Rep. Clif Richardson Speaks Up on Integrity

An Interview by Dave Freneaux

    Knowing how closely you have been involved with the BREC projects in Central, when a question came up concerning BREC and Rep. Bodi White you were the first one I called.  Can you clear up for us whether there was anything suspect in BREC’s land purchase for the new Lovett Road Sports Park?

I looked back over my notes and paperwork from May of 2008 forward and we had a number of meetings with BREC.  We had expressed to them that we didn’t feel like we were getting our fair share, and we weren’t getting their attention.  They met with us to try to respond and bring Central the recreation facilities we deserved.  Now to cast a shadow of doubt on the integrity of all these meetings and all these people including myself, State Representatives Steve Carter, Regina Barrow and Bodi White, Metro Council Member Scott Wilson, our Mayor, several well known attorneys, and board members from BREC, well that’s just not right.  All of these people carry the credentials of high integrity, and to try to make people think anything less of them is truly a disappointment.

    How did Representative White’s interest in the property become known?

During these meetings Bodi disclosed that he had an interest in one of the properties BREC was considering, and the sign was even up there on the property stating that he was the listing agent.  To me it was never a secret so why does it become news now?  From the time that it was listed with the name on the sign saying who the listing agent was, to this day, it’s never been a secret.  It’s never been hidden.  There never was any question about whether Bodi would divest himself of this interest for this to move forward, and it is my understanding that he did.  Everything was open and above board.  If not, I don’t think BREC and their attorneys would have allowed anything to move forward.  I also don’t believe that Bodi would have wanted anything to get in the way of new parks for Central.  He’s been chairman of CAYL for 20 years or more and he always has the kids’ interests at heart.  So it is my belief that he would not have done anything to jeopardize making the recreation facilities in Central better.  I’m disappointed that it appears that the integrity of everyone at these meetings has been called into question.  I don’t think any type of collusion could possibly go on with that many people involved with the common goal of improving the recreation facilities in Central.  

    Can you comment on where you see yourself and Representative White on the issue of Integrity and Ethics as elected officials?

I got into politics with high integrity, and I will leave politics with that same level of integrity.  When my Grandkids ask about me I don’t want anyone to be able to tell them that I was less than fair and honest.  I’ve known Bodi and his family for as long as I’ve been in Central, which has been since 1965.  The integrity is there in the family and I haven’t seen anything that would lead me to believe that he would put self interest ahead of the people that he’s representing.

    What would you do if you suspected unethical activities from one of our elected officials?

If I saw something that raised any question of unethical or illegal activities, I’d report this to the proper authorities such as the DA, Ethics Administration, and the Inspector General and request an investigation.