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Oklahoma Association of Municipal Attorneys

Conflict of Interest, Newspaper Owner running for Commission

John R. Andrew

Tue, Oct 25, 2022 9:01 PM

All,

Because we've had so many issues with self-dealing up here in Kay County (see Blackwell, Tonkawa), we have an individual who is going to run for our City Commission (Council) who owns and operates a media company here in town who publishes both a monthly newspaper released free here in town and has websites and media for many local companies, including the City.

The way I'm looking at it, the City would have to stop doing business with her, which is tough for us because they operate some of our city websites (Marland Mansion/Grand Home). We also do a lot of advertising with her that I would imagine would have to stop.

Would there be anything she could do on her end, for example: put the company in a trust and not operate it while she's Commissioner? I'm just spitballing. I feel like it's a lot to give up for what is essentially a volunteer position here in Ponca.

Thanks!

John R. Andrew, J.D., M.P.A.
City Attorney
City of Ponca City, OK
PO Box 1450
Ponca City, OK 74602-1450
T: (580) 767-0337
F: (580) 767-0344
E: andrejr@poncacityok.gov

All, Because we've had so many issues with self-dealing up here in Kay County (see Blackwell, Tonkawa), we have an individual who is going to run for our City Commission (Council) who owns and operates a media company here in town who publishes both a monthly newspaper released free here in town and has websites and media for many local companies, including the City. The way I'm looking at it, the City would have to stop doing business with her, which is tough for us because they operate some of our city websites (Marland Mansion/Grand Home). We also do a lot of advertising with her that I would imagine would have to stop. Would there be anything she could do on her end, for example: put the company in a trust and not operate it while she's Commissioner? I'm just spitballing. I feel like it's a lot to give up for what is essentially a volunteer position here in Ponca. Thanks! John R. Andrew, J.D., M.P.A. City Attorney City of Ponca City, OK PO Box 1450 Ponca City, OK 74602-1450 T: (580) 767-0337 F: (580) 767-0344 E: andrejr@poncacityok.gov

rayvincent@coxinet.net

Wed, Oct 26, 2022 7:11 PM

Look at 11 O.S Section 8-113 and Oklahoma Constitution Article X Section 11.
Ray

From: John R. Andrew
Sent: Tuesday, October 25, 2022 4:01 PM
To: oama@lists.imla.org
Subject: [Oama] Conflict of Interest, Newspaper Owner running for Commission

All,

Because we’ve had so many issues with self-dealing up here in Kay County (see Blackwell, Tonkawa), we have an individual who is going to run for our City Commission (Council) who owns and operates a media company here in town who publishes both a monthly newspaper released free here in town and has websites and media for many local companies, including the City.

The way I’m looking at it, the City would have to stop doing business with her, which is tough for us because they operate some of our city websites (Marland Mansion/Grand Home). We also do a lot of advertising with her that I would imagine would have to stop.

Would there be anything she could do on her end, for example: put the company in a trust and not operate it while she’s Commissioner? I’m just spitballing. I feel like it’s a lot to give up for what is essentially a volunteer position here in Ponca.

Thanks!

John R. Andrew, J.D., M.P.A.

City Attorney

City of Ponca City, OK

PO Box 1450

Ponca City, OK 74602-1450

T: (580) 767-0337

F: (580) 767-0344

E: andrejr@poncacityok.gov

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Look at 11 O.S Section 8-113 and Oklahoma Constitution Article X Section 11. Ray From: John R. Andrew Sent: Tuesday, October 25, 2022 4:01 PM To: oama@lists.imla.org Subject: [Oama] Conflict of Interest, Newspaper Owner running for Commission All, Because we’ve had so many issues with self-dealing up here in Kay County (see Blackwell, Tonkawa), we have an individual who is going to run for our City Commission (Council) who owns and operates a media company here in town who publishes both a monthly newspaper released free here in town and has websites and media for many local companies, including the City. The way I’m looking at it, the City would have to stop doing business with her, which is tough for us because they operate some of our city websites (Marland Mansion/Grand Home). We also do a lot of advertising with her that I would imagine would have to stop. Would there be anything she could do on her end, for example: put the company in a trust and not operate it while she’s Commissioner? I’m just spitballing. I feel like it’s a lot to give up for what is essentially a volunteer position here in Ponca. Thanks! John R. Andrew, J.D., M.P.A. City Attorney City of Ponca City, OK PO Box 1450 Ponca City, OK 74602-1450 T: (580) 767-0337 F: (580) 767-0344 E: andrejr@poncacityok.gov -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -- Oama mailing list -- oama@lists.imla.org To unsubscribe send an email to oama-leave@lists.imla.org