Lisa asks Kimberley White, Meredith Matthews, Brett Watson, Raelina Krikston , Dana Quillman, Jeffrey Scott Sterling…

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Conflicts of Interest

Do you have any conflicts of interest that could (potentially) force you to have to recuse yourself from voting on an issue, such as the Gateway Plan?

— Lisa

Responses

Kimberley White

Thank you for this question Lisa. Conflict of interest in the Gateway Area plan has been an ongoing topic of discussion and concern. Two of our current council members have to recuse themselves from voting due to conflict of interests.  Currently there are three members of City Council who do not have a conflict of interest and are able to vote. In order for a vote to pass there must be two thirds of the council to approve in order for something to pass.  

I have no conflict of interest with the Gateway Area Plan as I live in Valley West. If a proposed development project were to come to Valley West, I would follow the guidelines of the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC). Also, if  a project were to come before the City Council from Cooperation Humboldt (my employer), I would again follow the guidelines of the FPPC. Finally, if I was not required by the FPPC to recuse myself, but there was a perception of a conflict of interest, I also would likewise recuse myself.  

Raelina Krikston

Hi Lisa, 

I’m happy to say that I do not have any conflicts of interest that would keep me from voting on the Gateway plan and would follow the normal protocol as set by the FPPC if any conflict of interest would arise. 

I hope I am able to vote on the Gateway Plan and ensure that we are codifying ways to protect our current community as we see new growth and positive change in Ourcata :) 

Brett Watson

I have no conflicts of interest, citywide. I rent my living space and my workspace. As a renter, not only do I directly feel the impacts of increases to my cost of living, I also would not benefit from any increases to property values even if a project was across the street from my home.