Former premier and developer Danny Williams continues to butt heads with the City of St. John’s.
Williams claims to have been hard done by, regarding regulations for his Galway development.
The disputes have run the gamut from rejected Christmas trees to repetitive roundabouts, which he’s suing the city over.
The latest dustup involves Williams’ allegations of conflict of interest involving Councillor Ron Ellsworth’s real estate interests.
In a letter to the city about other developments, Williams claims Ellsworth personally benefited from the recent budget he recommended to council.
Ellsworth says he was “shocked” by Williams’ false and south-of the-border strategy.
“For an individual who prides himself on doing his homework, and understanding the facts before they come forward, I was kind of shocked that Mr. Williams would take that approach,” Ellsworth told the regular meeting of St. John’s council yesterday. “So I hope it’s just a misstep on his part and we’re not Americanizing local politics.”
City staff responded to Williams’ allegations this week, saying they were factually incorrect, noting Ellsworth abstained from the final budget vote.