More K-Rock Controversy
Posted on April 15, 2008, by Matt Pedlar
Filed Under General News
Just when you thought that we were finished hearing about the Krock in the news, another story pops up:
Former city counselor and unsuccessful mayoral candidate Rick Downes has filed a conflict of interest lawsuit against current mayor Harvey Rosen. It’s no secret that there is some bad blood between these two men as was evident from their mayoral debates in 2006, and their frequent “blow-ups” at each other in council (often in regards to the Downtown Sports and Entertainment Centre).
Downes wants Rosen removed from office, and the suit claims:
“Mayor Harvey Rosen of the Corporation of the City of Kingston did not declare the interest or general nature of his business relationship with Mr. John P. Wright at any time before February 5, 2008.”
The suit relates to the proposed Anglin Bay site for the now K-Rock Centre. John P. Wright, owned 2.2 acres of the 11.7 acres proposed for the arena. In a news conference in 2004, Rosen explained that for the arena to be built on the Anglin Bay site, the city would have to purchase the 2.2 acres from Mr. Wright.
The question of conflict of interest arose due to the fact that Wright owns K-Rock, which leases its office space at 863 Princess St., which is owned by Rosen Corp.
Downes claims in an affidavit filed with the court: “This business relationship establishes a pecuniary interest between Mayor Harvey Rosen and Mr. John P. Wright,”
On June 15, 2004, city councillors voted to move forward with the project, based on a report of a task force, and records indicate that Rosen voted in favour of moving forward with the Anglin Bay location. Eventually the site was passed on due to public outcry to the current location which was already city owned property.
What makes the case particularly interesting is what happened when city councillors debated and voted on a proposal to sell the naming rights for the facility. At this time when, when K-Rock was involved, Rosen did declare a conflict of interest, stating:
“The corporation of which he is president and a director has business relations with the naming rights proponent,” according to the meetings minutes.
Neither Downes, nor Rosen chose to comment to on the suit, both stating that it is a matter for the courts and it would be inappropriate to comment.
A hearing is scheduled for July 10, 2008.
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Friends & Supporters
Just when I thought we could move on beyond the LVEC location argument, it rears it’s ugly head yet again. This guy attracts controversy like it’s his job, and it will be interesting to see if the case holds up.
Rick Downes is a bitter bitter man. My coworkers and I heard this news on the radio. Not surprised in any way.