HomeMy WebLinkAbout80-557 LippyTO:
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DISCUSSION:
CONCLUSION:
Norman L. Lippy
Chief of Police
Conewago Township
R.D. #4
York, PA 17404
STATE ETHICS COMMISSION
HARRISBURG, PA.
ADVICE OF CHIEF COUNSEL
February 26, 1980
Advice 1/ 557
RE: Act 170 coverage of a Chief of Police who has
administered highway safety grants.
FACTS:
On July 31, 1979, Mr. Lippy asked about his
responsibilities under Act 170 as the Chief of Police
of Conewago Township, who on two occasions had secured
highway safety grants and was the project director for
those grants.
The principal issue is whether Mr. Lippy is a
public official or public employee as those terms are used
in Act 170.
Mr. Lippy is a "public employee" by virtue of
his administration of grants and must file a financial
interest statement by May 1st of the year following each
year in which he administered grants.
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 "public employee" is one "who is responsible
for taking or recommending official action of a non- minis-
terial ... administering or monitoring grants for subsidies;"
according to Section 2 of Act 170.
Mr. Norman L. Lippy
Page 2
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.
VID RI TE USE MORRISON
Chief Counsel