City Council Minutes 1999 06 01 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Louisville Municipal Judge issues the opinions. Davidson stated that he did not know when the opinion would be back, however, it would be in writing, it is public, and it will be posted. Howard arrived (7:05 p.m.) Sisk expressed his appreciation for the comments made by former Mayor Waschek and Chris Hill in terms of trying to balance the Council's duties and obligations. He stated that the actions that have been taken are terribly inconsistent with what the public confidence has in the Council as elected officials. However, Sisk explained that he did not want to pre-judge Councilman Lathrop's conduct and stated that he thinks that it is important that the citizens have the right to know exactly the negotiations process that Council went through and how Councilman Lathrop acquired this property. He expressed his surprise upon learning that Councilman Lathrop had purchased the property. He suggested that, while the Council has been working under the ethics ordinance, there is a sterner inquiry that needs to be made. He stated that the ethics an ordinance looks at prospective actions, in which one draws questions in advance of their actions. He explained that in this case the action has been taken and that action may be in contravention of statutes that have been applied against public elected officials. He expressed hope that an independent arbiter, possibly from the Judicial Arbiter Group, be appointed to conduct an inquiry and to ask questions of all parties so as to render an impartial and objective decision that will allow the citizens and Councilmembers of Louisville to know exactly what occurred. He explained that this is necessary in order for everyone to understand that nothing is being left for chance nor is anything being swept under the carpet. He stated that he was not elected to Council and re-elected because he wanted to use his position as a Councilmember to prosper. He agreed with former Mayer Waschek that everything needs to be documented and that the citizens need to know that went on without equivocation. He stated that he believes that Councilman Lathrop will want to participate in this process. He requested that Councilman Lathrop receive a chance to explain his side of what happened, and allow someone to come forward to discuss the pertinent facts, including facts that may need to be delved into further by an independent prosecutor. He stated that it is important that the City resolve this issue. Sisk assured the citizens of Louisville that he would not be a party to any whitewashing in this case. He explained that he would not sit idly by until the facts are disclosed. He stated that he is not attempting to exonerate Councilman Lathrop, or to defend Councilman Lathrop, only to obtain the facts. Sisk requested that the citizens of Louisville not make a judgement until the facts are placed before them. He requested that Council go one step further than an ethics opinion by appointing an independent party to investigate the facts. Sisk stated that the Judicial Arbiter Group is a group of former Supreme Court Judges, District Judges, etc., all of which have judicial background. Sisk explained that his law firm incorporated the Judicial Arbiter Group appro.ximately twenty years ago. He admitted that he does know some of the members personally. He expressed utmost confidence in the absolute integrity of members of the Judicial Arbiter Group and suggested that someone from this group be chosen to make some findings in an impartial manner.