Several people have raised concerns on social media about a possible ‘conflict of interest’ created by having Ryan Fecteau, a Maine representative, serve as executive director of the Biddeford Housing Authority. The Gazette is publishing Mr. Fecteau’s social media response to those concerns.
By RYAN FECTEAU | Biddeford
Since the Biddeford Housing Authority is a quasi-municipal organization, I made certain that assuming this position would not run into any conflicts.
While I could not see any conflicts given the competitive nature of funding awards and the governance being derived from the municipality and not the state, I take avoiding conflicts very seriously.
“I take avoiding conflicts
very seriously.”
I contacted MaineHousing and asked for an opinion from the Maine Ethics Commission. They determined there is no conflict. In fact, the Ethics Commission identified a 1977 Attorney General’s opinion addressed to then Rep. Armand LeBlanc, who inquired about taking a job as Executive Director of the Van Buren Housing Authority.
The 1977 opinion advised there was no incompatibility or conflict of interest or separation of powers problem under Article II, Sections 1 and 2 of the Constitution of Maine.
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RELATED | Fecteau will take helm at housing authority
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