Green’s appointment at CH&PA is a conflict of interest

Dear Editor,

I could not believe my eyes when I read in the October 3rd edition of the Official Gazette that the Mayor of Georgetown Hamilton Green has been appointed as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA).

Surely the persons making the recommendations and appointments of persons to state boards must realize that this is a clear conflict of interest.

How could the Mayor who chairs statutory meetings of the City Council also be the Chairman of the Central Housing and Planning Authority?

When one wishes to erect a building he or she has to submit three copies of the plans to the Mayor and City Council to begin the application process. After the Mayor and City Council chaired by the Mayor approves this plan it is then forwarded to the Central Housing and Planning Authority for their approval. Here again it will run into Hamilton Green who will be this time wearing the hat of the CH&PA Chairman as it seeks to get its secondary approval . Where will the checks and balances be? There is no separation of powers. Hamilton Green can approve a faulty plan at City Hall and then go over to the Central Housing and Planning Authority and approve it a second time.

This madness has to stop.

Yours faithfully,

Nadine Jerrick