Redevelopment Commission Member Conflict - Possible

On Monday, the Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission dealt with some funding issues regarding the Harrison Square project. Near the end of the meeting, Commission president Christopher Guerin issued a statement in response to Republican mayoral candidate Matt Kelty who said he would review and audit all city commissions and boards and remove all conflicts of interest.


The following is Guerin's quote per Kathleen Quilligan, of the Fort Wayne News-Sentinel. You can link to the full article by clicking below;


http://www.news-sentinel.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070918/NEWS/709180318&SearchID=73293753611784


..."I think it's clear that Kelty's statement is meant to refer to the Redevelopment Commission, at least in part. … It's also clear that this statement implies impropriety if not corruption on the part of volunteers who work without compensation for the good of the city. I think Mr. Kelty owes this commission and all of the other appointed boards in this city, an apology."

People who accept the honor of being selected to a commission or board do so to execute their duties without any perceived or actual conflict of interest. They serve for the betterment of the entire group that they represent. Anything less would compromise that trust.

Commission President Christopher Guerin is employed by Sweetwater Sound and formally the Fort Wayne Philharmonic. It appears, he has no conflict of interest in carrying out his duties on the Redevelopment Commission. Likewise, local attorney David Wright and IUPU Professor Quinton Dixie appear to have no conflicts of interest regarding issues that come before the board.

Commission member Karen Goldner is employed by Fourth Wave for nearly four years. When she left her employment with the City Of Fort Wayne she was the Director of Economic Development. Currently she is running for the Fort Wayne City Council from the second district.

Commission member Steven McElhoe is employed by Tower Bank. He holds a position in the mortgage department. The question of possible conflict of interest can be raised in this case.

By his potion on the Redevelopment Commission McElhoe could well learn of pending redevelopment activities before it becomes general knowledge. This could allow him to advise others within Tower Bank with information that would give them a business advantage over competing banks.

Likewise, his vote on an issue before the commission could be questioned if the business coming before it has any business relationship with Tower Bank. Be it current or pending.

No one is accusing McElhoe of any wrong doing. It is by his very position with Tower Bank that a conflict could become a perception. By this perception, McElhoe's ability to do the very best for all of the people of Fort Wayne could be questioned.