After reviewing a Telegram inquiry into a possible conflict of interest by a Superior city councilor, District Attorney Dan Blank called the conflict "obvious."
The issue arose last week when Councilor Dan Olson presented an ordinance requiring project labor agreements on all city projects of $150,000 or more. Nationally, the agreements are criticized for favoring union labor and raising the cost of public projects, and have prompted lawsuits.
Olson is business manager for Building and General Laborers Local 1091. Blank wrote in the decision, it "appears that both Mr. Olson, and the union he represents, would benefit from such an ordinance."
The city council took no action on the proposal, Blank noted, because City Attorney Frog Prell cautioned members about the possible conflict of interest.
"I am concerned that this is an obvious conflict of interest situation that Councilor Olson should seriously discuss with City Attorney Prell and/or private legal counsel," Blank wrote, adding the situation is an opportunity for training for councilors.
