Protecting the Integrity of the Process

Concerned Yamhill County citizens have called on George Duvendack, District Manager of the Riverbend Landfill, to recuse himself from voting on, or directing the activities of the consultant team, who have been hired at the request of Yamhill County Commissioners, to prepare a study of Solid Waste Alternatives for our county. This study was requested as part of the decision making process regarding the land use application to expand the existing landfill.

Mr. Duvendack serves, as an industry representative, on the Solid Waste Advisory Committee. SWAC is guiding the study. In this role the SWAC members will determine the criteria of the study.

Mr. Duvendack’s financial well-being and his future depend upon the continuation and expansion of Riverbend Landfill. This presents a direct conflict of interest and it is unethical for Mr. Duvendack to continue in a voting and recommending role on SWAC.

I spoke directly with Mr. Duvendack after the recent SWAC meeting and he believes he has a right to vote on the issues. In other counties, industry representatives are not given voting rights because of the inherent conflict of interest.

Commissioner Lewis would not allow comment regarding this issue at a recent County Commissioner meeting. She cited the County’s paramount desire to protect the integrity of the land-use hearing process. When asked what citizens should do if they have concerns about potential conflicts of interest, County In-house Council, John Gray, advised us to take it to the State Ethics Committee.

Matt Dunkle sits on the County Planning Board and recused himself because he has, at times, done work for Riverbend Landfill. Commissioner Stern recused herself from the land use hearing because her husband works in the garbage industry. I respect the integrity of these two individuals. Mr. Duvendack should follow their lead and do the same.

Kris Bledsoe

McMinnville