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Friday, March 29, 2024 - 02:38 AM

INDEPENDENT CONSERVATIVE VOICE OF UPSTATE SOUTH CAROLINA

First Published in 1994

INDEPENDENT CONSERVATIVE VOICE OF
UPSTATE SOUTH CAROLINA

Greenville County has a commendable ethics code for board and commission members. Tragically, the code has not been uniformly enforced in the past and some current members of boards and commissions are allegedly serving in violation of the code and are lobbying for relaxation of the ethics rules. Unfortunately, some members of the Greenville County Council appear inclined to change the code rather than enforce it.

The code is very clear and applies to applicants for positions on boards and commissions.

Despite the code, it appears that some members of boards and commissions may have sought and obtained appointments in order to use their positions of influence to enhance their business opportunities and thereby benefit financially. Others may have simply not been aware of the code.

Insider deals give an unfair advantage to insiders over legitimate businesses that do not have that leverage and must compete against unfair advantages in the market place. Ethical small businesses confront that disgusting disadvantage every day, especially when attempting to do business with government and other publicly financed or governed agencies. Fair competition is the only environment in which free enterprise can prosper.

SECTION V. PROHIBITIONS ON BOARD AND COMMISSION MEMBERS (County Code 2-83) is clearly stated in the published code available to applicants.

Applicants must follow County Code (2-83) provisions on personal interests, which are stated as follows:

“(A) No board or commission member, no family member of a board or commission member, and no business with which a board or commission member is associated:

(1)  Shall have an economic interest in a contract with the board or commission they represent for the sale or lease of land, materials, supplies, equipment or services; nor

(2)  Shall currently elect to receive services from any entity governed by the board or commission they represent.

(B) For purposes of this section, the phrase ‘elect to receive services’ shall not include compliance with a government regulation or mandate. Violation of this section with the express or implied knowledge of the board or commission member, family member, or business with which the board or commission member is associated shall render the contract or sale void and result in the removal of the board or commission member.”

The Times Examiner has learned that the current controversy arose over members of the County Auditorium Board that has jurisdiction over the Bi-Lo Center, and current or past members having business interests involving advertising or other revenue.

Based on public discussions during the April 17 meeting of Greenville County Council, Councilman Jim Burns and other members of County Council favor changing the County ethics Code that would in effect allow appointees to county boards and commissions to profit financially from their positions.

Several state agencies have been plagued with allegations of corruption, fraud and waste. The fallout could include a large turnover of politicians in November.  With some notable exceptions, Greenville County has a good record. Under the current political climate, the citizens of Greenville County are in no mood to tolerate unethical insider deals or a relaxation of ethical standards.

Mr. Burns and his colleagues of like mind on Greenville County Council need to muster the moral and ethical courage to enforce the ethical code that their predecessors had the wisdom to enact to protect the interests of the taxpayers of Greenville County and the integrity of Greenville County Government.

 

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