And the unethical behavior continues!
A committee with representation from community members, city council and city administrators looked through the applications and chose which organizations best fit into those three categories and served the needs of Sioux Falls.
City councilor Miranda Bayse was originally on the committee, however, a conflict of interest with one of the nonprofits caused her to step away from the reviewing and voting on the organizations. She still offered insight to KELOLAND News about the new process.
Bayse said the proposals exceeded the budget, so committee members had to be selective about which nonprofits received funding from the city.
“The coliseum and what happens in that space is very important,” Bayse said in an interview with KELOLAND News Tuesday. “I don’t know the answer, but if funding isn’t feasible in the budget, are there other ways as a community to support and encourage the things that happen in that space?”
Bayse also acknowledged the timeline to submit and review proposals was tight, which could have played a role in why some organizations received funding while others did not.
Isn’t it interesting how she knows so much about the review process yet she claims she stepped away from it. She was likely in on the meetings, and even if she didn’t vote she can influence other members. It’s pretty simple, if you have a conflict, your recuse yourself before the process even begins. You also tell the public what that conflict is and you certainly can’t vote or influence other councilors. Three strikes against Lucy.
It almost seems like they are proud of what they can get away with. After the city election in June if crap doesn’t shape up I am going to file ethics complaints against the mayor, city councilors and city employees. It’s time they learn what it means to be ethical because this type of blazen behavior erodes public trust immensely.