As property/business owners in Erie County we really need to review what a conflict of interest is:

This is a good start.

Conflict of Interest Definitions

Whether it be in state constitution, statute or rule, all states address the potential of conflicts of interests for legislators. Definitions usually specify that a legislator may not have a personal or private interest or gain in a financial way by votes and in their legislative duties. States differ on how to handle the conflict - for more information on conflicts of interest and voting, visit our information on Voting Recusal Provisions.
This table is intended to provide general information and does not necessarily address all aspects of this topic. Because the facts of each situation may vary, this information may need to be supplemented by consulting legal advisors.

http://www.ncsl.org/research/ethics/...finitions.aspx


We can easily substitute "legislators" with any elected seat. IE: Board Member, Village Board Member, County Legislator and so on.