Killington attorney debate referred to state
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By Cristina Kumka Staff Writer - Published: June 3, 2009
KILLINGTON — Killington Planning Commission Chairman David Rosenblum has taken his legal conflict-of-interest argument a step further, asking the state its opinion on whether or not the commission should use the town's veteran attorney to review the largest proposed development ever in the mountain town.
Last month, Rosenblum told the commission he believed a conflict of interest existed between their legal firm, Langrock Sperry & Wool, and the development application for a 408-acre ski village currently on the table from developer SP Land Co. LLC because Langrock was representing clients suing SP Land in a federal case over season ski passes.
Later, at a May 27 commission meeting where the application was the main topic of discussion, Rosenblum ignited a heated conversation again, telling the commission he was asking for the state's opinion, but hadn't filed a formal complaint with the state Professional Responsibility Board.
His announcement was met with opposition by fellow commission members who said Rosenblum should stop "second guessing" experts who work for them and with support from residents in favor of SP Land's development.
"It's the appearance of a conflict of interest … there is an obvious conflict of interest," said Butch Findeisen, a local real estate lawyer and former selectman.
Commission member Charles Demarest argued, however, that the Langrock firm believed it was ethically above par and not in conflict and the commission should stick by that opinion.
In a previous interview, Peter Langrock denied that a conflict existed, saying he would offer advice to the commission if asked.
For now, Town Planner Dick Horner said if he ran into zoning or land use issues when reviewing SP Land's application, he would discuss it with Kevin Brown of the Langrock firm.
He said the commission was not absent a land use attorney if it needed one.
"At this point, I haven't been directed to do anything one way or the other," Horner said.
cristina.kumka@rutlandherald.com
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