Chicago 2016 revises statement on Scott land deal

Michael Scott’s role in helping West Side ministers develop city-owned land near a proposed Douglas Park Olympic venue raised the perception of a conflict of interest and should have been disclosed up-front, Chicago 2016 acknowledged Wednesday.

“In hindsight, given Mr. Scott’s role as agent for the group, it is understandable that a third party, without knowledge of the facts, might perceive a conflict of interest,” Chicago 2016 said in a prepared statement.

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Earlier this week, Chicago 2016 said there was "no conflict of interest" in a West Side land deal involving a group led by 2016 committee member Michael Scott. Now, it is saying Scott should have been more forthcoming about the deal.
(John J. Kim/Sun-Times)

“It would have been preferable if Mr. Scott had disclosed this situation so the matter could have been vetted by the Chicago 2016 Audit Committee and any perception of conflict could have been avoided.”

The statement went on to say that Scott, who also serves as Chicago School Board president, “intends to submit a revised conflict of interest statement” outlining his role in the proposed development and “affirming that he has no financial gain from the project.” He also “intends to accelerate his separation as agent for the group,” officials said.

Scott could not be reached for comment.

Earlier this week, Chicago 2016 appeared to clear Scott, co-chair of the Olympic committee’s Outreach Advisory Council. After a meeting between Scott and Chicago 2016’s chief ethics officer, the bid committee concluded that there was “no conflict of interest.”

Wednesday's statement was a bit of an about-face. It happened as Mayor Daley once again defended Scott, a trusted mayoral lieutenant with a 30-year history with Daley.

“He’s been on the West Side of Chicago …We have more vacant lots. ... There’s thousands of ‘em. People are trying to do something with all these vacant lots. He tried to get ministers or anybody to do something with them — not to benefit himself,” Daley said.

“No financial interest, no professional interest. Nothing whatsoever. He told everybody that. [He said], ‘I have no interest. I was trying to help the West Side of the city of Chicago.’ He hails from there. He has lived there for many, many years.”