St. John's Mayor Andy Wells is laughing off suggestions from Liberals that he will be in a conflict of interest when he starts work next month at the Public Utilities Board.

Liberal Leader Yvonne Jones says it's unacceptable for Andy Wells to chair the PUB while still working as mayor of St. John's.
(CBC)

Liberal Leader Yvonne Jones said Wells — who has decided to serve in both full-time jobs until at least September — cannot realistically do both.

"I certainly don't appreciate the fact that he's trying to hang on to his seat as mayor of St. John's [while] already starting out this new position in a conflict of interest," Jones said.

"I think that is unacceptable, and I think the right thing for him to do is for him to choose which job he wants here."

Byelection too costly, mayor says

Wells, whom Premier Danny Williams appointed to lead the PUB, has decided to hang on to his job as mayor on grounds that the byelection that would be mandated by provincial law if he stepped down would be too expensive.

Contacted by CBC News, Wells — who has come in for public criticism for his intent to collect two full-time public-sector salaries at once — made it clear he thought little of Jones's comments.

Andy Wells said he doesn't accept Jones's criticism because she doesn't represent St. John's voters.
(CBC)

"I don't particularly care what the Liberals say … they count for nothing," Wells said.

"Who's Yvonne Jones? I think she's an MHA for Labrador, so I don't know if it's any of her business. She's not a voter in St. John's."

Wells is to start as chairman of the PUB on March 1.

Coun. Gerry Colbert has already said he will propose that Wells's salary be reduced to account for the change in his work situation.

Wells, though, says he will be able to do both jobs over the coming months by juggling his schedule.