Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout79-026 WomerMr. Joseph R. Womer 315 `Peach Building 011 City, PA 16301 Dear Mr. Womer: STATE ETHICS COMMISSION HARRISBURG, PA. July 9, 1979 79 -026 In your letter of February 15, 1979, you requested the State Ethics Commission to furnish you an opinion concern - ing the application of Section 3(c) of Act 170 of 1978. You explained that you were interested in being a candidate for local public office and stated that you were a partner in a public accounting firm with a finanical interest in the firm in excess of 5% of the firm's equity. You further explained that your public accounting firm performs auditing and other accounting services for governmental bodies under contracts valued in excess of $500.00. You specifically requested an opinion as to whether your firm would be restricted in any manner by Act 170 from entering into contracts for accounting services with governmental bodies if you became a public official. If elected to a public office in a political subdivision of the State, you would be a "public official" as that term is used in Act 170. Section 3(c) of the act prohibits a "public official" or any business in which the official is a holder of stock exceeding 5% of the equity at fair market value from entering into "any contract valued at $500.00 or more with a governmental body unless the contract has been awarded through an open and public process. . ." It is the Commission's opinion that Section 3(c) of the Act is a limitation on a public official's ability to contract with the governmental body with which he is associated. Under Act 170, your accounting firm could accept contracts with governmental bodies other than the governmental body with which you are associated without regard to the notice requirements of Section 3(c) of the Act. This letter is a public record and will be made available as such. S sere y , (#, Paul J. Smith Chairman