Hansma Cleared of Conflict Again

Written by Glen Morrison Thursday, 24 June 2010 10:13

Spallumcheen mayor Will Hansma has won again in the effort to prove he's not in conflict of interest.

A group of 39 residents had challenged that,  beginning with a BC Supreme Court action in 2008 alledging the conflict over he and his sons having property involved in a rezoning.

They lost last July, then went to BC Court of Appeal.

Today the appeal was dismissed.

Madam Justice Saunders says in the ruling there was no evidence of Hansma having a direct or indirect pecuniary (financial) interest in the bylaw, and there was no basis at all to remove him from his elected office.

Hansma, a five term mayor,  says he's very happy it's finally over.

"Very relieved. It's something I can put behind me and carry on.

He says the panel of three justices ordered  his legal costs be covered by the appellants (residents).

"It was covered by the municipality so it will be recovering those costs."

He says it's likely in the $30,000 to 40,000 thousand dollar range.

Michael Fairbrass, one of the residents involved, declined comment on the ruling when contacted by KISS FM, referring inquiries to the group's lawyer who has so far not returned a call to KISS FM News.

Click HERE to read the BC Court of Appeal judgement.