Presumption of Ignorance

Last week Review Office (RO) Dennis Walsh, issued a eight count notice of possible veto to New York City District Council of Carpenters Executive Secretary-Treasurer Michael Bilello, for among other things, failing to "abide by Section 21 of the District Council Bylaws" and caused or attempted to cause the contract raise for members covered by the Hoist Agreement, the Millwrights Agreement and the WC&C Agreement, to be allocated into the welfare fund.

Bilello claimed ignorance, telling the delegate body, "It was a Mistake." He also blamed members of his administration for the failure saying, "no one was aware" of the bylaw provision.

Several members I have spoken with have asked, why was there no "reasonable, prudent and due diligent" measures taken by Bilello or his administration before implementing the employer contract raises into the welfare fund?

You would think Bilello or someone in his administration, who at a minimum, should be well versed in the Bylaws, and cognizant of significant matters at the council, such as million dollar allocations. 

By claiming ignorance, is Bilello suggesting that mediocrity, ignorance, and incompetence are sufficient qualities for holding office in the District Council?

Ignorantia juris non excusat, is Latin for "ignorance of the law does not excuse" or "ignorance of the law excuses no one."

Bilello cannot claim ignorance and escape liability for violating the Bylaws merely because he or his administration was unaware of its content.