Tuesday’s lead story about whether Jason Janes violated the law in regard to voting to put the fire chief on paid administrative leave and then, as a result, elevating his second cousin to fill the position missed the point. Whether it was legal is arguable. However, it certainly doesn’t pass the common sense test.
Mr. Janes is my 2nd Ward council person and as such I expect him to avoid conflicts of interest whether real or perceived. Two people, Council persons Janes and Louderman, essentially terminated the fire chief and we are not being told why. Mr. Janes should have removed himself from discussion and voting on both issues since he knew his cousin would fill the position. City Manager Jeff LaGarce said, “One of the difficult things about a small city is that a lot of people are related.” What does that have to do with my councilman using bad judgement? There is no “witch hunt” for councilman Janes, just a request that he use common sense.
Bob Yapp
Hannibal
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Tuesday’s lead story about whether Jason Janes violated the law in regard to voting to put the fire chief on paid administrative leave and then, as a result, elevating his second cousin to fill the position missed the point. Whether it was legal is arguable. However, it certainly doesn’t pass the common sense test.
Mr. Janes is my 2nd Ward council person and as such I expect him to avoid conflicts of interest whether real or perceived. Two people, Council persons Janes and Louderman, essentially terminated the fire chief and we are not being told why. Mr. Janes should have removed himself from discussion and voting on both issues since he knew his cousin would fill the position. City Manager Jeff LaGarce said, “One of the difficult things about a small city is that a lot of people are related.” What does that have to do with my councilman using bad judgement? There is no “witch hunt” for councilman Janes, just a request that he use common sense.
Bob Yapp
Hannibal
