Setting Things Straight

My question for council regarding financial matters was derailed by the sudden panic that I might be making accusations. Let me set it straight.

I was not there to accuse, I was there to point out a few facts that I had gathered.

I requested information from the city offices about all funds paid to ALL city council members or to businesses owned by council members in the past 2 years.

Among those numbers were the travel reimbursement amounts paid to Gaston and Hiett. No big deal. No disclosure statements necessary.

I was not attempting to imply that Van Vleet had done anything wrong, only to point out that his last disclosure statement was signed in 1993, during a previous stint on council. I merely wanted to suggest that he consider filing a new form, if appropriate. He jumped to the conclusion that I was questioning his sale of iron to the city. I couldn't care less, as long as the relationship is disclosed properly. He has every right to do business with the city.

I merely wanted to point out that Weiderspon's disclosure is current and in order. If I have any question at all about his contract with the city, it would simply be to ask how the bills from him are reconciled against the services rendered.

Regarding Filsinger, my main point is that he has never filled out a financial disclosure form, required by law, to fully disclose the nature of his business dealings with the city. We know that he loans equipment to the city, but we don't know the city's obligation in return. A disclosure form would totally remedy the confusion over issues such as the Fedex matter discussed Tuesday. It would also stop ALL rumors of his intentions.

I checked again on Friday. No new disclosures have been done. Because I asked in an open meeting, they can no longer blame the city attorney for their own ignorance of the law. I will continue to check, and will let you know as soon as anything changes.