HomeMy WebLinkAbout79-008 Hager0
Honorable Henry G. Hager
Senate Post Office
The State Capitol
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17120
Dear Senator Hager:
May 11, 1979
79 -008
1 appreciate your understanding the difficulty that the Commission
had in organizing. I am happy to report that we have made significant progress
with that difficulty and are able to respond to your request.
Section 2 defines a public official as "any elected or appointed official
in the Executive, Legislative or Judicial Branch of the State or any political
subdivision thereof, provided that it shall not include members of advisory boards
that have no authority to expend public funds other than reimbursement for personal
expense, or to otherwise exercise the power of the State or any political subdivision
thereof." "Public official" shall not include any appointed official who receives
no compensation other than reimbursement for actual expenses ". Further, Section 4(c)
states "Each candidate for public office nominated by a public official or
governmental body and subject to confirmation by a public official or governmental
body shall file a statement of financial interests for the preceding calendar year
with the commission and with the official or body that is vested with the power
of confirmation at least ten days before the official or body shall approve or
reject the nomination."
The Commission believes the proper interpretation of these Sections require
that all persons nominated for public office before January 1, 1979 are not required
to comply with the financial disclosure provision since the Ethics Act was effective
January 1, 1979. Likewise, all persons nominated for public office on or after
January 1, 1979, are required to file financial disclosure statements with the
Ethics Commission.
This is a general response to your inquiry. In the event there are
specific cases in which you would want this Commission to advise you, please feel
free to submit your written request to us.
Sincerely,
Paul J. Smith
Chairman