HomeMy WebLinkAbout80-731 RichRalph M. Rich, Jr.
104 Sixth Street
Scottdale, PA 15683
RE: Police Officer, Candidate for Office
Dear Mr. Rich:
1980.
L KI N
STATE ETHICS COMMISSION
308 FINANCE BUILDING
HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA 17120
October 27, 1980
ADVICE OF COUNSEL
80 -731
This responds to your communication of October 16,
Issue: You inquire as to whether it is a violation of the
Ethics Act for a municipal police officer, covered by Civil
Service, to run for public office within the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania?
Facts: You currently are serving as a police officer subject
to local Civil Service requirements and you intend to run
for public office.
Discussion: There are no provisions of the Ethics Act which
would, per se, preclude or prohibit a police officer such as
yourself from running for public office. You should be
alert, however, to the possibility that local service require-
ments may have an impact on your intentions.
Conclusion: The Ethics Act does not prohibit a local
police officer covered by Civil Service from running for
other public office within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
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.
Ralph M. Rich, Jr.
October 27, 1980
Page 2
This letter is a public record and will be made avail-
able as such.
Finally, if you disagree with this Advice or if you
have any reason to challenge same, you may request that the
full Commission review this Advice. A personal appearance
before the Commission may be scheduled and a formal Opinion
from the Commission will be issued. You should make such a
request or indicate your disapproval of this Advice within
the next 30 days.
SSC /rdp
Sincerely,
andra S. Christianson
General Coutsel
I