GLOVERSVILLE - City officials are scheduled to discuss the possible abolishment of the city Ethics Board at a Common Council meeting Tuesday.
The five-seat Ethics Board has spots for two Republicans, two Democrats and an independent. Since Chairwoman Robin Walrath resigned in May, the remaining three members - Democrats J. Paul Mecca and Greg Gottung and Republican Jack Walrath - have not met.
Mayor Dayton King said if the city dissolved its Ethics Board, it would use the Fulton County Ethics Board for ethics matters. He said he doesn't know the last time the city Ethics Board actually met.
"If we want to consolidate, this is one step toward getting there," he said.
King said he has some people in mind to fill the current vacancies on the board, but he is unsure if they would be willing to serve. He said referring ethics matters to the county's Ethics Board might be more effective.
"I think some people might think, 'Why should I serve on this board when it's not being used and [city officials] are just going to go the lawsuit route?'" he said. "I want to make sure we avoid lawsuits and spending money."
The last time the city Ethics Board was discussed was during the investigation into offensive e-mail messages sent by 2nd Ward Councilman John Castiglione to city officials. First Ward Councilwoman Robin Wentworth and 4th Ward Councilwoman Ellen Anadio prompted an investigation into the e-mail and Castiglione's conduct.
Wentworth filed a complaint with the Ethics Board, but no meeting was held to discuss her complaint. The Common Council eventually authorized paying a lawyer $7,000 to investigate the complaint, but no action was taken at the conclusion of the investigation.
Castiglione said this morning he is undecided regarding the abolishment of the ethics board.
"I'm interested in hearing the arguments both ways," he said. "I know we have had problems in the past with getting people to serve."
Castiglione said using the county Ethics Board might help avoid local conflicts of interest, but he said dissolving the city board would be "giving up another one of the positions of authority within the community."
Regardless of the outcome, Castiglione said, he does not feel strongly about either possibility.
"I'm kind of torn," he said. "We'll see what the arguments are and what the consensus is."
The council is scheduled to meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall.
Kayleigh Karutis covers Gloversville news. She can be reached at gloversville@leaderherald.com.