HomeMy WebLinkAbout56 KnuthMr. Paul E. Knuth, Jr.
Vice - President
Susquenita School District
R. D. #1
Box 248
Duncannon, PA 17020
Dear Mr. Knuth:
STATE ETHICS COMMISSION
308 FINANCE BUILDING
HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA 17120
ORDER OF THE COMMISSION
June 25, 1981
No. 56
Jf81 -41 -C (2 -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. Paul E. Knuth, Jr.
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 /jc
Sincerely yours,
Paul J. ith
Chairma