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