Perceived conflict of interest spurs Jackson Health trustee's resignation

Attorney Albert Dotson Jr. has resigned from the seven-member public health trust that governs Miami-based Jackson Health System, according to a Miami Herald report.

Had Mr. Dotson remained on the board, he and his firm would no longer be able to represent many of their clients, as his practice largely represents those with business before Miami-Dade commissioners.

In a written opinion requested by Mr. Dotson, Joe Centorino, executive director of the county's ethics commission, said if Mr. Dotson appeared one day as a virtual colleague of the county commission and then later lobbied county commissioners on a contract, "it is understandable that, upon perceiving those dual roles, a person or entity vying with that lobbyist for the contract award could question the fairness of the process."

The county's commission on ethics and public trust rendered the decision in late June, shortly after Mr. Dotson was appointed to Jackson's board.

"I'm always willing to offer myself for public service. But if there is an issue that arises in connection with that, then I don't want it to create a problem," Mr. Dotson said, according to the report.