Many discussions that I have with folks in Greensboro reveal a basic distrust of our elected officials. Citing concerns about the undue influence of special interests and questions about whose interests are truly served in decisions, people want a bright light shining on the deliberations of their City Council.
To restore and promote public trust in the Greensboro City Council, I will propose that the Council adopt an Economic Interest Disclosure Ordinance. Based on the disclosure requirements of all who file to run for state office (SS 120-96), this ordinance will help ensure that decisions are truly free of any conflict of interest in any matter that is brought before the body.
As it stands now, council members are required to recuse themselves from votes in which they have an economic interest. That’s not enough. The public should be able to decide whether a councilperson is serving the public interests or his or her business interests. A policy of full disclosure gives the public better insight into whose interests are being served.
2:58:38 PM 
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