HomeMy WebLinkAbout26 ZemprelliAssembly.
STATE ETHICS COMMISSION
308 FINANCE BUILDING
HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA 17120
ORDER OF THE COMMISSION
February 2, 1981
No. 26
Honorable Edward P. Zemprelli
Room 362, Main Capitol Building
Harrisburg, PA 17120
#80 -50 -C (2 -4)
Dear Senator Zemprelli:
The State Ethics Commission has received a complaint
regarding you and possible violations of Act 170 of 1978.
The Commission has now completed its investigation into
these allegations and finds no jurisdiction in the broad
areas of the allegation and no violation of Act 170 in any
of the circumstances.
The individual allegations and findings on which our
conclusion is based are:
A. Allegations:
1. "At the request of the Public Utility Com-
mission, the Senator drafted legislation directed specifically
at me, which violated my civil rights and has resulted in my
personal property being taken from me. The effects of this
legislation has destroyed my business."
B. Findings:
1. You are . a public official under Act 170.
2. The Ethics Commission has no jurisdiction in
civil rights issues.
3. You did correspond with the Public Utility
Commission Chairman, Miss Shanaman, on the lack of bus
service on Route 30 and the need to clarify the Commission's
authority to issue temporary authorities.
4. Act 69 of 1980 was passed by the General
Honorable Edward P. Zemprelli
February 2, 1981
Page -2-
C. Discussion: It would be absurd to find that the Ethics
Act inhibited elected officials from fully in
the duties of their offices. The Act is ntendedltotprevent
and abate the use of public office or public em to
information gained through that office or employment fo ymef or
personal financial gain. P r
of a conflict would only occur c where c the 1 public offic or personally gained or stood to personally aa
result of his or her actions. There is no evidence as a
either in the circumstances of this complaint.
D. Conclusion: There is no violation of Act 170 when a
Member of the General Assembly corresponds with the Chairman
or Members of the Public Utility Commission and sponsors /supports
and votes for proposed legislation.
All files in this case will remain confidential except
that, this Order will be available as a public document.
Sincerely,
PJS /jc
Paul J&'Smith
Chairman