Independence mayor short on answers as FBI asks questions about controversial projects

FBI agents have been asking questions about a tangled web of controversial projects and potential conflicts of interest at Independence City Hall. And Mayor Eileen Weir seems awfully short on credible answers.

The feds have inquired about two questionable projects that Weir ultimately supported. And while the FBI does not confirm or deny the existence of pending investigations, Weir’s actions raise questions about her ethics and ability to govern.

Days before voting to spend nearly $1 million to buy Rockwood Golf Course for a solar farm in 2017, Weir received more than $10,000 from four Missouri political action committees funded by the company that operates the project, The Star reported.

The PACs in question all have deep connections to Steven Tilley, a lobbyist for Independence Power & Light. Tilley is a former Missouri House speaker and a longtime adviser to Gov. Mike Parson.

Weir told The Star there was no connection between the donations and her vote, adding that she reports all contributions to the Missouri Ethics Commission. But when pressed further on whether an infusion of campaign cash influenced her decision, the mayor pleaded ignorance.

“I don’t know what you’re referring to,” she said before walking away from the reporter.

Weir, who is serving her second term as mayor, did not respond to messages from The Star Editorial Board seeking comment. But “no comment” won’t cut it when FBI agents come calling.

Both current and former officials in Independence have raised questions about conflicts of interest and serious ethical lapses in city government.

Andy Boatright, the former acting director of city-owned utility Independence Power & Light, said he’s not surprised that federal agents are poking around City Hall.

During his time in Independence, Boatright said he saw a pattern of deception among elected officials who appeared to be focused on their own personal agendas. Boatright, a 36-year veteran of the public utilities industry, quit last year, and his replacement, Brenda Hampton, left IPL within six months.

“It comes down to culture,” Boatright said. “What’s best for the city? What’s best for the citizens? That’s a culture that did not exist.”

He said there are legitimate reasons to investigate whether council members enriched themselves illegally.

“The mayor is culpable as well,” Boatright said. “Ethics is not a conversation being had in Independence.”

Independence City Council members Karen DeLuccie and Scott Roberson told The Star that FBI agents asked them about the Rockwood purchase and the decommissioning of the Missouri City power plant, which cost the city nearly $10 million.

Despite objections from city staff, the full council approved St. Louis-based Environmental Operations’ $9.75 million bid to demolish the plant, inexplicably rejecting a $4.45 million bid from Commercial Liability Partners.

Both companies specialize in environmental remediation projects.

DeLuccie and Roberson cast the only no votes on the Missouri City project. DeLuccie also opposed the purchase of the golf course.

So, the $5 million dollar question remains: Why did Weir and some council members opt for a bid that was twice the amount of a competitor’s? Boatright said the lower bidder had more relevant experience.

The fact that Tilley has relationships with the owner of Environmental Operations and the company’s former general counsel only raises more questions.

As Roberson, the City Council member noted, “It’s always best for public officials … to avoid the appearance of conflict of interest or simply recuse yourself.”

Weir has fallen woefully short on that front.

“Elected officials as well as public servants need to always remember that their primary goal and focus should be on what’s best for the city,” Roberson said.

DeLuccie said, “I want our council to live up to the demands of good government: transparency, fair dealing and responsible spending.”

Independence residents shouldn’t expect anything less from their elected officials. And Weir owes her constituents some answers about the questionable — and costly — decisions she’s made as mayor.