Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout79-553 BurdTO: CONCLUSION: STATE ETHICS COMMISSION P. 0. Box 1179 Harrisburg, PA 17108 ADVICE OF CHIEF COUNSEL November 20, 1979 Harry R. Burd Register of Centre County Bellefonte, PA 16823 Advice Number 79 - 553 RE: Reporting requirements of a Register of Wills and Clerk of Orphans' Court FACTS: On August 3, 1979, Harry R. Burd, Register of Wills and Clerk of Orphans Court of Centre County, wrote the Commission for advice. He asked whether he had to report the following sources of income: (1) savings account and savings certificates, on which he has allowed the interest to accumulate; (2) Government E Bonds; and (3) mortgage income from a property from which he receives installment payments monthly in excess of $100; and (4) social security payments. DISCUSSION: The issue is what income must be reported on the Financial Interest Statement. Mr. Burd must report any income from each invest- ment which totals in the aggregate $500 or more, pursuant to Section 5(b)(5). The Commission will publish rules and regulations interpreting Act 170 shortly. Mr. Burd should report his source of income for his savings account, savings certificates, Government E Bonds, mortgage interest, and social security benefits, if the total income received on any of these items totals in the aggregate $500 or more. 79 553 Harry R. Hurd November 20, 1979 page 2 Pursuant to Section 7(9)(ii), this advice is a complete defense in any enforcement proceeding initiated by the Commission, and evidence of good faith conduct in any other civil or criminal proceeding, providing. the requestor has disclosed truthfully all the material facts and committed the acts complained of in reliance on the advice given. A personal appearance before the Commission and a formal opinion will be issued upon your request, if you feel this reply does not suffice. This letter is a public record and will be made available as such. DAVIID RITTENHOUSSE MORRISON Chief Counsel