this is more pressing...
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/loc...169590886.html
Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION
Katz says purchase unwise
Concedes buying firm from city CAO raised questions
By: Bartley Kives
Posted: 1:00 AM |
One day after complaining about being the prey in a media "witch hunt," a more contrite Mayor Sam Katz conceded it wasn't a good idea to buy a shell company from the city's top bureaucrat.
In March, Katz purchased a Scottsdale, Ariz., entity called Duddy Enterprises LLC from Winnipeg chief administrative officer Phil Sheegl. When asked about the transaction on Tuesday, Katz said the company was dormant and suggested scrutiny of the move was part of a plan to discredit him.
n Wednesday, Katz continued to insist he did nothing untoward -- but acknowledged it doesn't look great when the mayor buys a company from a senior city official, who is also a good friend.
"When you're in the world of politics, the sad statement is reality doesn't count. As you've heard the expression, perception is reality and perception appears to be extremely important. So should one exercise more caution? I think the answer is a definitive yes," Katz told reporters.
"If I had to do this again, I would have paid three or four thousand dollars, found a lawyer and, boom, done that. No doubt about that. That's a very valuable lesson learned."