MANDEVILLE, LA – Mandeville City Councilman David Ellis said he has been advised by personnel at the State Ethics Commission that he is free to vote in matters concerning the proposed Port Marigny development, contrary to earlier verbal recommendations from Ethics Board attorneys.
Ellis' father owns one-half interest in an undeveloped lot near the proposed site, and its property values could be impacted – positively or negatively – by the development.
Last December, Ellis contacted the state Ethics Commission about the matter and requested advice; he was verbally cautioned not to participate in Port Marigny-related votes on the Council pending a more thorough review. Last week, Ellis received a letter from the Board of Ethics advising that his father's interest in a single lot does not preclude him from voting.
"I'm relieved by this decision, since the Port Marigny project is a major concern city-wide and will impact many aspects of our community for years to come," Ellis said. "Being able to participate in Council votes about the project will allow me to continue voicing my concerns about proposed density and residents' traffic worries. I'm glad I took the steps I did to ensure I'm complying with the law, and I'm pleased with the Board's decision."
Ellis was reelected to a second term earlier this month.
