly report as required under the Societies Act and eventually Susan Hargreaves removed the website and no one has heard a word about it since. Susan Hargreaves ran the non profit society like a private club and excluded those who didn’t meet with her approval. Susan Hargreaves also decided if a person was allowed to ask questions or not, declaring at the last Annual General Meeting Of UBRA that I would be allowed to stay but no longer ask any questions. Who was directing the actions of UBRA? Will Susan Hargreaves assume all responsibility for the actions of the Union Bay Residents’ Association? This clearly was not a non profit society.
What about the committees involved with the incorporation study and those pushing “YES”. What about all the actions taken to date where people think they can get away with Conflicts because there is no money involved? How many elected officials have been involved in matters/or members they shouldn’t have been?
Is it a conflict to pay an employee full time for 3 years and then announce to the public the full time position as though it is commencing at the time of the announcement?
Is it a conflict to vote on matters where you or your friends receive consideration at the cost of the community? Is it a conflict to authorize actions you know are not within your power?
And the most obvious is TAG. Tell the judge how you can serve the community and a political party when there is evidence of conflict of interest right now.
http://islandstrust.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/january-11-2013-press-release.pdf
http://www.gulfislandsdriftwood.com/news/131807903.html
http://www.gulfislandsdriftwood.com/news/131807903.html
http://www.salt-spring-island.org/court-of-appeal-overturns-conflict-of-interest-ruling/
http://speakoutsaltspring.blogspot.ca/2011/12/better-late-than-never.html#comment-form
The shit is going to hit the fan here in good old Union Bay. Might not happen right now. Look at recent stuff – Lance Armstrong, Sage Hills. All it takes is compiling the documents/evidence and having them available to that one person who doesn’t understand WHY the community of Union Bay got squat from this developer. I’m just making sure the evidence can be found.
