Letter to the editor: Governance ethics, transparency and conflict of interest concerns in Sewickley

Sewickley council needs ethics code

I am one of two neighbors who recently opposed an adjoining neighbor’s variance request to build a large addition on his small lot. Despite our presentation of valid arguments why this property did not meet the conditions required to issue a variance, the Sewickley Zoning Board granted approval.

In its ruling, the board failed to address any of the evidence provided by the opposing neighbors. The property was simply declared to be “unique.” No transparency as to their reasoning was provided.

We learned afterward that the client’s local architect is also the chairman of the Sewickley Planning Commission, a governance committee that is involved in residential land use and zoning issues. In advocating for his client as to how the zoning board should interpret the zoning ordinance, he created a conflict of interest.

Sewickley does not appear to currently have an ethics provision included in its code. But here’s what Monroeville’s ethics code has to say about this type of relationship: “It shall be unlawful for any elected or appointed official or for any employee to appear in behalf of another private interest before any agency of the Municipality …”

Citizens deserve better of their officials. The Sewickley council appoints these individuals and provides oversight. The council should establish an ethics code for appointed officials, deal specifically with the planning commissioner’s role in this case, and insist that zoning board decisions address arguments made by opposing neighbors. Lastly, a solicitor should be present at all zoning board meetings.

Jeffrey Rhoads

Sewickley