After Bob Gallagher, Jr. won the mayoral election last fall, it came as no surprise that his father, Bob Gallagher, stepped down from his long-held position on the city's Planning and Zoning Commission.
Even though the planning and zoning post carries no compensation, city officials are urged to avoid even the appearance of a conflict of interest.
So it seems at odds with that decision that Mayor Gallagher is now seeking to appoint his father to the city's Board of Adjustment. In seeking to justify the turnabout, the city staff, in its resolution to the council, says: "Staff does not want to lose his knowledge of planning and development and the skill he has displayed serving on the commission.
"Because the council does not exercise jurisdiction over the Board (Board decisions are appealed directly to District Court), any decision reached by the Board would not come before the Council, and would eliminate the appearance of conflict in duties," the resolution argues.
However, the fact board decisions aren't reviewed by the city council doesn't remove the appearance of conflict or undue influence. If anything, there would appear to be greater likelihood for conflict or undue influence for Gallagher on the board of adjustment for that very reason: decisions by the board can't be reviewed or changed by a majority of elected city council members.
Moreover, the city is under state mandate to make its appointed boards and commissions gender equal. Appointing another male member to the current board, comprised of four men and one woman, makes no sense in achieving such a balance.
There are many well-qualified people in Bettendorf who would be willing to serve. We should recognize the exemplary service of Bob Gallagher to the city for his nearly 40 years on the Planning and Zoning Commission.
Then, his son should appoint someone who won't face any potential conflicts in board of adjustment decision-making.
