I was content to let the Ethics Board review the conflict of interest question in regard to Councilor Matzen. But that process has failed.

A careful review of Auburn’s ethics ordinance shows that Matzen was clearly in violation when he voted on the parking garage bond issue. He was the deciding vote.

In previous votes on the matter, Matzen had recused himself. Why?

There was certainly an appearance of a conflict of interest. By definition then, his vote is in violation of the ordinance.

The ethics ordinance was designed to prevent even the appearance of a conflict of interest and to assure the public’s trust in its government.

I wish to see Auburn prosper, our schools flourish, the tax rate stabilize and have a revitalized downtown. I also believe in the free enterprise system where a developer’s profit is determined, in large part, by the wise investments he makes and risks taken.

I think that providing parking for customers is a cost of doing business and should be borne by the developer, not the taxpayer.

The entire city of Portland has two public parking garages, and Auburn will have two within 700 yards. The One City Center development in Portland has flourished with only private dollars.

I do not have any personal problems with councilors or city staff. I try to be straightforward and will continue to strive for more due process and citizen involvement in city government and to see that taxpayer dollars are used effectively.
City Councilor Bob Mennealy,

Auburn