By Dave Fidlin
Correspondent
A proposed document, outlining a code of ethics and conduct for the Whitewater University Technology Park and Whitewater Incubation Program, has raised concerns from members of the board of directors overseeing the city’s Community Development Authority (CDA).
From the onset, the CDA has been intricately involved in the development of the technology park and the incubation program within the site. Because of the close association, CDA members frequently serve on a different board aimed at directing and planning the continued development of the technology park.
The CDA’s recent discussion of the code of ethics and conduct document raised red flags about a number of conflicts of interest. Several members compared it to an octopus with far-reaching implications that could lead to a number of unintended consequences.
“I’d be uncomfortable serving,” said CDA Chair Jeff Knight. “I think the entire CDA would have difficulty serving on the tech park board.”
Unlike other appointed bodies, the CDA serves a unique and specific purpose within the city. Members serving on the CDA have to meet specific prerequisites and oftentimes are professionals in the finance, banking and real estate industry.
But CDA members assert a list of provisions in the document – including client/tenant relationships, compensation and third-party interactions – could result in a number of recusals and limit the body’s input on the technology park board.
The CDA emphasized it is in favor of a code of ethics and conduct document, but would like one without provisions that create a number of conflicts of interest. The entire body voted against the iteration of the document presented.
Knight suggested it might be practical for officials within the technology park to do a comparative analysis with other university-driven technology parks and see how operations are governed.
