Selling a Lack of Expertise
Expertise is one of the most difficult issues in local government
ethics. In most cases, more expertise also means more potential
conflicts of interest, and yet it can also mean more effective
government. According to a<a href="http://www.parkrecord.com/todaysheadlines/ci_10719647" target="”_blank”">n article
in yesterday's Park Record</a> (Park City, UT), a Summit County Council
candidate running against the head of a development company is focusing
on this issue.<br>
<br>
"How do you know?" she asks. "Does [her opponent] have a
personal agenda for trying to get elected?" And she argues, "The
biggest difference between myself and [my opponent] is that I will not
approach politics in the county with a paternalistic approach. I'm not
coming in saying, 'I am an expert.'"<br>
<br>
This candidate feels her opponent has many potential conflicts, due to
ownership of many acres in the county, the fact that an employee of his
is the county's real-estate advisor, and the fact that his firm is
seeking to build a large subdivision in the county.<br>
<br>
This is a tough choice for citizens, one central to local government
ethics. Is a bright young newcomer with less expertise in development
issues, who will be seen as serving the public interest (she is also
focusing on transparency issues) better than someone with lots of
expertise, who has had a close relationship with the government as a
developer, and who might be seen as serving himself and his business
associates?<br>
<br>
Robert Wechsler<br>
Director of Research-Retired, City Ethics<br>
<br>
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