No conflict-of-interest for Schnabel
Share
TweetIt is my opinion that Debra Schnabel does not have a conflict of interest with Southeast Road Builders (SERB), here are the reasons why:
Everybody knows that Debra and Roger are siblings. It’s not a secret, the fact that they are siblings is in plain sight. It is not hidden.
It is my understanding that SERB already has/does contract with the borough for various projects that SERB has expertise. I see no reason to terminate or deny contracts to SERB for the reason that Debra was hired as manager.
In the very rare case where Debra might have to make a decision that directly involves SERB, then Debra should - instead of making the decision - make a recommendation to the assembly and have the assembly make the actual decision. “I have done my due diligence on this issue, this is my recommendation, but because this involves SERB, the assembly must make the actual decision.”
Any citizen can inspect any document or contract that they might have an interest in. So if anyone feels something is wrong, they can investigate and bring it to light. Again, nothing is secret.
I do not know Debra all that well, but I believe that Debra truly cares about Haines, has a stake in the town, and knows the players and the situation. There is no real conflict of interest. There is the potential of the appearance of a conflict, but it’s able to be resolved.
Fred Einspruch
