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HomeMy WebLinkAbout386 DriskelMr. Russell J. Driskel R.D. #1, Box 103 Loretta, PA 15940 Re: 84 -128 -C Dear Mr. Driskel: 1 y �q ? f I �: STATE ETHICS COMMISSION 308 FINANCE BUILDING HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA 17120 ORDER OF THE COMMISSION July 2, 1985 Order No. 386 The State Ethics Commission has received a complaint reyardiny you and a possible violation of Act 170 of 1978. The Commission has now completed its investigation. The individual allegations, conlcusions, and findings on which those conclusions are based are as follows: I. Allegation: That you, a Township Supervisor and employee of Allegheny Township, violated Section 5(b)(5) of the Ethics Act, 65 P.S. 405(b)(5), by failiny to list the Township as a source of income of $500 or more on your Statement of Financial Interests for calendar year 1983. Findings: 1. You are a Township Supervisor in Allegheny Township and are subject to the Statement of Financial Interests filing requirements of Act 170 -1978, the State Ethics Act. 2. Alleyheny Township records show that your gross income from Allegheny Township was $9,077 in calendar year 1983. 3. On May 22, 1984, the Commission received your "amended" Statement of Financial Interests listing Alleyheny Township as a source of income for calendar year 1983. Mr. Russell J. Driskel July 2 1985 Page 2 B. Discussion: Section 5. Statement of financial interests. (b) The statement shall include the following information for the prior calendar year with regard to the person required to file the statement and the members of his immediate family: (5) The name «nd address of any person who is the direct or indirect source of income totalling in the aggregate of $500 or more. However, this provision shall not be construed to require the divulgence of confidential information protected by statute or existing professional codes of ethics. We received your amended Statement of Financial Interests on May 22, 1984, and it listed Allegheny Township as a source of income. Although the original statement was deficient, the Commission will accept the amended version. A copy is being forwarded to Allegheny Township. We found no intent on your part to deceive or conceal information. It is public knowledge that you are a Supervisor in Allegheny Township and receive income as a supervisor. While these circumstances do not relieve you of your responsibility to file a complete and accurate statement, we are convinced that they demonstrate that your failure to file was not intentional. The information is now available to the public and we will take no further action. C. Conclusion: Although you violated Section 5(b)(5) of the State Ethics Act, the amended and original Statements of Financial Interests are available for public inspection and there was no intent to deceive or conceal information. The Commission will take no further action on this matter. Our files in this case will remain confidential in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Ethics Act, 65 P.S. 408(a). However, this Order is final and will be made available as a public document 15 days after service (defined as mailing) unless you file documentation with the Commission which justifies reconsideration and /or challenges pertinent factual findings. See 51 Pa. Code 2.38. During this 15 -day period, no one, includiny the Respondent unless he waives his right to challenge this may violate this confidentiality by releasing, discussing or circulating this Order. Mr. Russell J. Driskel Paye 3 EMS /na Any person who violates the confidentiality of a Commission proceeding is yuilty 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). By the Commissio Dr. Leon L. Haley Vice - Chairman July 2 1985