To The Editor:

While looking through the board packet for the December 14 meeting of the East County Water Control District I read something that caught my attention.

It might just be nothing. But in the board packet an item set for approval by the commissioners of the ECWCD was the selection of a private appraisal firm to appraise the land that the ECWCD is considering purchasing, now having it appraised makes sense but it seems the private appraisal firm chosen to do this service is managed by the chairman of the ECWCD Finance Committee, Matthew Caldwell.

I hold nothing against Mr. Caldwell or the firm, but it just seems to me that this gives the appearance of a severe conflict of interest. Why was this appraisal firm chosen, who chose it, and will our commissioners elected to ensure honesty, fairness, and openness in our government question this action?

By this point the meeting has taken place, and I hope this issue is resolved or at least questioned. If it is I thank our commissioners, if it has not shame on them for not properly representing the great citizens and taxpayers of the East County Water Control District.

Mike Bonacolta

Lehigh Acres