LETTERS: Where does Mayor stand on ethics?

By: Steve Jenkins, Culpeper | Culpeper Star-Exponent
Published: January 22, 2012

After reading the letter written by Mayor Chip Coleman, addressing the ethics proposal as proposed by council member Dave Lockridge, I'm still uncertain as to where the mayor positions himself on this issue.

With having known Chip for over 20 years, I'm certain he would never uphold any unethical behavior, or knowingly allow.

However, it seems pretty cut and dry what Mr. Lockridge is saying, that being, if a council member is attending conferences paid for by the tax payers, he or she should be required to attend meeting while at the conference.

I don't believe "networking and vendor relations," would fit into most taxpayers frame as reasonable expectation.

A council member exchanging "that a boy's" with a council member from Timbucktwo in a nearby tavern is stretching the acceptable range of most taxpayers.

I would take it one step further regarding accountability at these suggested helpful and educational conferences.

There should be a cumulative report provided to the citizens by the mayor at the meeting following such conferences, outlining information obtained, and specifically the benefits that the town of Culpeper will derive from information received.

Obviously, on this report would be opportunity to identify those who attended the conferences and those who attended meetings.

Basically a report card to the citizens, for whom elected officials are responsible to.

I commend Mr. Lockridge for addressing the issue and providing accountability.