New Ethics Ordinance for Accountability in Rochester Hills

     I would like to propose a New Year’s resolution for our city, one that will provide increased transparency in the business dealings and decision making process.

     Trust in our government is critically important. Over the  past several years there were many instances where residents inquired about the possible conflict of interest or inappropriate influence on those who either worked for the city or served on the city council, commissions or boards.

     Many times it was because they were simply baffled or dismayed at actions, such as renegotiating a decade old PUD that would suddenly allow for the destruction of an historic home or for a nearly $20 million water tower project that lacked a good business case.

   It is critical that residents trust that decisions are being made for the right reasons.  Therefore,  I am proposing that  the City Council create an ethics ordinance which would require the reporting of all gifts made to city employees and their immediate families, city council members, and even some boards and commissions such as the planning commission and zoning board within one week of receipt and list who made the gift.

   Furthermore, this information should be placed on the city website for all to see.

This would include all sports tickets, invitations to Palace suites , expensive dinners, airline tickets, hotel stays, gifts and yes even parties.  Some of us are all too aware of these type of gifts taking place in recent years and   it is time everyone knows about gifts and who is making them.

   We surely do not want to wake up one day to headlines like those that have plagued the city of Detroit and more recently,  Wayne County.

    Inappropriate influence can result in decision making that is contrary to the residents’ best interests, costing us a considerable amount of money and a push for a raise in taxes.

I am asking that our city council initiate such an ordinance in the near future. I would be happy to work with them in this endeavor.

    I do believe the best approach in this case is to work with the City Council. That said,  as proven in the case of the Water Towers, citizen action can make a difference. Be it the creation of a 527 PAC or similar Watchdog group, there are other ways to achieve the same objective. 

   Candidly, what possible reason could anyone have to oppose such an ordinance? The litmus test is business used to be that if you wouldn't mind everyone knowing about it then it is probably alright to accept, if not, best to pass.