Proposal: Conflict of Interest Policy
Proposal:
In all decisions of the Maryland Green Party Coordinating Council (MGP-CC) involving procedures for the nomination of a candidate for public office; allocation of funds for candidates seeking the nomination of the Maryland Green Party or nominees of the Maryland Green Party; or the allocation of other material resources to candidates or nominees of the Maryland Green Party ("material resources" include, but are not limited to, promotion, endorsement, or assignment of staff or volunteer time) individuals will be required to inform the MGP-CC of any circumstances that create a conflict of interest and are strongly encouraged to recuse themselves from such decisions.
MGP-CC members recusing themselves from a decision shall cast a vote of "abstain", and their abstention shall be considered as a vote for purposes of determining quorum.
The following circumstances shall be deemed to a create a "conflict of interest":
-an MGP-CC member who is a candidate for public office;
-a contract between the MGP-CC member and any candidate for public office who may benefit materially or strategically from a decision made by the MGP-CC;
-any monetary compensation paid to an MGP-CC member by a candidate for public office who may benefit materially or strategically from a decision made by the MGP-CC;
-an MGP-CC member serving in an unpaid capacity as a director, officer, associate, trustee, personal representative, receiver, or other legal representative of, or consultant to any candidate for public office who may benefit materially or strategically from a decision made by the MGP-CC;
-an MGP-CC member whose spouse or domestic partner is a candidate for public office who may benefit materially or strategically from a decision made by the MGP-CC, or whose spouse or domestic partner is subject to any conflict of interest as defined by this policy.
Poll Created Wed 19 Jun 2019 1:04AM
Proposal: Conflict of Interest Policy Closed Tue 25 Jun 2019 4:02PM
Proposal:
In all decisions of the Maryland Green Party Coordinating Council (MGP-CC) involving procedures for the nomination of a candidate for public office; allocation of funds for candidates seeking the nomination of the Maryland Green Party or nominees of the Maryland Green Party; or the allocation of other material resources to candidates or nominees of the Maryland Green Party ("material resources" include, but are not limited to, promotion, endorsement, or assignment of staff or volunteer time) individuals will be required to inform the MGP-CC of any circumstances that create a conflict of interest and are strongly encouraged to recuse themselves from such decisions.
MGP-CC members recusing themselves from a decision shall cast a vote of "abstain", and their abstention shall be considered as a vote for purposes of determining quorum.
The following circumstances shall be deemed to a create a "conflict of interest":
-an MGP-CC member who is a candidate for public office;
-a contract between the MGP-CC member and any candidate for public office who may benefit materially or strategically from a decision made by the MGP-CC;
-any monetary compensation paid to an MGP-CC member by a candidate for public office who may benefit materially or strategically from a decision made by the MGP-CC;
-an MGP-CC member serving in an unpaid capacity as a director, officer, associate, trustee, personal representative, receiver, or other legal representative of, or consultant to any candidate for public office who may benefit materially or strategically from a decision made by the MGP-CC;
-an MGP-CC member whose spouse or domestic partner is a candidate for public office who may benefit materially or strategically from a decision made by the MGP-CC, or whose spouse or domestic partner is subject to any conflict of interest as defined by this policy.
Results
| Results | Option | % of points | Voters | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Agree | 100.0% | 7 |
|
| Abstain | 0.0% | 0 | ||
| Disagree | 0.0% | 0 | ||
| Block | 0.0% | 0 | ||
| Undecided | 0% | 2 |
|
7 of 9 people have participated (77%)
Andy Ellis-Baltimore City-Delegate-He/Him
Wed 19 Jun 2019 2:17AM
I feel pretty adamant about this and think this is a good compromise, but I am also persuaded by some of the arguments i have heard so far here and on the listserv. So since i can't unvote, i am shifting my vote to abstain until later in the comment period.
Kevin Zeese (Delegate, Maryland Green Party)
Fri 21 Jun 2019 11:40PM
I changed my vote because I did not realize until Andy pointed it out to Margaret that recusal was advised and up to the person with the potential conflict and not something required when there is a conflict. As long as recusal is voluntary, I support the proposal. Sorry for not reading it more clearly.
Andy Ellis-Baltimore City-Delegate-He/Him
Mon 24 Jun 2019 3:06PM
Seeing as the concerns that Kevin and Margaret expressed have been adressed and seeing that Jon Cook from Moco votes yes and Tim from Moco supports this I am changing my abstention to yes.
Anokwale Anansesemfo Fri 21 Jun 2019 8:52PM
I agree
Anokwale Anansesemfo Fri 21 Jun 2019 9:03PM
I agree
Andy Ellis-Baltimore City-Delegate-He/Him Fri 21 Jun 2019 9:15PM
Hi @margaretflowers, As i read this proposal it requires disclosure and suggest recusal only decisons that are directly related to a campaign, but it still makes them voluntary. Is there way that it coud be worded which would make this something you would agree with?
Kevin Zeese (Delegate, Maryland Green Party) · Wed 19 Jun 2019 1:41AM
I favor disclosure and oppose people being required to recuse themselves. People should use their judgment about whether they are biased and should not participate in discussions and vote, but not be required.
I am supporting Howie Hawkins for president as a volunteer. At the recent state party meeting there were things said by Dario and Ian that needed an informed comment or question. People not following campaigns closely do not have the information needed to ask questions that expose information that Greens need to know. I would have been happy to tell people my support for Howie and make a comment or ask a question and I think the people would have been better informed in the room if I had been allowed to.
And, we are too small a party to require people working on campaigns not to participate in decision making on issues relevant to the campaign. It is a practical problem that can only be solved with growth.
I would offer an amendment only requiring disclosure and not requiring recusal. But without that amendment, I vote against the proposal.
Voting Disagree.