Chief
08-30-2007, 07:42 AM
JEFFREY MIZE, columbian staff writer
April 13, 2001; Page A1
Citizens for Common Sense, a group that came forward early this year to oppose the special events center, has had a high-level, behind-the-scenes backer: none other than Councilwoman Jeanne Lipton. Lipton formed the organization as a nonprofit corporation in May 1997 more than two years before she won a seat on the Vancouver City Council.
Mayor Royce Pollard learned of her position with the group Thursday.
Councilman Jim Moeller said he learned of it last week.
"I would say this certainly shows a complete conflict of interest in my opinion regarding this entire special events center proposal," Moeller said. "I think it shows that she has clearly made up her mind before all the facts are in and is actively pursuing its failure."
Lipton said she has not publicly disclosed her position with Citizens for Common Sense because "nobody asked."
Citizens for Common Sense emerged earlier this year as vocal opponents to the $59.1 million project.
State records list Lipton as the corporation's registered agent and vice president.
Its address is the same as Lipton's home address.
Moeller said he believes Lipton should step down from future discussions and votes on the project.
"It looks very improper," he said. "In my opinion, she has been essentially orchestrating the entire anti-special events center organization ... from the very beginning. I question her ethics."
Won't abstain
Lipton, however, said she has no intention of abstaining from future votes.
Moeller, she said, should recuse himself from discussions and decisions regarding the proposed human rights commission.
"He has been orchestrating proponents to come into city hall and talk about the human rights commission, and I don't see the difference between the two," she said.
"Maybe I shouldn't put out a silly axiom, but what's good for the goose is good for the gander."
While Lipton's position with the group might not be common knowledge, it hardly can be characterized as clandestine.
Not only does Lipton's name appear on several state documents, but Citizens for Common Sense is listed as publisher of booklets she helped write on light-rail transit in 1996 and on C-Tran in 1999.
"It should have been knowledge that I am affiliated with Citizens for Common Sense," Lipton said. "Over 400 books have been published and have been spread about town."
Pollard said Lipton's position is "not a big deal to me," but he was surprised she is listed as the corporation's agent.
"I guess I would have to ask the city attorney is she should rethink it," Pollard said.
City Attorney Ted Gathe said Lipton's involvement would not constitute a conflict of interest unless she has a direct or indirect financial interest in the issue.
Washington law specifically allows nonprofit corporations to be set up for any lawful purpose, including political activities.
A cursory review of Public Disclosure Commission records indicated that Lipton listed her affiliation with Citizens for Common Sense on financial affairs statements she must file with the state.
InterACT forum
Lipton's position with the group goes a long way toward explaining why Larry Patella and Ralph Peabody, two outspoken critics of the events center, no longer speak as representatives of Citizens for Common Sense.
Their refusal to appear under the group's banner was one of the reasons InterACT cited when it abruptly canceled a public forum scheduled Wednesday night.
Lipton said she told the two men they could not use the group's name in the forum and during an ongoing petition campaign to try to force a vote on the project.
"They were now moving into the referendum stage, and I thought that might be interpreted as being a PAC (political action committee)," she said.
"I look at Citizens for Common Sense more as an education group, and I wanted to keep that status."
Lipton often has been at odds with the rest of the council during her first 15 months in office and has accused the city of not following rules and procedures on the events center project. Her position with Citizens for Common Sense could place additional pressure on already rocky relations with the other six council members.
When asked about that likelihood, Moeller replied: "What relations?"
Pollard: No friction
Pollard isn't so sure Lipton's involvement will increase friction.
"It doesn't strain my relations," he said. "I try to maintain a professional relationship with Ms. Lipton, and I would expect her to do the same."
Lipton said she and other council members have "very diverse opinions" on a number of issues.
"I'm satisfied with what I have done," she said. "I am a community activist, and I will continue to educate the public."
April 13, 2001; Page A1
Citizens for Common Sense, a group that came forward early this year to oppose the special events center, has had a high-level, behind-the-scenes backer: none other than Councilwoman Jeanne Lipton. Lipton formed the organization as a nonprofit corporation in May 1997 more than two years before she won a seat on the Vancouver City Council.
Mayor Royce Pollard learned of her position with the group Thursday.
Councilman Jim Moeller said he learned of it last week.
"I would say this certainly shows a complete conflict of interest in my opinion regarding this entire special events center proposal," Moeller said. "I think it shows that she has clearly made up her mind before all the facts are in and is actively pursuing its failure."
Lipton said she has not publicly disclosed her position with Citizens for Common Sense because "nobody asked."
Citizens for Common Sense emerged earlier this year as vocal opponents to the $59.1 million project.
State records list Lipton as the corporation's registered agent and vice president.
Its address is the same as Lipton's home address.
Moeller said he believes Lipton should step down from future discussions and votes on the project.
"It looks very improper," he said. "In my opinion, she has been essentially orchestrating the entire anti-special events center organization ... from the very beginning. I question her ethics."
Won't abstain
Lipton, however, said she has no intention of abstaining from future votes.
Moeller, she said, should recuse himself from discussions and decisions regarding the proposed human rights commission.
"He has been orchestrating proponents to come into city hall and talk about the human rights commission, and I don't see the difference between the two," she said.
"Maybe I shouldn't put out a silly axiom, but what's good for the goose is good for the gander."
While Lipton's position with the group might not be common knowledge, it hardly can be characterized as clandestine.
Not only does Lipton's name appear on several state documents, but Citizens for Common Sense is listed as publisher of booklets she helped write on light-rail transit in 1996 and on C-Tran in 1999.
"It should have been knowledge that I am affiliated with Citizens for Common Sense," Lipton said. "Over 400 books have been published and have been spread about town."
Pollard said Lipton's position is "not a big deal to me," but he was surprised she is listed as the corporation's agent.
"I guess I would have to ask the city attorney is she should rethink it," Pollard said.
City Attorney Ted Gathe said Lipton's involvement would not constitute a conflict of interest unless she has a direct or indirect financial interest in the issue.
Washington law specifically allows nonprofit corporations to be set up for any lawful purpose, including political activities.
A cursory review of Public Disclosure Commission records indicated that Lipton listed her affiliation with Citizens for Common Sense on financial affairs statements she must file with the state.
InterACT forum
Lipton's position with the group goes a long way toward explaining why Larry Patella and Ralph Peabody, two outspoken critics of the events center, no longer speak as representatives of Citizens for Common Sense.
Their refusal to appear under the group's banner was one of the reasons InterACT cited when it abruptly canceled a public forum scheduled Wednesday night.
Lipton said she told the two men they could not use the group's name in the forum and during an ongoing petition campaign to try to force a vote on the project.
"They were now moving into the referendum stage, and I thought that might be interpreted as being a PAC (political action committee)," she said.
"I look at Citizens for Common Sense more as an education group, and I wanted to keep that status."
Lipton often has been at odds with the rest of the council during her first 15 months in office and has accused the city of not following rules and procedures on the events center project. Her position with Citizens for Common Sense could place additional pressure on already rocky relations with the other six council members.
When asked about that likelihood, Moeller replied: "What relations?"
Pollard: No friction
Pollard isn't so sure Lipton's involvement will increase friction.
"It doesn't strain my relations," he said. "I try to maintain a professional relationship with Ms. Lipton, and I would expect her to do the same."
Lipton said she and other council members have "very diverse opinions" on a number of issues.
"I'm satisfied with what I have done," she said. "I am a community activist, and I will continue to educate the public."