Having read Mr. Hudson’s recent Daily Post editorial, (“EDITORIAL: A Flubbed Town Council Hand-off on Short-Term Rentals, Part One”) I am writing to express my disagreement with the Town Attorney’s opinion that, if there is a conflict of interest, it is up to the Council member to recuse himself/herself. The comment was made in reference to Nicole Pitcher and Rory Burnett’s expressed opinions or vote on the highly controversial STR issue. I am glad to see that the latter has resigned although I remain curious as to his reasons for doing so.
With regards to Ms. Pitcher or any other town council members who reportedly own an STR, there is a clear conflict of interest as these individuals have a vested personal and financial interest in the promotion or maintenance of the current controversial STR rules. Without a doubt, it is imperative that Ms. Pitcher or any other member owning an STR recused themselves from voting on this issue as doing so will constitute an ethical violation to the Town’s Code of Ethics, seen below.
Such decision is not up to the individual in question, it is the Town Council’s responsibility. Further more, ethical violations should result in the removal of the unethical member from the town’s Council.
ARTICLE 4. – CODE OF ETHICS | Code of Ordinances | Pagosa Springs, CO | Municode Library
A good review of what constitutes a “conflict of interest” is exemplified in the following article:
Conflict of Interest – Ethics Unwrapped (utexas.edu)
Thanks to Mr. Hudson for shedding light on these issues, and for his continued work for the community of town and county residents of Pagosa Springs.
Ana M. Sancho Sama, PhD
Pagosa Springs, CO
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