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Friends of Historic Glasgow (Delaware) Discussions Response From Paul Clark 5-28-2005 TO: Friends of Historic Glasgow/Green Delaware FROM: Paul G. Clark, President, New Castle County Council DATE: May 17, 2005 SUBJECT: Clarification of 5/11/05 Release From Friends of Historic Glasgow I am in receipt of the May 11, 2005 electronic mail “News Release” from the Friends of Historic Glasgow citing a potential conflict of interest that I may have concerning the conceptual Barczewski Farm development proposal. Because my wife represents the applicant, the News Release implies that I may be inclined to vote in favor of a rezoning of the Barczewski Farm to benefit her. I take strong exception to this implication and would like to respond. First, it is my position now and it has always been my position and hope that the historical and environmental resources of the Barczewski Farm be preserved. I supported the concept for the County to contribute money in conjunction with the State and other entities to purchase and preserve the property. I stated this position prior to being sworn in as President of the New Castle County Council, well before Mr. Nichols executed an option to purchase the property. It was only after Mr. Nichols optioned the property that he retained my wife as legal counsel. My wife is a talented and respected attorney and very much her own person. She does not ask for or need my help. Second, I am a strong proponent of ethics. I have, and will continue to not participate in any decision that will present a potential conflict of interest. Hence, as I stated during the March 15th Listening Session after Mr. Nichols had retained my wife, I would be recusing myself from any decisions pertaining to the Barczewski Farm. Finally, it should be noted that County Council has no influence over the decisions of independent Boards, including the Historic Review Board, or over any Department of the Executive branch, including the Department of Land Use. The only involvement Council will have with this plan is the ministerial approval of the plan after the Department of Land Use has confirmed it meets all Code requirements, and/or the discretionary approval if a rezoning is sought. As I stated above, I will recuse myself in either situation. I respect the democratic process and the right of everyone to express their opinion; however, such a process needs to be premised upon a correct factual record. I sincerely hope that the Friends of Historic Glasgow and Green Delaware correct the record on how I would handle any potential conflict by sending this memo to the same individuals on the original News Release distribution list. Thank you for your time and consideration. -By Paul Clark |
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