I lived under fairly draconian conflict of interest rules (in the US 
Navy and responsible for multimillion dollar contracts).

The issue with the inspectors is not with hobby beekeepers but 
commercial beekeepers. There is no way that any commercial operation 
would want their competitors inspecting them. The possibilities of 
improper, and worse illegal, actions on the part of the inspector have 
to be guarded against. Otherwise, the inspector could have unfair 
advantage over their competitors.

The second problem is the inspectors are paid by the State and therefore 
are representatives of the State, with the power of government behind 
them. Again, you would want controls to keep abuse of power in check. 
Otherwise, the inspector could set up rules that only favor the 
inspector's operation.

Conflict of Interest rules and laws need to have a balance between 
unlawful acts and the ability to get the best, experienced people in the 
job. For beekeepers who are inspectors, there should be a line that 
approximately keeps their beekeeping operations as non-competitive 
compared to commercial operations in the State. Crossing that line puts 
them at odds with those they are inspecting. It is a difficult line to 
draw, but you could use all commercial operations in the State to 
determine the line.

As far as other things, like meals, all the inspector need do is 
document them and let their bosses know what they are doing (close 
friend, great ribs, whatever). That is usually sufficient, but it is 
best to brown bag it. Then there are no issues.

You could also have a different cut-off-line for assistants, since they 
would report to and be under the Inspector's supervision.

All of this is well within the ability of a State Bee Association to 
influence politically. We got an assistant position for the Inspector in 
Maine by going to the Legislature. Even beekeeper's vote. Plus, you can 
tell the legislator you have 50,000 employees in each of your many 
plants, and they can get angry when treated poorly.

Bill Truesdell
Bath, Maine

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