HomeMy WebLinkAbout79-047 LenchFACTS:
He posed three questions,
STATE ETHICS COMMISSION
HARRISBURG, PA.
September 5, 1979
OPINION OF THE COMMISSION
Ronald G. Lench, Esquire
Attorney At Law
3552 Old Gettysburg Road
Camp Hill, PA 17011
RE: Application of Section 3(c) "governmental body" as applied
to a spouse of a candidate for County Office.
On July 31, 1979 Ronald G. Lench, Esquire, Council for
Vicky Lauro, wrote this Commission informing us that his client
Vicky Lauro:
1) Has an interest in the New Castle School of Trade and
J.A.C. Management Company.
2) Contracts with the Lawrence County for CETA Funds,
3) Has an interest in properties which are leased to the
Commonwealth and to the United States.
Lindy Lauro, husband of Vicky Lauro, is presently a candidate
for County Commissioner in Lawrence County in the general election
to be held November 6, 1979.
79 -047
1) If Mr. Lauro were to be elected, how would Act 170
affect Ms. Lauro with respect to contracts
with the County?
How would his election affect Ms. Lauro entering into
contracts with other governmental bodies?
How would Act 170 affect Ms. Lauro's leasing of
properties to the Commonwealth and to the United States?
DISCUSSION:
It is the Opinion of the Commission that election of
Mr. Lauro to a County Post would require Ms. Lauro to meet the
formal bidding, prior notice, and subsequent public disclosure
requirements of article 18 of the County Code for any contract
of $500, pursuant to Section 3(c) of the Act, or more with
Lawrence County:
Ronald G. Lench, Esquire
Page Two
The Commission has already held that the phrase "a govern-
mental body" of Section 3(c) means "governmental body with which
you are associated." Mayor T. C. Williams of Oil City, Opinion
79 -12. Thus, Section 3(c) requirements are limited to contracts
with Lawrence County.
The Act does not limit Ms. Vicky Lauro from leasing any
realty to the Commonwealth or the United States, although
full disclosure of such income must be reported as required
under Section 5(b)(3) of the Act.
CONCLUSION:
Should Mr. Lauro be elected as a county commissioner in
Lawrence County Act 170 would place the following restrictions
on him, his spouse and minor dependent children
1. All contracts of more than $500 with Lawrence County
in which any member of the family participates must
meet the open and public process requirements of
Section 3(c) of Act 170 of 1978.
2. Any member of the immediate family may enter into
contracts with governmental bodies other than Lawrence
County without restraints under Act 170.
3. Interest of any member of the immediate family in
property leased or sold to the Commonwealth must be
reported on Mr. Lauro's Financial Interest Statement.
4. Any member of the immediate family may lease or sell
property to the United States Government without
restraints. under Act 170. The source of income from
these properties must he reported on the Financial
Interest Statement.
This letter is a public record by law and will be made
available as such.
Paul J. ith
Chairman