Economic Development Corp. balks at political gag

The board of directors of the Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corp. today balked at a proposed conflict-of-interest policy that would have barred them from political activity.

However, directors expressed no opposition to another provision of the draft policy requiring them to prepare a written report whenever they talk to reporters.

Introduced at a meeting of the EDC this afternoon, the conflict policy said that because the EDC works with governments at the federal, provincial and municipal levels, its staff and board members must remain politically neutral.

"If a board member wishes to become politically involved either as a candidate for office or in support of a candidate for office, then that board member should take a leave of absence from his of her duties on the board during the period of involvement," the draft document stated.

Ben Pascuzzi (shown above), a Chamber of Commerce past-president who sits on the EDC board as an appointed, non-voting member, expressed concern that his involvement in Bruce Willson's Progressive Conservative campaign in the current provincial election might be prohibited under the proposed policy.

Assistant City Solicitor Nuala Kenny told him today that appearance of a conflict of interest can be as damaging as an actual conflict and she suggested that Pascuzzi would be wise to resign if the policy were in effect.

Other EDC directors expressed concern that the policy is so vaguely worded that it might prohibit donating money to a political candidate or posting a campaign sign on one's lawn.

Director Don Mitchell said that he has such a sign displayed right now.

Mayoral candidate Peter Vaudry said that, as he reads it, the political gag would prevent both him and Mayor John Rowswell from representing City Council on the EDC.

An informal decision was made to send the policy back for re-drafting.

Other parts of the proposed policy that were not disputed today would require directors to keep EDC business confidential and to avoid any situation in which their interests could potentially be at odds with the best interests of the EDC.

"When Board members provide information to the media, a written record of such discussion shall be attached to the subject file and the President and CEO (Bruce Strapp) and Chair (Mike Barker) shall aprove those Board Members who may speak for the SSMEDC," said a clause that was not onjected to by any director today.