7/18/2008
Weiner declines to recuse himself on Freebery reimbursement vote - News Journal

'Wouldn't vote to give them a nickle'

At least one member of New Castle County Council is giving Sherry Freebery exactly what she wants.

The county’s former chief administrative officer, who is asking council to reimburse her for the $3.7 million she spent defending herself against a five-year investigation on federal corruption charges, had asked that Councilmen Robert Weiner and Penrose Hollins recuse themselves from the decision on whether to give her the money.

Freebery asked for the recusal based on past statements the councilmen made against her. Included in her reimbursement request were copies of The News Journal articles quoting the men and a letter they wrote describing the county as a victim of Freebery’s actions.

Hollins said last week he will sit out a meeting to discuss the reimbursement and won’t vote when it comes up on the council floor. He said Freberry was right: He can’t be objective when it comes to reimbursing her with millions in taxpayer money.

“I probably wouldn’t vote to give them a nickel,” he said.

Weiner, however, is staying in his seat for this one.

“I have decided to participate,” he said. “To do otherwise would disenfranchise my constituents.”
Weiner, who works as an attorney, said believes he can remain objective, listen to the arguments and make a fair decision.

He’ll get his chance Monday night.

Council is holding a meeting to allow Freebery’s attorney to make a case for the reimbursement and answer questions. The meeting is from 5 to 7 p.m. in council chambers at the Redding Building, 800 N. French St.

The public is invited.

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