The timing of Mr. Brown's request

is interesting because at the April 18 city council meeting Annie tried

to ask the city attorney for an advisory opinion in accordance with the

city's code of ethics, but was interrupted by Mr. Brown who promptly changed

the subject. He wants the Board of Ethics to become an ombudsman and review

the code of ethics to define what would or would not be a violation.

Annie's concern was an e-mail

message Mr. Brown sent to the city's department heads on April 2 that

read, "The new manager of Jos. A. Banks men's clothing at The Avenues

has informed me that he is willing to enlist the city as a corporate customer.

This would mean that city officials and staff could receive a discount

on clothing for themselves or a spouse."

The message itself is innocuous.

Even Councilman Murray Weed, whom continually reminds us he is a lawyer

and a city attorney, didn't see an ethical issue and came to Mr. Brown's

defense at the council meeting. The use of the phrase, "he is willing

to enlist," is interesting because it implies the discount was solicited

and not volunteered.

The message becomes intriguing

with some added facts. The manager worked on candidate Brown's campaign

for mayor. And Mayor Brown signed a letter of recommendation for employment

on city letterhead for the manager who had dictated the letter to the

mayor's personal assistant. Was it a shortcut or arrogance for Mr. Brown

to have his assistant take dictation from a non-city employee? Either

way it seems inappropriate.

John Dufresne

Peachtree City