Possible conflict of interest looms for Reynolds

By ELIZABETH COOPER

Observer-Dispatch

Posted Oct 24, 2009 @ 08:52 PM

Last update Oct 24, 2009 @ 08:57 PM

NEW HARTFORD —

The fact that Town Board member David Reynolds’ son-in-law is the supervisor of the town dispatch center has prompted concerns about a possible conflict of interest.

As town officials look for ways to cut costs amid a financial crisis, they are considering consolidating the dispatch center with that of Oneida County.

Reynolds, who took office in 2006, said he would not take part in discussions about the center’s future if the town moves forward consolidation efforts.

“I don’t plan to be part of the study or the review,” he said Thursday.

But last week, Reynolds was among the town officials who met with Oneida County leaders to begin talks about merging the county’s three dispatch centers — operated by New Hartford, Oneida County and Utica.

When asked why he had participated in the meeting if he meant to recuse himself, Reynolds would only say, “I support the review and study of the possible consolidation. When that process starts, I will recuse myself.”

One fellow board member said the issue could be a conflict of interest and Reynolds must avoid that appearance.

“If Councilman Reynolds has close relatives working in the New Hartford dispatch department, then his involvement in any consolidation reviews or ultimate voting on such, despite his ability to be wholly objective, would in appearance be a conflict of interest and therefore he should recuse
himself from any involvement,” board member Christine Krupa stated in an e-mail.

Dispatch Supervisor Jeff Madden, who is married to Reynolds’ daughter, said he had discussed the issue with his father-in-law, and Reynolds had said he would recuse himself from votes on the subject.

“That having been said, he is a 45-year member of the New Hartford Fire Department and served for 25 years as chief,” Madden said. “He is very knowledgeable of its services.”

Madden said he wasn’t yet dating Reynolds’ daughter when he was hired as a dispatcher in 1991 after taking a civil service exam. The couple married three years ago after dating 11 years.

Board member Rich Woodland said he wasn’t sure where he stood on Reynolds’ involvement in conversations about the dispatch center.

“That’s more of a legal question,” he said.

Town Supervisor Earle Reed, however, said he believed Reynolds should “definitely be involved” in the process.

“I think he was fire chief for 25 years, and he is my deputy (supervisor),” he said. “I have found Dave to be a very fair and open-minded person.”