 "Photo: Carlos Restrepo")
According to a St. Louis County campaign donations report, on March 2, STLCC Chancellor Zelema Harris, Ed.D, contributed $1,000 to the Committee to Re-elect Bob Nelson, current board member seeking re-election in the upcoming April 6 election.
John Messmer, political science professor, said he criticizes this campaign contribution, questioning the ethical dilemma that her donation poses.
According to Board Policy, one of the jobs of the board is to “select, appoint and evaluate the Chancellor’s performance.” This, Messmer said, poses a clear conflict of interest for Nelson in regards to Harris.
“By sponsoring a Board member, now everyone will need to call into question the actions of Bob Nelson in the future,” Messmer said. “ When he takes a position that aligns with the chancellor's position will it be because he truly feels that way or because it is part of a quid pro quo? And what do we now call the campaign donation? Payment for services rendered?”
Harris said she does not believe her donation creates a conflict-of-interest situation. Harris also said that she likes the way the board works right now and this is why she would like to help with the continuation of the present board.
“I think that we have a good board,” Harris said. “I would never give money to anyone other than an incumbent and that’s been my approach since I’ve been in this business.”
However, Messmer said he believes that the donation still creates a situation of conflict of interest, even if in the past she has given money to other incumbents.
“This does not change my mind about her campaign contribution,” Messmer said. “Campaign donations are meant to buy something. It's a thing of value. Thus, something is being bought. Whenever things of value are exchanged, you have to question the motives. This is where ethics comes in.”
Messmer said that even if her intentions are good, and she is only trying to preserve the current board that exists, it is not up to her to influence this decision.
“If she were a voter, she would be able to do that by voting. She shouldn’t be in a position to influence through a monetary donation. She should just allow those in the district to make that decision,” Messmer said. “By throwing $1,000 his [Nelson’s] way, she’s trying to create a situation that should be the sole responsibility of the voters in the district.”
Meramec student Gyla Myers said she believes Harris’ contribution is not only unethical, but also violates board policy, where it states, “Board members must represent impartial loyalty in fulfilling their responsibilities to the College.”
“I’m not stating that this is illegal as I’m not an attorney, but I do find it to be highly unethical as the Board of Trustees is there for oversight. Where are the checks and balances?” Myers said.
Harris said that she has maintained a commitment to keep a “very good board,” and that her donation should reflect only that.
“They are the people I work for each and every day, and there are relationships established, even though there is some social distance between them and me because they are my bosses,” Harris said. “I do believe that my contribution reflected my commitment to maintain a very good board.”
Harris also said she hopes that other candidates running for the board do not have a problem with her donation.
“I don’t believe that anyone running for the board would be so narrow minded as to look at my contribution to Bob Nelson and say ‘oh, I can’t work for them now,’” Harris said. “I looked at the candidates who are running and it seems to me that those who are likely to be high competitors of Nelson would not have a problem and I would not have a problem with them either.”
Craig Larson, Ph.D, who is running for the board of trustees seat, said that Harris should have all the right to spend her money however she wants to, but also said that the contribution seemed unusual.
“In my experience, it’s unusual for a chancellor to get involved in the election of a board member,” Larson said.
Board candidate Tina Odo, J.D., declined to comment regarding this case and candidate Robert M. Johns could not be reached for comment.
Messmer said he feels very strongly about this issue because he teaches a political science class, in which students complain about the government’s transparency.
“I am bombarded with emails by students who have no respect for the political system, and this is one of the reasons why,” Messmer said. “Want to know why so many Americans have a poor opinion of politics? It starts with what we're seeing here. Frustrating on its face. Disgusting that it involves people supposedly committed to an institution of higher learning in a democracy.”
Nelson did not return phone calls from The Montage.
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