The Town of Oliver has delayed discussing a motion from one of its councillors due to concerns about potential conflict of interest.
On Monday council was prepared to discuss Jack Bennest’s motion on supporting the province in acquiring land to protect the area’s grasslands and endangered species.
But a letter to the mayor from Oliver resident Jim Wyse prompted council to table the motion for two weeks.
Wyse said Bennest is “tantalizingly close” to being in a conflict of interest with regard to his motion relating to the national park debate and his control over what is published in his blog (Oliver Daily News).
Wyse noted that Bennest can create news in council with motions like this, and then benefit financially from increased readership and the number of “hits” on his blog.
Because of his connection to Oliver Daily News, “any honourable politician would excuse himself from the council discussion and subsequent vote, Wyse said.
Wyse, a local businessman who supports the national park, said council is doing the right thing by getting outside advice on whether Bennest is overstepping his political position with his blog.
“I think the legal advice being sought should end the discussion. We should all learn from this.”
Bennest said most of council was shocked by Wyse’s statements, which appeared “timed for effect.”
He confirmed that council will seek legal advice to protect the Town.
Bennest said it’s normal for any councillor who believes he or she is in a conflict to recuse themselves from the issue.
“I heard no one around the table indicate that they thought I was or should shy away from a simple motion that states an opinion on the land that we love and cherish in the South Okanagan. I have nothing to gain. I repeat – nothing.”
The veteran councillor reiterated that he
Can’t think of anything in the motion that places him a conflict of interest.
Town of Oliver Councillor Jack Bennest
Bennest previously told the Chronicle that council will see the wisdom of not taking a national park position – other than one that protects endangered species and a strategy to bring tourists to world class facilities in the South Okanagan Similkameen.
The councillor said it was his suggestion that the debate on the motion be tabled for two weeks.
Oliver resident Albert Hudec said rather than spend Town money to sort out Bennest’s potential conflict, the councillor should be asked to withdraw his motion.
Hudec said Bennest failed to declare his interest and excuse himself from Monday’s in-camera session after the potential conflict was brought to his attention.
Hudec said the concern is whether the advertising revenues generated for Bennest (on his blog) due to stirring up controversial issues for council debate are sufficient enough to create a conflict.
Hudec said there is an uncomfortable relationship between Bennest’s dual position as Town councillor and publisher of Oliver Daily News.
“Jack needs to decide and make clear to everyone the nature of ODN. Is it a legitimate and respectable news source reporting on local events and issues in a balanced fashion . . . or is it his own personal and very opinionated blog?”
According to Hudec, Bennest went too far on the “hot button” issue of the national park, strongly expressing his own views and providing a forum for MLA Linda Larson, who opposes the national park.
Hudec said the decision on the national park is not a Town council responsibility but a matter of provincial jurisdiction in discussion with First Nations and Parks Canada.
“There is no need for members of Oliver Town council to use their position as a platform for expressing their own personal views on the matter, when it is not within their jurisdiction to decide the matter.”
Mayor Ron Hovanes could not be reached for comment by press time Tuesday.
Lyonel Doherty
Oliver Chronicle
