Councillor Susan Fielding maintains she no longer has a conflict of interest as a result of land acquisitions for the proposed Morriston bypass.
Prior to February 2014, the Fielding farm property was involved in negotiations regarding the sale property for the bypass.
During that time, Fielding declared a conflict of interest and moved away from the council table or left the room when the issue arose in the chambers.
Though commented on in past meetings, the issue of potential conflict of interest came up once more on May 21 following a letter to council by resident Beverly Wozniak.
In her letter, Wozniak stated that at the April 2 council meeting, Fielding stated she would produce a letter plus pertinent information from her lawyer regarding the conflict of interest matters.
“To this date nothing has been forthcoming. When will this letter, etc., be submitted to council and members of the interested public?”
While the property sale involved a strip of land through the farm, the farm property would still exist on either side of the highway.
Fielding said, “I would be more than happy to give a statement.
“I never stated I would produce a letter from my lawyer. My lawyer has advised me that it is an unreasonable request to ask anyone for information that is subject to solicitor-client privilege.”
As Fielding has done before, she invited people with concerns to contact her directly.
“I am still open to that.”
She said the conflict (involving the sale of land to the Ministry of Transportation) was resolved on Feb. 25.
“I have an unequivocal legal opinion that the conflict has been resolved.
“I will restate that I have always sought and abided by advice from my legal counsel. That’s all I have to say.”
Council held no other discussion on the issue.
