Ethics Rules and Sheffield's Relationship
City Council President Mary Sheffield sought ethical guidance before voting on contracts involving a demolition contractor with whom she had a personal relationship.
The city's ethics board stated that Sheffield had no conflict of interest in the matter, as the ethics rules did not require her to disclose the relationship.
Conrad Mallett, corporation counsel for the city, said an executive order that prohibits employees from having relationships with people involved with contracts they oversee did not apply to council members.
- Mary Sheffield had a personal relationship with Brian McKinney, the CEO of demolition company Gayanga.
- The relationship became a late-campaign issue after questions were raised about her council votes on the company's work with the city.
Author's summary: Sheffield sought guidance on ethics rules regarding her relationship.