Pocono News Section

Supervisor Allowed to Vote on Ordinance That Could Benefit his Business

Supervisor Allowed to Vote on Ordinance That Could Benefit his Business - Wednesday, May 5, 2010 at 04:16AM EST

Reported by: Laurie Monteforte
Wednesday May 05 2010
MIDDLE SMITHFIELD TOWNSHIP, MONROE COUNTY - Bob Spano is a Middle Smithfield Township Supervisor. He also owns a pub in the township. It's called Werry's and sits on Route 209.

For months he's been pushing to have that area re-zoned to allow a strip club. Resident Anthony Valentino said, "He is self-serving."

The rezoning plan would also allow adult businesses in more areas of the township. The issue came up for a vote Wednesday. Dozens of residents showed up to fight the plan. One remarked,"We don't want Middle Smithfield Township to be known as Middle Smutville Township."

After hours of public comment, the township lawyer read a letter from Bob Spano. In that letter he admitted his vote could be a conflict of interest and recused himself.

But there was a catch. In this township a supervisor who recuses himself -- can still vote if there's a tie. And that's what happened.

Bob voted yes to the zoning changes. The new zoning passed. Residents were furious. Constance Matsumoto said,"Something is very broken with the state laws if a person with a conflict of interest like Mr. Spano's has is able to break this tieing vote."

Spano said, "I didn't care about these people in here because none of them are here to support me."

Spano might not want to hear oppposition now - but residents say they'll force him to hear them next election.