It’s unfortunate that the actions of some city, county and Lawrence Chamber of Commerce officials have cast a cloud of suspicion on efforts to keep an attractive business in Lawrence.

The decision to try to close a deal with Deciphera Inc., outside of the public’s view was a bonehead move that has caused a furor that makes Lawrence look bad not only to Deciphera but to other companies that might be considering locating here. And there was no reason for it. If this was a good deal with a good company, there was no reason not to explain that publicly and move forward.

Both County Commissioner Bob Johnson and Mayor Sue Hack contend they were not harming the public’s interest by attending and/or participating in meetings to discuss a nonstandard tax rebate agreement with Deciphera. It may not have been their intention to harm the public interest, but the fact that they both are investors in Deciphera creates at least an appearance that their interest in the deal might be partially personal, not solely public.

Questions still remain about whether Johnson or Hack have violated any conflict of interest laws, but to simply say they were not trying to further their own financial interest or that they weren’t fully aware of the laws governing their participation in various discussions isn’t good enough.

It also does little good to claim, as Johnson did, that concerns are only being raised by those who have political disagreements with the two commissions. What else is new? No matter who is on the commission, there are going to be detractors scrutinizing their actions. That’s why it’s so important for elected officials to carefully follow the laws that govern the way they conduct the public’s business.

Chamber President Lavern Squier was wrong to suggest the Deciphera matter be placed on the consent agenda where it wouldn’t be discussed in a public meeting. County officials were wise enough to reject such a strategy. And City Manager David Corliss should have known enough to tell city commissioners they would be violating the Kansas Open Meetings Act by discussing the matter in executive session.

It is hoped that the continuing fallout from this situation won’t cause Deciphera to have second thoughts about settling in Lawrence. Beyond that, however, officials should consider the message this fiasco may send to other companies that might be considering a home in Lawrence.

City, county and chamber officials often point fingers at “anti-development” elements who want to keep new companies out of Lawrence. However, if the Deciphera mess causes some current or future business deals to go sour, chamber and elected officials will have only themselves to blame.