Michael Scott Has No Conflict of Interest

File this under color us surprised: Chicago's 2016 bid committee has determined that Michael Scott, Mayor Daley's President of the Chicago Board of Education, has no conflict of interest in developing a piece of city-owned real estate across from Douglas Park. Scott was served a federal subpoena earlier this month over his alleged role in clouted admissions to elite public schools. He's also part of the mayor's team working to bring the Olympics to Chicago. The Tribune published an investigation last week into Scott's role in redeveloping a parcel of land near a proposed Olympic cycling venue.

Scott, who also owns Michael Scott & Associates, a real estate development and investment firm, told bid officials that he was working on behalf of ministers in the community. “Chicago 2016 officials, including its Chief Ethics and Governance Officer, met today with Mr. Scott to understand Mr. Scott’s role,” Chicago 2016 said in a statement. “As a result of that meeting, Chicago 2016 has concluded that Mr. Scott had no conflict of interest between his volunteer role with Chicago 2016 and his efforts on behalf of the religious leaders seeking to improve the community surrounding Douglas Park. Mr. Scott has had no role in the determination of venue locations, and was not involved in the decision to utilize Douglas Park for certain venues.”

Although has said that he wouldn't profit from the deal and is only working on behalf of a group of ministers, his name is the only one listed on documents related to the deal. He's also said that he paid the fees to incorporate the project, and is listed as the only officer of the development firm, and he is listed as the only developer in two letters of support from the local alderman. Among the ministers that Scott says he is representing is Rev. Charles Robinson, a member of the CTA board. Robinson also has plans to develop several parcels of land near the proposed venue.