By Howard Koplowitz
Chuck Robbins, a current board member, said it would not be a conflict of interest if the Honest Ballot Association and girlfriend Linda Gibbs sanctioned the contest because he stated that he would not be a candidate in the upcoming election, despite the comments of Ellis Roeder and Morris Feuer, the two men who voiced their concerns about the voting.”Honest Ballot is not a fly-by association,” Robbins said, adding that the organization has not had an election overturned in its 96-year existence. Robbins said he made his intention to not run again known during last year's election. He also said that he abstained when the board voted to accept Honest Ballot's bid because “it was the right thing to do.”Members of the residents' Shareholders' Association, a separate group from the co-op's board of directors, also raised concerns about the fact that Honest Ballot, whose headquarters is located in the towers, still owes North Shore Towers $13,000 in back rent but is being paid $10,000 to conduct the election. The board of directors negotiated a payment agreement that allows Honest Ballot to pay $300 a month for the back rent. Robbins said he sees no problem with that arrangement because Honest Ballot has been keeping up with the agreement. Shareholders' Association officers also took issue with Honest Ballot opening up envelopes during a past election while it was still taking place so the organization could determine a quorum. Robbins said that a court ruled that there was nothing wrong with the company opening ballots and Honest Ballot will allow candidates to view the process. He added that Honest Ballot publicly stated that no votes will be opened before the upcoming election is closed. Reach reporter Howard Koplowitz by e-mail at news@timesledger.com or by phone at 718-229-0300, Ext. 173
