Foreign Entanglements

“As avenues to foreign influence in innumerable ways, such attachments are particularly alarming to the truly enlightened and independent patriot. How many opportunities do they afford to tamper with domestic factions, to practice the arts of seduction, to mislead public opinion, to influence or awe the public councils. Such an attachment of a small or weak towards a great and powerful nation dooms the former to be the satellite of the latter.

“Against the insidious wiles of foreign influence (I conjure you to believe me, fellow-citizens) the jealousy of a free people ought to be constantly awake, since history and experience prove that foreign influence is one of the most baneful foes of republican government. But that jealousy to be useful must be impartial; else it becomes the instrument of the very influence to be avoided, instead of a defense against it. Excessive partiality for one foreign nation and excessive dislike of another cause those whom they actuate to see danger only on one side, and serve to veil and even second the arts of influence on the other. Real patriots who may resist the intrigues of the favorite are liable to become suspected and odious, while its tools and dupes usurp the applause and confidence of the people, to surrender their interests.”

-George Washington, Farewell Address 1786

Although we are all influenced by our circumstances to some extent, it is important to be open about conflicts of interest. To that end, I feel it is important to share my employment and group connections.

My Employment

Depending on the time of year, I have one to three jobs.

My principal job is with Carlisle Wortman Associates, working as a community planner.

Carlisle Wortman has worked as the City’s planning consultant since before I even lived here. A head hunter contacted me on Linkedin about a planning position with an anonymous planning company in Ann Arbor, which turned out to be Carlisle Wortman.

As the process unfolded, I shared this information with the previous City Manager Nicholls and the rest of City Council. Since hired, I abstain from voting on any payment of money to the firm. When City Council considered hiring the firm to work on zoning ordinance updates, I recused myself from the vote and left my spot at the Council table.

I have been working as a zamboni operator at the City of Ann Arbor. In previous years, I “cut the ice” for all of the Dexter hockey home games.

Several years ago, I started working as a hockey referee for USA Hockey sanctioned adult recreational games through Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation. This is done as an independent contractor, not a direct employee.

Other Groups

Aside from groups that I serve on as a member of Council, I have not joined other groups in the community. My jobs have tended to be very demanding of my evening hours, and I have wanted to stay clear of any potential conflicts of interest.