When you are entrusted with the best interest of the general public, you are held to a higher standard.  Anything you do as an elected official is expected (or demanded by some of us) to be above board and beyond reproach.

Apparently, this fact was lost on Councilman Winn in Norfolk.

It would appear that Councilman Winn’s landscaping company won a contract paid by the City of Norfolk, the same city he sits on the City Council for, worth a quarter of a million dollars.  Councilman Winn states it was an oversight.  He didn’t know his company was bidding on a contract in Norfolk, paid by Norfolk, the very city he provides oversight for.

Uh…  ‘scuse me?

He has sacrificed a lot to serve on the City Council," Whibley huffed. "I think it’s inappropriate to have any concerns about this.  -=SOURCE=-

And he should continue to sacrifice or resign his position.  It just looks bad.  Perception is reality.  Period.

With all the shenanigans going on with Norfolk City Council and other elected officials, you would think Councilman Winn would be a little more cognizant of what he was doing and take the extra steps needed to prevent a conflict of interest like this.

I remember when Elizabeth Psimas was elected to City Council in Portsmouth.  She and her travel agency immediately stopped doing business with the City of Portsmouth.  I believe her travel agency was the primary provider of travel for all city employees travelling on the city’s dime.  It stopped.  That’s was a good bit of business she threw out the window when she chose to serve the public as a council member.  That’s honest.  That’s integrity.  That’s why her company is my personal, primary choice for travel.  Because the owner is honest.  They get my business.

As far as I am concerned, Norfolk City Council appears corrupt.  Back room deals, favoritism and a general lack of integrity.  That’s my opinion and I’m sticking to it.