Personnel committee tables confirmation of Pamela Gonel pending written ethics opinion

Lawrence — The Lawrence City Personnel Committee on Feb. 13 voted to table the confirmation of Pamela Gonel as assistant commissioner of health and code services after committee members said they needed an official, written opinion from the Massachusetts Ethics Commission about a potential conflict of interest involving a business connected to Gonel’s spouse.

The item (identified in the meeting as “30 eight-twenty 5”) was introduced by the acting Inspectional Services director, Attorney Garcia, who brought forward the confirmation at the committee meeting. Committee members asked for additional documentation and verification after concerns emerged about a city contract and an apparent relationship between Gonel’s family and a vendor.

Nut graf: The committee paused the appointment despite supporters in the room and a presentation from the nominee because members said they had not yet received the formal written ethics opinion they wanted in the meeting record. The committee directed staff to provide the requested materials ahead of the next meeting and tabled the item to avoid any appearance of impropriety while the city secures formal advice.

Pamela Gonel introduced herself to the committee and described her current and prior roles. Gonel said she has served in the Inspectional Services Department as a…