ABERDEEN, S.D.(HubCityRadio)- On Monday’s Aberdeen City Council meeting, the council addressed a potential conflict of interest between Councilwoman Tiffany Langer’s business The Swag Shoppe and Storybook Land.

The City Council adopted a comprehensive Conflicts Of Interest Policy in April of 2017 and updated its conflicts ordinance in October of 2019.

The regulations define conflicts of interest and standards of conduct for elected officials, municipal board members, officers, and employees and require that each acts with integrity, impartiality, and dedication to the best interests of the city and the public trust which he or she holds.  Instilling public confidence in municipal government demands that all City of Aberdeen officials and employees uniformly treat our residents and visitors with courtesy, impartiality, fairness, and equality under the law.  The conflicts regulations compel the official or employee to avoid both actual and potential conflicts between their private self-interest and the public trust; and the regulations direct disclosure by council members of private financial or other interests in matters affecting the city.

Councilwoman Langer request the council approve another $5,000 for her business to work with Storybook Land.

Langer talks about how the Swag Shoppe came about.

Langer discuss how the concept with Storybook Land came about.

Langer was asked by Mayor Travis Schaunaman about the need for the $5,000.

Langer told the council the $5,000 is not for guarantee sales.

Dawn Thorstenson, Concession Manager for Storybook Land compare doing business with Councilwoman Langer is like with other retails.

Thorstenson was surprised at the success of the items that came from the Swag Shoppe for Storybook Land.

The City Council offered their take on the potential conflict of interest starting with Councilman Rich Ward who felt this didn’t violate it in this occasion.

One person who was opposed to this was Councilman Rob Ronayne who felt this could set a precedent going forward.

Aberdeen Mayor Travis Schaunaman offered his opinion on the request.

The Aberdeen City Council approved Councilwoman Langer’s request on a 6-1 vote.