by Joe Wilhelm Jr.
Staff Writer
The first awards honoring ethical practices given by the City’s Ethics Commission were confirmed Monday.
The Commission voted unanimously to recognize a public official and a private citizen each year with its “City of Jacksonville Ethics Commission Annual Award for Excellence in Ethics.” Following that vote, the Commission unanimously voted to honor City Council member Clay Yarborough and journalist Marvin Edwards with its first two awards.
Edwards was recognized for his efforts in pursuing public records regarding renovations to Jacksonville Municipal Stadium prior to the Jacksonville Jaguars arrival in the City and, also, records detailing the expenses of the Super Bowl Host Committee. His pursuit of transparency in City government was recognized by the Commission early this year with a certificate of appreciation.
“I certainly appreciate the award and just wish it meant that the City would take the Ethics Commission seriously. At this point the fact that they have no power of any kind to enforce ethics regulations means the City will continue to rip-off taxpayers to the tune of millions of dollars without any legal action taken to put an end to the fiscal irresponsibility of City officials elected and appointed,” said Edwards. “The time has long passed for the City to establish an Ethics Commission with a power to protect the taxpayers from being repeatedly taken to the cleaners.”
Yarborough was also honored. He sponsored City Ordinance 2008-839 last year that seeks to bring more transparency and accountability to the City’s independent authorities. Yarborough has also been a proponent of transparency throughout City government.
“I’m very humbled by the award, but the City Council has been a part of developing ordinances to bring ethics and transparency to City government,” said Yarborough. “I’m glad the award is more focused on the act rather than the person.”
Details on the presentation of the awards were being developed at press time.
Presenting the awards may be the first duties of newly elected Commission Chair Kirby Oberdorfer and Vice Chair Braxton Gillam.
“It is an honor to be selected by my colleagues,” said Oberdorfer. “The Commission plans to continue the work it has done trying to establish more independence and will await the work of the Charter Revision Commission.”
The next meeting of the Ethics Commission is Jan. 25 at 5 p.m.
356-2466