Detroit City Councilwoman Monica Conyers admitted in federal court on June 26, 2009 to accepting at least two envelopes filled with $6,000 cash from Synagro Technologies in exchange for her support of a $47 million a year contract for Synagro on a wastewater treatment contract. She may have taken additional money from Synagro as well.Conyers, the wife of Congressman John Conyers faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
She is also under investigation by federal agents for receiving $40,000 of jewelry from a pawn shop for her support to vote against City Council plans to more closely regulate the industry.
For more information about the case, read the following stories:
It is important for public agencies to ensure that its contracting practices are transparent and clear. We read all too often of both elected officials and government employees involved in contracting of accepting bribes and making unethical decisions. When it comes to ethics in public contracting, appearances are also critical and the public contracting process must be above reproach.
Read my other blog entries on ethics by clicking here. I also teach a class on "Ethics in Public Contracting." Contact me if you are interested in finding out more details about the class.
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