More on Conflict of Interest Issues in GT.

Miller Defence to the charges he did not negotiate or sign or approve the contract is an interesting point of argument. The Judge may rule on this issue before the trial advances, and may dismiss the case all together for lack of sufficient evidence to proceed.

IF the Judge proceeds then, Mayor Ferry and Council Member Bea Cortes are or should be subject to the same charges as they approve payments to businesses or services where they are either employed, or their spouse is a member of the Board of Directors. There may be charges against other Council Members and Planning Commissioners and Staff if this is the standard of practice that is going to be upheld.

The Grand Terrace City Attorney said that the Mayor's Relationship to the Water Company is not a conflict as she was not party to rate or services negotiations, she just votes to pay the bill. So according to Harpers Opinion there is no Conflict for the Mayor. However, in a letter crafted to Jim Miller his opinion was there "May" be a conflict.

One thing is clear at a minimum. The City Attorney needs to be replaced. His "Opinions" have not protected the Citizens Interest or even the Council's. He has been a toady for Steve Berry and prior to that Tom Schwab. He perhaps should be subject to Professional Discipline within the Bar Association. For a fee of 15,000 per month he has not served us well.