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HomeMy WebLinkAbout54 WattsMr. Robert K. Watts President Susquenita School District 441 Cameron Street Marysville, PA 17053 Dear Mr. Watts: STATE ETHICS COMMISSION 308 FINANCE BUILDING HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA 17120 ORDER OF THE COMMISSION June 25, 1981 No. 54 #81 -40 -C (1 -2) The State Ethics Commission has completed its investi- gation of the complaint regarding you and possible violations of Act 170 of 1978 and finds the appearance of a conflict of interest. The individual allegation and findings on which our conclusion is based are: Allegation: That you are a School -Board Member in the Susquenita School District and also drive a bus for a firm holding a transportation contract with that District. Conclusion: You agreed that you participate in dis- cussions on the transportation actions for the School Dis- trict but do not vote in these matters. The Commission finds that this participation can in- fluence the final decisions and could affect the awarding of a contract to the firm for which you drive. Section 1 of the Ethics Act states 'that the people have a right to be assured that the financial interest of the holders of or candidates for public office present neither a conflict nor the appearance of a conflict with the public trust.' Your interest, as a School Director, include getting the best value for the School District in transpor- tation decisions. Your interest, as an employee, of one of the firms competing for these contracts is adverse to that interest and presents an appearance of a conflict of interest. Mr. Robert K. Watts June 25, 1981 Page -2- You are prohibited from participating in discussions or actions leading to transportation decisions or contracts of the Susquenita School District. The Commission will take no further action if you cease these activities immediately. All files in this case will remain confidential. However, this Order is final and will become available as a public document within 15 days unless you file documentation with the Commission which justifies reconsideration and /or challenges pertinent factual findings made. Until this 15 -day period has expired, NO ONE, including the Respondent- addressee, may violate the confidentiality of these proceedings by releasing, discussing or circulating this Order. Any person who violates the confidentiality of a Commission proceeding is guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be fined not more than $1,000 or imprisoned for not more than one year or both, see 65 P.S. 409(e). PJS/ j c Sincerely yours, 11/ maul J 'mith Chairma