EDITORIAL: The right look for St. Joseph County leaders to avoid appearance of conflict
Two recent issues in
In the case of leaf pickup, the county's problems stem from a poorly negotiated contract with Greenworld Environmental Management, with officials now searching for ways to press for better service.
County Auditor
He organized two public meetings in which Greenworld owner
Then, last month, Hamann touched off a controversy when he authorized a
It's worth noting that in 2014, Greenworld donated
Hamann insists that he has remained objective. But there have been too many complaints, and there's too much money at stake, for taxpayers to be comfortable with his proximity to the situation.
It just doesn't look right when he authorizes, and defends, a
Speaking of questions, there is no shortage of them in the county's debate about its health insurance broker, R&R Benefits. A recent study authorized by the county ranked three firms higher than R&R. The potential cost savings were substantial.
Yet the county commissioners --
Some of those colleagues pointed out that a former county commissioner,
The commissioners' decision, however, still raises a slew of questions, especially why they appeared to stubbornly stick with R&R. It just doesn't look right when the potential to save money is overshadowed by turf wars among county officials and questions about how transparent and sincere the process was.
We understand that public officials have relationships and contacts that often intersect with their private lives. It can be a tricky balancing act.
All the more reason to be clear on a critical point: Public officials, including those in
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