2006-02-08 Board of Ethics Minutes Regular

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be a substantial financial transaction that's involved. And so we have to argue, to me, to consider all of the potential issues before coming down to a final decision. So, what I want to do is present whatever facts that need to be presented so we can get all these issues. But it shouldn't be related at all to the union grievance that all the petitioners have, because that's not the issue. I just want to deal with the facts of the case, and so far the facts are compelling that there's no actual conflict. But I wanted to present more facts, so that I can also argue why we believe that it's either de minimis or it's not an appearance of impropriety. That's all I'm here for, to defend Hiram —and what's also clear, from the evidence, is that Stan Nakasone, who is not receiving any financial benefit from all of this, shouldn't be involved in it, too. I mean, that's clear so far, that he has no financial interest in what happens here. It is not his resources that —the direction is only Hiram. And I'm not sure why they're petitioning Stanley. KK: Ms. O'Toole, did you have something to PKO: - -Yes. I want to say, and what I was trying to say earlier, is that the petitioners are supposed to point out what section of the Code they think is violated and how, and why it's violated. I don't see anything about an appearance of impropriety anywhere in what is cited. So I think you need to maybe take time to review what they're saying is violated and, you know, then we can focus —when the testimony comes in, it's focused on the alleged violation. So KK: -- that's what I was trying to do all the time. PKO: Yes. But I hear Mr. Kamelamela say well, if it's an appearance—if it's not in the Code, why are we arguing about it. That's all I'm saying. I think we need to review what the Code sections they're saying are violated are, and let's stick to that. CAMBRA: I have something that might . Let's sayI'm going to use the Corporation Counsel. And you guys work for the Corporation Counsel, and you guys are lawyers. Can you guys practice law outside? Pertaining to cases with the County? PKO: No. CAMBRA: This is what I've been trying to get at. You have rules. Every has rules WJ: - -if I could ask something? If we could recess ten minutes so that we can clarify the point here? KK: Offer us your opinion. PKO: You could ask for executive session to discuss something with your attorney, if you're concerned about what the laws and rights are. But you can't just talk about 37