As Chair and frequent spokesperson for the Leelanau County Energy Futures Task Force, I have become a lightning rod for criticisms involving our group. This is unfortunate because it detracts from the important work done by this excellent body of dedicated citizens.
Many talk about us. Some attempt to speak for us. I believe the time has come for the public to hear directly from me regarding recent statements and insinuations.
Since May, because of false and fanciful allegations, the Enterprise has needed to allocate an astonishing amount of space (over 100 column inches by my count) to this coverage. Ironically, this was even more space than coverage on affordable housing, poverty, even climate. Reflective of community priorities? I suspect not.
The most recent matter, questioning the ethics of my name appearing as a paid team member in a grant budget, is only the latest attack.
Regarding this accusation, the facts are simple and clearly stated in the publicly available grant budget narrative. It is true that I might be compensated in the solar project. “Might” is the operative word as I am simply on call in case my past knowledge might be useful to the Project Manager. Whether this constitutes a conflict we should leave to legal authorities. However, this discussion has been frustrating for its lack of depth.
In actuality, where citizens lead both private lives and serve on public bodies, conflicts are neither rare nor automatically disqualifying. The important point (lacking from the current discussion) is how conflicts are handled. Guidance comes from three questions: 1. Was the confl ict hidden from public view? (No). 2. Was the conflict used to do harm to the public body? (No, in fact this management structure was created to save grant dollars). 3. Was the confl ict used for personal gain at the expense of the public body? (Again, no).
When a problematic conflict exists, the typical remedy is to require the individual to recuse from decision making. Fine, since I have no vote on whether this grant will be offered or accepted, there is nothing for me to recuse from.
Past complaints alleged Open Meetings Act violations. For the record, our meetings have always been open and minutes kept. But yes, in early meetings there was a snafu with posting dates and minutes. As Chair, I take responsibility for that. However, once notified, we’ve made corrections and happily complied.
Sadly, it seems a small group is simply looking for a way, any way, to obstruct the valuable work of bringing clean energy to Leelanau. I believe most Leelanau citizens support our work, but I understand that some don’t.
My personal wish would be for those who have the time and energy to obstruct the good and meaningful work of others -— please, move on.
Rather than tearing things down, put your energies into building something. And while doing that, see if you can also bring a few dollars back into Leelanau - you know, like our Energy Futures Task Force is doing.
Editor’s note: Mr. DeFors is chairman of the Leelanau Energy Futures Task Force and resides in Leelanau Township.
