The Aurora Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) has a valuable mission. The city of Aurora supports the AEDC financially and has an agreement with the AEDC that details its responsibilities: “that of an independent contractor whom Aurora does not supervise, govern or operate.” Yet the city of Aurora has eight representatives on the board of directors of the AEDC.
Aurora’s city manager is a reasonable choice for the board of directors. Aurora’s mayor and six council members (a quorum) raises questions. The mayor and one council member on the executive board only exacerbates the appearance of a delitescent relationship.
The AEDC’s mission is to recruit and advocate for businesses with “primary jobs” that wish to remain in Aurora or that wish to move into Aurora. AEDC’s advocacy includes providing Aurora’s city council background information and recommendations for tax incentives for these businesses.
The AEDC’s staff receives direction and approval of their mission, policies and strategic plan from the board of directors. The executive board has direct input on the direction and programs of the AEDC. The AEDC’s staff is then responsible for fulfilling the mission.
The AEDC’s recommendations along with a business request for tax incentives is presented to Aurora’s city council for consideration. Aurora’s six council members and the mayor, who are on the AEDC’s board of directors, not only participate in the “debate” on tax incentives that are asked for, they also vote to approve the tax incentives the AEDC’s staff has recommended.
My grandmother would say, “I’m not sure this procedure passes the smell test.”
I understand the Aurora’s mayor and council members might like the cachet of mingling with the “A list” or believe that they should be on the inside to protect the taxpayer. I can see why the mayor and Aurora’s council members could view this procedure as a shrewd method to promote a public policy. Nevertheless, it seems to me that Aurora’s city council, by voting on and approving the AEDC’s policies as well as voting on the tax incentives the AEDC recommends, may have become the fox in the chicken coop.
A wall should be created by having Aurora’s mayor and the six council members resign from the board of directors for the AEDC. Aurora’s manager of development services should join Aurora’s city manager as a member of the AEDC’S board of directors. The city manager should replace the mayor on the executive board. This firewall would not only remove the appearance of impropriety it would also comply with the agreement between the city of Aurora and the AEDC.
Duane Senn lives in Aurora. EDITOR’S NOTE: This online-only guest commentary has not been edited. Guest commentary submissions of up to 650 words may be sent to columns@denverpost.com.
