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HomeMy WebLinkAbout80-591 WorleyTO: RE: FACTS: On March 6, 1979, we received a letter from Dwight D. Worley, asking the Commission for an opinion as to his employment restrictions in the private sector. On November 19, 1979, we received a job description from James P. Snyder, Chief of the Division of Operations of the Bureau of Solid Waste Management of the Department of Environmental Resources. Mr. Snyder indicated that Mr. Worley was director of the operations unit of the then Division now Bureau, of Solid Waste Management. DISCUSSION: Dwight D. Worley R.D. #2, Box 2980 Etters, PA 17319 Application of Section 3(e) to the Director of Operations Unit for Division of Solid Waste Management, Department of Environmental Resources The threshold issue is whether Mr. Worley is a "public employee." Since his "responsibilities include planning, developing, directing, coordinating and implementing a major phase of the Statewide Solid Waste Management Progam" (Worley job description), we hold he is a "public employee." The next issue is what is Mr. Worley's "governmental body." Section 3(e) states: STATE ETHICS COMMISSION 308 FINANCE BUILDING HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA 17120 March 27, 1980 ADVICE OF CHIEF COUNSEL Advice # 80 -591 No former official or public employee shall,represent a person ...before the governmental body with which he has been associated for one year after he leaves that body. Mr. Worley has directed the Operations Unit for the Bureau of Solid Waste Management. That unit is his governmental body. Dwight D. Worley March 27, 1980 Page 2 CONCLUSION: DRM /rdp -3 Mr. Worley, being a director in the Operations Unit of the Division of Solid Waste Management of the D.E.R. is a "public employee." Mr. Worley may not represent any person before the Operations Unit of the Borough of Solid Waste Management for a period of one year after he left the Department of Environmental Resources. 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. DAVID RITTENHOUSE MORRISON Chief Counsel