Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1963-11-21
. Conflict Of Interests
(Continued from Page Onel

ably the countys biggest 1t would be astounding if some
who not honorable had also been attracted
by the land boom.
An unofficial estimate concerning one rezoning
recently granted states that the property owner by the
Redistribution Of parcel of land will chalk up
81 million profit With this kind of money riding the
outcome of governmental action decision the stakes
are high And pressure can be great!
That is why we have the problem of conflict of
interests.
The Sentinel has in the past been in the forefront of
the eternal conflict of interests fight here in Montgomery
County, 1t hopes to be in the future We have pointed pub
cy to individuals and situations where we felt conflict OF
interests were involved
What conflicts of interests?
When holds public office requiring him to
make land decisions yet testes private business
and expert land values and problems before public
bodies of the government this is conflict of interests
When whose varied business and professional
interests keyed the land business and he occupies
aso powerful public position enabling him to determine
where water and lines will be laid this conflict of
interests.
When attorney holding high political office in the
party which is in suddenly begins representing
big money interests in the rezonng of land this is conflict
of interests.
When the wife and brother-in-aw of man who Yields
great power far influencing the OF planning
recommendations is concerned wind with huge tract
rezoned for apartment land huge highrse apart
ment project is Immediately launched this is almost
tainly conflict of interests.
When heavy campaign contributor Ito both partes)
frequently winds up with valuable rezonngs this invites
conflict of interest scrutiny
The main problem, of course, in stemming conflict of
interests that most conflict of interest actions not
Illegal It is not illegal to make substantial campaign
contribution to candidate and then when the candidate
wins to ask for governmental action from him. Nor it
illegal for that favor to be granted But surely land in
Montgomery County is most valuable commodity there
are conflict of interests in that situation.
Use of illegal to gain beneficial rezoning de-
csions here is probably nonexsent or extremely rare
That is why will be extremely difficult for the grand
jury which deals only with criminal matters to up
with anything really substantive in its investigation
What really needs the closest scrutiny by the public is
~ possible granting of governmental favors that are po
cay motvated rather than the basis of the merits
of the proposals. and (2) possible past and continuing
of public and political office short of outright egaity
further the gain Of special private interests rather
than the public interest.
Meanwhile it should be remembered by all that there
can be crimnaty immortality in government unless
there public officials who commit criminal violations
have low standards of morality The search for an an
swings back hen $50 degrees to the voter who If he
spent little time and attention in selecting those to
whom he hands the public trust would get little better
government.