Politics & Government

Insurance Conversation Tabled Pending Conflict of Interest Inquiry

With all but one City Council member using health insurance provided by the city, conflict of interest may prevent discussion on the topic.

A discussion on health insurance for Woburn City employees is coming. It just couldn’t happen on Monday night.

Mayor Scott Galvin submitted a letter on the topic of health insurance to City Council during the board’s Monday night meeting. In the letter, Galvin said the City of Woburn and its employees could save more than $1.5 million in health insurance premiums for Fiscal year 2015 if plan design changes are made.

Though a large group of residents were in attendance inside City Council Chambers, they did not have the chance to weigh in.

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City Council President Paul Denaro said that aldermen could not take up discussion because of potential conflict of interest. Denaro said that he is the only board member who is not enrolled in the city’s health insurance.

Galvin said in his letter that the City Solicitor did not receive a response from the State Ethics Commission’s General Counsel on whether or not aldermen could debate the issue by using the Rule of Necessity.

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The Rule of Necessity “allows members who may have a conflict of interest to act with respect to their official duties,” said Galvin. As a result, Galvin has asked the City Solicitor to request a legal opinion on the matter from General Counsel.

While speaking on the general topic of the upcoming health insurance debate, Denaro urged negotiating parties to keep an open mind.

“It’s a very difficult situation and there’s no good alternative in site,” said Denaro. “You’ve got to work together somehow to come to a resolution you can all agree to that’s an acceptable level of insurance but also an acceptable (financial) burden to the city. You’ve got to get to the table and do it. I urge you.”


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