The Outsider

"It's not right to have to take a large economic hit in order to run for public office if there is only a perception of conflict of interest, when there really isn't," Fitch told the Houston Business Journal back in early June.

Since then, four former or sitting councilmembers have been indicted for bribery and conspiracy, and although it's probably just a coincidence, the 67-year-old Fitch has concluded that it might be somewhat unseemly, not to mention impermissible under the city's ethics rules, for him to continue to work at BFI and serve on Council. So Fitch says that as of September 15 he's retired from BFI and "severed all connection" with the company, including unloading his stock in the corporation.

"I don't want to have any kind of perception or misunderstanding or just interpretation that I still have some kind of connection with BFI," says Fitch, who still has a recorded phone message at BFI's headquarters referring callers to his campaign office.

The Outsider was compiled by Michael Berryhill, Bob Burtman, Jim Simmon and Brian Wallstin. Tim Fleck and The Insider column are on vacation, but will return shortly. In the meantime, you can reach The Insider by calling (713) 624-1483 or (713) 624-1496 (fax).