A recent $3.4 million deal by the Watertown City Council to purchase the former Watertown Golf Club, now known as Thompson Park Golf Course, has sparked controversy and raised concerns among council members and the public. The deal has prompted calls for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the transaction. Council member Sarah Compo Pierce and Mayor Jeff Smith, along with others, have expressed the need for transparency and oversight in the deal.

Cliff Olney’s Comments and Allegations

During a council meeting, council member Cliff Olney made comments that caught the attention of his colleagues. Olney mentioned having prior contact with the former course owner, Mike Lundy, and PJ Simao, the owner of Ives Hill Country Club, before the formal contract was signed. Compo Pierce questioned whether this could be seen as a form of extortion, expressing her concern over Olney’s remarks. She suggested that Olney’s comments should be investigated by the state Attorney General, Letitia James. Olney, however, denies any wrongdoing and claims that the best interests of the city were his priority.

Call for Third-Party Investigation

Both Compo Pierce and Mayor Smith support the idea of an independent third party looking into the golf course deal. They believe that an unbiased examination is necessary to ensure transparency and to address the concerns raised by Olney’s comments. Mayor Smith stated that shedding light on the deal through an external investigation would help maintain public trust in the city council’s decision-making process.

Todd Bullard’s Assessment and Further Examination

The interim City Attorney, Todd Bullard, has acknowledged the need for a deeper examination of the matter. Bullard admitted that Olney’s comments provided new information, and he intends to review the council meeting recording to analyze the context. He emphasized that it is premature to determine if the involvement of the state Attorney General is necessary but affirmed that his office would conduct a thorough review.

Unresolved Questions and Future Steps

Several questions remain unanswered, including the extent of Olney’s involvement with the former course owner and the potential legal implications of the deal. The city council’s call for an independent investigation signals a commitment to transparency and accountability. As the situation develops, it will be crucial to ensure a fair assessment of the deal, considering all relevant facts and legal obligations. The outcome of the investigation, whether it supports or refutes the allegations raised, will play a significant role in shaping public perception of the council’s actions.

As the Watertown City Council continues to face scrutiny over the $3.4 million golf course deal, the demand for transparency and an independent investigation highlights the importance of maintaining public trust in local government transactions.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who is Cliff Olney?

  Cliff Olney is a council member who was involved in discussions regarding the $3.4 million deal to buy the former Watertown Golf Club, now known as Thompson Park Golf Course. For more detailed information about Cliff Olney, you can refer to his biography or profile on reliable sources such as Wikipedia or local news websites.

• What is the role of Sarah Compo Pierce in the Watertown City Council?

  Sarah Compo Pierce is a council member in the Watertown City Council. She voiced her opinion about Cliff Olney’s comments regarding the golf course deal and suggested that an independent third party should investigate the matter. To learn more about Sarah Compo Pierce’s background, responsibilities, and contributions, you can refer to her official biography or profile on reliable sources like Wikipedia or the official Watertown City Council website.

• What is the Thompson Park Golf Course deal?

  The Thompson Park Golf Course deal refers to the $3.4 million transaction where the city of Watertown bought the former Watertown Golf Club and renamed it Thompson Park Golf Course. The details and circumstances surrounding the deal have raised questions and concerns among council members and the public. You can find more information about the deal, including its background, negotiations, and implications, in news articles, official city statements, or local government documents.

• Has the state Attorney General Letitia James been involved in the Thompson Park Golf Course deal?

  As of the information available, it is unclear if the state Attorney General Letitia James has been directly involved in the Thompson Park Golf Course deal. However, the possibility of involving the Attorney General was raised by council member Sarah Compo Pierce in response to concerns regarding the deal. To get the most up-to-date and accurate information about any involvement from Letitia James or any legal implications, you can refer to official press releases, statements, or news coverage from reputable sources like local news websites or the official website of the New York State Attorney General.