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In Re: David Slezak,
Respondent
STATE ETHICS COMMISSION
FINANCE BUILDING
613 NORTH STREET, ROOM 309
HARRISBURG, PA 17120-0400
File Docket:
Order No.
Date Decided.
Date Mailed:
24-0091-C
1853
4/16/26
4/23/26
Before: Michael A. Schwartz, Chair
David L. Reddecliff, Vice Chair
Paul E. Parsells
Robert P. Caruso
Ennilia McKee Vassallo
This is a final adjudication of the State Ethics Commission.
FACSIMILE: 717-787-0806
WESS[TE: www.ethics.pa.gov
Procedurally, the Investigative Division of the State Ethics Commission conducted an
investigation regarding possible violation(s) of the Public Official and Employee Ethics Act
("Ethics Act"), 65 Pa.C.S. § 1101 et sec ., by the above -named Respondent. At the commencement
of its investigation, the Investigative Division served upon Respondent written notice of the
specific allegations. Upon completion of its investigation, the Investigative Division issued and
served upon Respondent a Findings Report identified as an "Investigative Complaint." A
Stipulation of Findings and a Consent Agreement were subsequently submitted by the parties to
the Commission for consideration. The Findings in this Order are derived from the parties'
Stipulation of Findings. The Consent Agreement has been approved.
I. ALLEGATIONS:
That David Slezak, a public official as a Supervisor for Pittston Township ("Township"),
Luzern County, Pennsylvania, violated Sections 1103(a), 1105(b)(1), and 1105(b)(5) of the Ethics
Act:
(1) When he used the authority of his office to instruct Township employees to do work
on his private property, using Township equipment and materials;
(2) When he used the authority of his office to submit timecards and receive pay for
hours lie did not work and to receive employee pay for time when he was
performing Supervisor duties; and
(3) When he filed delinquent/deficient Statements of Financial Interests for the years
2021 and 2022 by failing to report all direct/indirect sources of income and failing
to adequately report his status and current positions of public office and public
employment.
Slezak, 24-0091-C
Page 2
IL FINDINGS:
1. David Slezak ("Slezak") has served as a Member of the Pittston Township ("Township")
Board of Supervisors ("Board") since January 2, 2018.
a. The Board consists of three elected Members.
b. Slezak was annually appointed as Board Chair and Roadmaster since January 4,
2021.
1. Slezak was employed by the Township as a driver/laborer prior to becoming
a Supervisor and was annually appointed Roadmaster since then.
2. All three Members of the Board are employed by the Township.
a. They are annually appointed to positions that include Public Safety Officer (EMS
Director), MS-4 Coordinator (Administrative Assistant), and Roadmaster.
b. Salaries for these positions are annually approved by the Township Board of
Auditors.
C. The Supervisors do not receive any compensation for serving in the position of
Supervisor but are eligible to receive the same benefits provided to other full-time
Township employees.
THE FOLLOWING FINDINGS RELATE TO ALLEGATIONS THAT SLEZAK USED
THE AUTHORITY OF HIS OFFICE TO INSTRUCT TOWNSHIP EMPLOYEES TO
PERFORM WORK ON HIS PRIVATE PROPERTY USING TOWNSHIP EQUIPMENT
AND MATERIALS.
3. In his capacity as Roadmaster, Slezak oversees and supervises the day-to-day operations
of the Township Public Works Department ("Public Works Department').
a. The Public Works Department consists of five fiill-time employees, including
Slezak.
4. The normal hours of the Public Works Department are 8:00 a.m, to 4:00 p.m.
a. Employee timecards report start and end times using a time clock.
b. The exception to this general practice is Slezak's timecards.
1. Slezak's timecards have been manually filled out at his direction by Road
Foreman Matthew Chesniak ("Chesniak").
2. This practice is not consistent with provisions of the Township's employee
handbook which states in part: "employees may not ask another employee
Slezak,24-0091-C
Page 3
to clock iir/out for them without written authorization from their immediate
supervisor or Township Officials. If any employee is found clocking in/out
for another employee both will be subject to disciplinary action up to and
including termination of employment."
c. Employees do not record the individual duties they perform on a daily basis.
d. Daily work for the Public Works Department staff is assigned by Roadmaster
Slezak.
I . Foreman Chesniak also assigns duties at Slezak's direction.
5. The Township has a Public Works building that is used for the storage and general care
and maintenance of Township materials and equipment.
a. The Township does not have any written policy on the use of Public Works
facilities for personal purposes.
1. It is generally understood that the Public Works facilities are to be used
exclusively for Township business.
6. Slezak has owned a home and resided at an address Iocated in the Township since
approximately August 2010.
a. This property includes a single-family home, garage, and acreage.
b. This property is serviced by an onsite septic system.
1. The Township does not have any ordinances or regulations requiring
homeowners with onsite septic systems to have them periodically serviced.
7. Since 2021, Slezak has directed subordinate employees to perform work of a personal
nature, on Township time, at his residence and at the Township's Public Works facilities.
a. This work was done without authorization from the Board.
b. Slezak did not make any reimbursement to the Township for the value of the
Township materials used personally or the employees' time spent performing work
of a personal nature on Township time.
SEPTIC TANK
8. From around 2022 through 2024, Slezak routinely directed Chesniak to pump out Slezak's
septic tank on Township time.
a. Slezak would contact Chesniak either telephonically or in -person to initiate the
service.
SIczak, 24-0091-C
Page 4
1. Chesniak is not a licensed septic hauler.
b. Chesniak would pump the raw sewage onto a portion of Slezak's property using
equipment provided by Slezak.
C. Chesniak pumped Slezak's tank approximately two or more times each year
between 2022 and 2024, specifically after rain or snow events.
1. Exact records were not maintained documenting how many times Chesniak
serviced Slezak's septic tank on Township time.
d. Each pump out would take approximately one hour.
e. Chesniak did not clock out from the Township to service Slezak's septic tank.
9. Slezak did not compensate Chesniak for performing this work.
10. Slezak realized an approximate private pecuniary benefit of $520.00, based on
approximately one pump out every two months between 2022 and 2024.
11. Slezak did not reimburse the Township for the value of the time Chesniak spent performing
this work while on Township time.
GARAGE FRAMING AND WALL CONSTRUCTION
12. Sometime during 2 02 1, Slezak directed Chesniak to frame/construct walls in the garage at
Slezak's residence.
a. Chesniak spent approximately eight hours performing this personal work for Slezak
on Township tirne.
b. Slezak provided all materials needed for the project.
C. In 2021, Chesniak's hourly rate at the Township was $22.94.
d. Slezak realized an approximate private pecuniary benefit of $183.52 based on eight
hours of wages for Chesniak at $22.94 per hour.
13. Slezak did not reimburse the Township for the value of the time Chesniak spent performing
this work while on Township time.
HOUSE PAINTING
14. In 2022, at Slezak's direction, Chesniak, Dan Sullivan ("Sullivan") (an employee of the
Public Works Department), and Slezak spent approximately sixteen hours painting the first
floor of Slezak's house on Township time.
Slezak, 24-0091-C
Page 5
a. Slezak supplied the paint and materials needed for this work.
b, In 2022, Chesniak's hourly rate at the Township was $26.00, Sullivan's was $20.00,
and Slezak's was $32.56.
C. Slezak realized an approximate private pecuniary benefit of $1,256.96 calculated
as follows:
Chesniak - 16 hours at $26.00 per hour = $416.00
Sullivan - 16 hours at $20.00 per hour = $320.00
Slezak - 16 hours at $32.56 per hour = $520,96
Total for painting SIezak's house = $1,256.96
15. Slezak did not reimburse the Township for the value of the time he and other Township
employees spent painting Slezak's house on Township time.
CEILING TANS
16, In 2022, at Slezak's direction, Chesniak and Richard Chesniak ("R. Chesniak") (an
employee of the Public Works Department) each spent four hours installing two ceiling
fans in Slezak's garage while on Township time.
a. Slezak provided the ceiling fans and other materials needed for the project.
b. In 2022, Chesniak's hourly rate at the Township was $26.00 and R. Chesniak's was
$20,00.
C. Slezak realized an approximate private pecuniary benefit of $184.00 calculated as
follows:
Chesniak - 4 hours at $26.00 per hour = $104.00
R. Chesniak - 4 hours at $20.00 per hour = $80.00
Total for installing ceiling fans at Slezak's Douse = $184.00
17. Slezak did not reimburse the Township for the value of the time employees spent installing
ceiling fans at Slezak's house while on Township time.
CARPET REMOVAL AND TILE INSTALLATION
18. In approximately September 2022, at Slezak's direction, Chesniak and Slezak each spent
approximately thirty hours removing old carpet, preparing the subfloor, and installing the
at Slezak's residence while on Township time.
Slezak purchased all the materials needed for this project and arranged for the
disposal of the debris at his cost.
Slezak, 24-0091-C
Page 6
b. In 2022, Chesniak's hourly rate at the Township was $26.00 and Slezak's was
$32.56.
C. Slezak realized an approximate private pecuniary benefit of $1,756.80 calculated
as follows:
Chesniak - 30 hours at $26.00 per hour = $780.00
Slezak - 30 hours at $32.56 per hour = $976.80
Total for flooring work at Slezak's House = $1,756.80
19. Slezak did not reimburse the Township for the value of the time he and Chesniak spent
performing carpet removal and tile installation at Slezak's residence while on Township
time.
GARAGE PAINTING
20, During 2023, at Slezak's direction, Chesniak and Slezak painted Slezak's garage while
on Township time.
a. Slezak provided the paint used for the garage painting.
21. Chesniak spent approximately seven hours painting Slezak's garage on Township time.
a. Slezak was present for approximately three of these hours.
1. Slezak was supposed to be working for the Township during those three
hours.
b. In 2023, Chesniak's hourly rate at the Township was $26.91 and Slezak's was
$33,70,
C. Slezak realized an approximate private pecuniary benefit of $289.40 calculated as
follows:
Chesniak - 7 hours at $26.91 per hour = $188.37
Slezak - 3 hours at $33.70 per hour = $101.10
Total for painting Slezak's garage = $289.40
22. Slezak did not reimburse the Township for the value of the time he and Chesniak spent
painting Slezak's garage while on Township time.
TRUCK DOOR REFINISHING
23. From ,tune 14 through June 30, 2023, at Slezak's direction, Chesniak, R. Chesniak and
Sullivan each spent fifteen hours sanding, prepping, and painting a door for Slezak's truck
while on Township time.
Slezak, 24-0091-C
Page 7
a. Slezak owns a 1999 Ford Ranger pickup truck, registered through July 2026.
b. The Township Public Works garage, which is a part of the Public Works facilities,
was used to perform the repairs.
c. In 2023, Chesniak's hourly rate at the Township was $26.91 and both R. Chesniak's
and Sullivan's hourly rate was $20.70.
1. Slezak realized an approximate private pecuniary benefit of $1,024.65 as
follows:
Chesniak - 15 hours at $26.91 per hour = $403.65
R. Chesniak - 15 hours at $20.70 per hour = $310.50
Sullivan - 15 hours at $20.70 per Hour = $310.50
Total for work on Slezak's trunk door = $1,024.65
24. Between June 14, 2023, and June 30, 2023, Township employees made purchases of
materials needed for the work on Slezak's truck door, including paint, solvents, and prep
materials which were placed on the Township account at Petro Ace Hardware.
a. These purchases were made at Slezak's direction.
b. Township employees are not permitted to make personal purchases using Township
accounts.
25. Township records include three invoices detailed in the following chart which list material
purchases totaling $323.33 which were used to repair Slezak's truck door.
a. The Township was not charged Pennsylvania State Sales Tax on the transactions.
b. Slezak received a total private pecuniary benefit of $342.73 when a 6%
Pennsylvania State Sales Tax of$19,40 is added to the $323.33 in purchases.
Date
Invoice #
Items
Cost
Signed
06/14/23
PO # 6-14-23
6 Turbo Black Spray
Paint
$89.94
Rich Chesniak
2 Primer Sealer
$19.18
4 Primer 2 in l
$38.36
4 Universal Satin Black
$51.96
1 Air Blow Gun
$12.99
1 1/4" MNPT Air Plug
$2.99
$215.42
06/22/23
PO # 6-22-23
1 Painters Tape
$11.99
Rich Chesniak
I Gallon Isopropyl
Alcohol
$23.99
2 Self Etching Primer
$19.18
Slezak, 24-0091-C
Page 8
$55.16
06/30/23
PO # 063023
1 qt acetone
$11.99
Matt Chesniak
1 Gallon Paint Thinner
$11.99
3 Primer 2 in 1
$28.77
$52.75
Total Cost of Items pre-
tax
$323.33
Total Cost of Items
including 6% sales tax
$342.73
26. Slezak did not reimburse the Township for the value of the time Township employees spent
refinishing and repairing his truck door while being paid by the Township or for the
materials purchased to repair his truck door.
BACKHOE REPAIRS
27. During February 2024, at Slezak's direction, Chesniak, Public Works Department
cmployee Tom Urbanski ("Urbanski"), and Slezak performed a total of seven hours of
work on Slezak's privately -owned backhoe at the Public Works garage while on Township
time.
a. Township employees used a Township -owned welder and two cutting blades from
Township stock to complete the repairs.
b. Chesniak and Urbanski each spent a minimum of three hours working on Slezak's
backhoe while on Township time.
C. Slezak spent one hour working on his own backhoe while on Township time.
d. In 2024, Chesniak's hourly rate at the Township was $30.00, Urbanski's was
$21.42, and Slezak's was $34,88.
28. Township records include an invoice number 109689, dated October 11, 2023, from
Powell's Sales & Service, 740 Justus Boulevard, Scott Township, PA 18411, which
included charges for plow cutting edges.
a. Employees identified the cutting edges listed on the invoice as the same type they
took from Township stock and used on Slezak's backhoe.
b. The invoice included charges for two different cutting edge kits and/or edges.
1. The charges were $207.00 for an 8.0' cutting edge kit and $245.00 for a
120-inch Western cutting edge.
C. It is not known which size was taken from the Township supply and used for
Slezak's backhoe.
Slezak, 24-0091-C
Page 9
29. Slezak realized an additional private pecuniary benefit of approximately $202.00 for the
use of the Public Works garage and its welder in relation to the work being completed on
his personal backhoe.
a. An online quote for a IOx20 storage -unit was obtained from We -Store, 110 West
Saint Mary's Road, Wilkes-Barre, PA 19706.
1. This size was quoted to account for the approximate size of a storage unit
that would have been needed to work on a backhoe.
2. Units of this size are rented on a monthly basis at a current rate of $129.00,
3. At least 2.5 weeks was used to repair Slezak's door with an additional 12
hours spent welding his backhoe.
aa. Storage facilities are rented on a monthly basis.
b. A separate quote for a 115 volt M1G welder rental was obtained from Sunbelt
Rentals #499, 735 Wilkes-Barre Township Boulevard, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702.
1. The online quote rate was $73.00 per day.
30. Slezak realized an approximate private pecuniary benefit of $817.12 as follows:
Chesniak --- 3 hours at $30.00 per hour = $90.00
Urban -ski - 3 hours at $21.42 per hour = $64.26
Slezak -1 hours at $34.88 per hour = $34.88
2 Township owned cutting blades at $207.00 plus 6% sales tax = $439.84
Rental of a 10x20 storage unit = $129.00
Welder rental = $73.00
Total for work on Slezak's backhoe = $829.98
31. Slezak did not reimburse the Township for the cost of the materials or for the work
performed on Township time.
32. Slezak realized a total private pecuniary benefit of at least $6,388.04 as the result of his
use of Township time, employees, and materials for his personal benefit as follows:
Septic tank
$520.00
Garage framing and wall construction
$183.52
House painting
$1256.96
Ceiling fan installation
$194.00
Carpet removal and tile installation
$1,756.80
Garage painting
$289.40
Truck door refinishing
$1367.38
Slezak, 24-0091-C
Page 10
Backhoe repairs
$829.98
Total private pecuniary bencrit
$ 6,388.04
THE FOLLOWING FINDINGS RELATE TO ALLEGATIONS THAT SLEZAK USED
THE AUTHORITY OF HIS OFFICE TO SUBMIT TIMECARDS AND RECEIVE PAY
FOR HOURS HE DID NOT WORK AND TO RECEIVE EMPLOYEE PAY FOR TIME
WHEN HE WAS PERFORMING SUPERVISOR DUTIES.
33. The Township typically holds one to two special or executive session meetings each month
to discuss personnel matters and other topics not normally discussed during a public
meeting.
a. The purpose of the meetings is to discuss Township matters that come up between
the Board's regularly scheduled monthly meetings.
b. These special/executive session meetings are arranged by either the Supervisors or
the Township's administration, as needed,
C. Minutes are typically not taken for these special/executive session meetings.
1. Dates that these special/executive session meetings were held were
sporadically recorded in Board meeting minutes.
2. Attendees and start and end times are not typically recorded.
d. These meetings typically last one to two ]lours and are held during the Township's
normal business hours.
e. Beginning in approximately August of 2024, Supervisor Deborah Taroli began
maintaining her own personal log detailing when these meetings were held and who
attended.
34. Slezak regularly attended these special/executive session meetings while simultaneously
being compensated as the Roadmaster.
a. Slezak did not clock out from his position as Roadmaster to attend these meetings.
35. Available Township records were searched to identify when these meetings occurred and
any information on the topics discussed.
36. This review determined that special/executive session meetings were held at least on the
following dates from January 14, 2021, to June 9, 2024, with limited information on time,
topic, and attendance:
01/14/21: Work Session
04/27/22: 10:00 a.m. Present, Independence Drive, Phase 11, No end time recorded
Slezak, 24-0091-C
Page 11
05/23/22: 10:00 a.m. Present, Labor Attorney appointment, No end time recorded
05/23/23: 10:00 a.m. Present, Special meeting, Line of Credit, No end time recorded
12/06/23 : 10:00 a.m., Present, Special Meeting, Hiring Zoning Officer & Business Manager
03/29/24: Executive Session with Sewer Board re: infrastructure, No time or attendees listed
05/01/24: Litigation & Personnel, No time or attendees listed
05/16/24: Litigation & Personnel, No time or attendees listed
06/24/24: Executive Session, Personnel & Zoning, No time or attendees listed
06/28/24: Executive Session, Personnel & Zoning, No time or attendees listed
07/02/24: Executive Session, Personnel & Zoning, No time or attendees listed
07/11/24: Executive Session, Personnel & Zoning, No time or attendees listed
07/23/24: Executive Session, Personnel & Contracts, No time or attendees listed
09/21/24: Executive Session, Personnel & Contracts, No time or attendees listed
08/27/24: Executive Session, Personnel & Contracts, No time or attendees listed
05/28/25: 10:30 a.m., Objective; Tennis Court Bid
06/03/25: 11:00 a.m., Objective; Elm Street Update
06/03/25: 11:30 a.m., Objective; Police Hours
06/05/25: 10:00 a.m., Objective; Parnell Street Easement
06/10/25: 10:00 a.m., Objective; Interviews Code Enforcement
06/23/25: 10:00 a.m., Objective; Full-time/Part-time Hours
06/26/25: 11:30 a.m., Objective; Not Listed, Baker Chapel Road Project Meeting
06/30/25: 10:00 a.m., Objective; Police Personnel Issues
07/14/25: 10:00 a.m., Objective; Resident Issues, Fire Department Interviews last interview at
12:00. 2.5 hour meeting)
07/14/25: 10:00 a.m., Objective; Fire Department Interviews 10:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m, and 1:30
p.m. 1.5 hours
07/22/25: 10:00 a.m., Objective, Grant Chapel Road
07/24/25: 1:30 .m., Objective Wm. Street Update, Waiting for UGI to replace gas lines
07/29/25: 11:30 a.m., Objective, Parnell Street Storrnwater update
07/31/25: 10:00 a.m., Objective, New Truck, DCED Reimbursement for new truck
08/12/25: 11:30 a.m., Objective; Repave, Stormwater Issues
09/04/25: 9:00 a.m., Objective; Update oil Bee Problem Oriole Park
09/17/25: 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 .m.; Objective, nett new police candidates & health insurance
37. Slezak realized a private pecuniary benefit of at least $1,591.48 for attending
special/executive session meetings of the Board while simultaneously being compensated
as Roadmaster.
38. The following chart details all known meeting dates which Slezak did not utilize any
recorded leave to attend.
Slezak's Roadmaster
Meeting
Total
Slezak's documented
pay for attending
Meeting
Meeting
End
Estimated
Roadmaster working
special/executive
Date
Start Time
Time
Hours
hours
session meeting
01/14/21
Unknown
Unknown
1.0
7:55-3:54
$31.46
Slezak, 24-0091-C
Page 12
04/27/22
10:00 a.m.
Unknown
1.0
8:00-4:00
$32.56
05/23/22
10:00 a.m.
Unknown
1.0
8:00-10:00
$32.56
12/06/23
10:00 a.m.
Unknown
1.0
8:00-4:00
$33.70
05/01/24
Unknown
Unknown
1.0
8:00-4:00
$34.88
05/16/24
Unknown
Unknown
1.0
8:00-4:00
$34.88
06/28/24
Unknown
Unknown
1.0
8:00-4:00
$34.88
07/02/24
Unknown
Unknown
1.0
8:00-4:00
$34.88
07/11/24
Unknown
Unknown
1.0
8:00-4:00
$34.88
07/23/24
Unknown
Unknown
1.0
8:00-4:00
$34.88
08/21/24
Unknown
Unknown
1.0
8:00-4:00
$34.88
08/27/24
Unknown
Unknown
1.0
8:00-4:00
$34,88
09/28/24
1:00 p.m.
Unknown
1.0
8:00-4:00
$34.88
09/06/24
11:00 a.m.
Unknown
1.0
8:00-4:00
$34.88
09/24/24
1:00 p.m.
Unknown
1.0
8:00-4:00
$34.88
10/02/24
1:00 P.M.
Unknown
1.0
8:00-4:00
$34.88
10/04/24
11:00 a.m.
Unknown
1.0
8:00-4:00
$34.88
10/04/24
12:00 p.m.
Unknown
1.0
8:00-4:00
$34.88
10/23/24
10:00 a,m.
Unknown
1.0
8:00-4:00
$34.88
11/12/24
Unknown
Unknown
1.0
8:00-4:00
$34.88
12/04/24
10:00 a.m.
Unknown
1.0
8:00-4:00
$34.88
12/04/24
11:30 a.m.
Unknown
1.0
8:00-4:00
$34.88
01/02/25
10:30 a.m.
Unknown
1.0
8:00-4:00
$37.88
03/05/25
10:00 a.m.
Unknown
1.0
8:00-4:00
$37.88
03/05/25
11:00 a.m.
Unknown
1.0
8:00-4:00
$37.88
03/14/25
1:00 p.m.
Unknown
1.0
8:00-4:00
$37.88
04/01/25
11:00 a.m.
Unknown
1.0
8:00-4:00
$37.88
04/02/25
2:00 p,m.
Unknown
1.0
8:00-4:00
$37.88
04/15/25
10:00 a.m.
Unknown
1.0
8:00-4:00
$37.88
04/24/25
11:00 a.m.
Unknown
1.0
8:00-4:00
$37.88
05/19/25
10:00 a.m.
Unknown
1.0
8:00-4:00
$37.88
05/21/25
10:00 a.m.
Unknown
1.0
8:00-4:00
$37.88
05/21/25
11:00 a.m.
Unknown
1.0
8:00-4:00
$37.88
06/23/25
10:00 a.m.
Unknown
1.0
8:00-4:00
$37.88
06/26/25
11:30 a.m.
Unknown
1.0
8:00-4:00
$37.88
07/14/25
10:00 asn.
12:30 m
2.5
8:00-4:00
$94.70
07/17/25
10:00 a.m.
1:30 m
1.5
8:00-4:00
$56.82
07/24/25
1:30 p.m.
Unknown
1.0
8:00-4:00
$37.88
07/29/25
11:30 a.m.
Unknown
1.0
8:00-4:00
$37.88
07/31/25
10:00 a.m.
Unknown
1.0
8:00-4:00
$37.88
Slezak, 24-0091-C
Page 13
08/12/25
11:30 a.m.
Unknown
1.0
8:00-4:00
$37.88
09/04/25
9:00 a.nn.
Unknown
I.0
8:00-4:00
$37.88
Total Roadmaster
compensation for
attending
special/executive
session meeting
$1,591.48
THE FOLLOWING FINDINGS RELATE TO ALLEGATIONS THAT SLEZAK FILED
DELINQUENT/DEFICIENT STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL INTERESTS FOR
CALENDAR YEARS 2021 AND 2022 BY FAILING TO REPORT ALL
DIRECT/INDIRECT SOURCES OF INCOME AND FAILING TO ADEQUATELY
REPORT HIS STATUS AND CURRENT POSITIONS OF PUBLIC OFFICE AND
PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT.
39. As a Supervisor, Slezak is required to file a Statement of Financial Interests ("SFI") by
May I` each year for the prior calendar year.
a. The Township's administrative staff annually provided Slezak with a blank SFI for
him to complete.
b. The SFI includes filing instructions and the State Ethics Commission's toll -free
phone number for any filing questions.
40. Township records include SFIs filed by Slezak for the 2020 through 2024 calendar years.
41. Slezak failed to report all direct/indirect sources of income on his SFIs for calendar years
2021 and 2022.
a. Slezak failed to report direct/indirect income he received in excess of $1,300 from
the Township on both filings.
1. Slezak received gross wages of $88,407.80 from the Township during 2021.
2. Slezak received gross wages of $85,748.68 from the Township during 2022.
42. Slezak failed to list his status on his SFIs for calendar years 2021 and 2022.
a. Slezak was a current public official (Supervisor) dining calendar years 2021 and
2022.
43. Slezak failed to list his public office or public employment on his SFIs for calendar years
2021 and 2022.
a. Slezak was a Member of the Board during 2021 and 2022.
Slezak, 24-0091-C
Page 14
44. Slezak used his office to obtain a total private pecuniary benefit of at least $7,979.52,
including $6,388.04 for work performed by Township employees on his private property
using Township equipment and materials and $1,591.48 in employee pay for time when he
was performing Supervisor duties.
III. DISCUSSION:
As a Supervisor for Pittson Township ("Township"), Luzern County, Pennsylvania, since
January 2, 2018, David Slezak ("Slezak") has been a public official subject to the provisions of
the Public Official and Employee Ethics Act ("Ethics Act"), 65 Pa.C.S. § 1101 et an.
The allegations in this matter are that Slezak violated Sections 1103(a), 1105(b)(1), and
1105(b)(5) of the Ethics Act:
(1) When he used the authority of his office to instruct Township employees to do work
on his private property, using Township equipment and materials;
(2) When lie used the authority of his office to submit timecards and receive pay for
hours he did not work and to receive employee pay for tune when he was
performing Supervisor duties; and
(3) When he filed delinquent/deficient Statements of Financial Interests ("SFIs") for
the years 2021 and 2022 by failing to report all direct/indirect sources of income
and failing to adequately report his status and current positions of public office and
public employment.
Pursuant to Section 1103(a) of the Ethics Act, a public official/public employee is
prohibited from engaging in conduct that constitutes a conflict of interest:
§ 1103. Restricted activities
(a) Conflict of interest. --No public official or public
employee shall engage in conduct that constitutes a conflict of
interest.
65 Pa.C.S. § 1103(a).
The following terms relevant to Section 1103(a) are defined in the Ethics Act as follows:
§ 1102. Definitions
"Conflict" or "conflict of interest." Use by a public
official or public employee of the authority of his office or
employment or any confidential information received through his
holding public office or employment for the private pecuniary
benefit of himself, a member of his immediate family or a business
with which he or a member of his immediate family is associated.
Slezak, 24-0091-C
Page 15
The term does not include an action having a de minimis economic
impact or which affects to the same degree a class consisting of the
general public or a subclass consisting of an industry, occupation or
other group which includes the public official or public employee, a
member of his immediate family or a business with which he or a
member of his immediate family is associated.
"Authority of office or employment." The actual power
provided by law, the exercise of which is necessary to the
performance of duties and responsibilities unique to a particular
65 Pa.C.S. § 1102.
Subject to the statutory exclusions to the Ethics Act's definition of the term "conflict" or
"conflict of interest," 65 Pa.C.S. § 1102, pursuant to Section 1103(a) of the Ethics Act, a public
official/public employee is prohibited from using the authority of public office/employment or
confidential information received by holding such a public position for the private pecuniary
(financial) benefit of the public official/public employee himself, any member of his immediate
family, or a business with which he or a member of his immediate family is associated.
Section 1 I05(b) of the Ethics Act and its subsections detail the financial disclosure that a
person required to file the SFI form must provide.
Section 1105(b)(1) of the Ethics Act requires the filer to disclose on the SFI his name,
address, and public position.
Subject to certain statutory exceptions, Section 1105(b)(5) of the Ethics Act requires the
filer to disclose on the SM the name and address of any direct or indirect source of income totaling
in the aggregate $1,300 or more.
As noted above, the parties submitted a Stipulation of Findings with their Consent
Agreement. The Findings of this Commission set forth above are derived from the parties'
Stipulation of Findings. We shall now summarize the relevant facts in this matter.
Slezak began serving as a Township Supervisor ("Supervisor") on January 2, 2019. The
Township Board of Supervisors ("Board") consists of three Members.
Since January 4, 2021, Slezak has annually been appointed as the Township Roadmaster
("Roadmaster"). In his capacity as the Roadmaster, Slezak oversees and supervises the day-to-
day operations of the Township Public Works Department ("Public Works Department"), which
consists of Slezak and four other full-time Township employees. The normal work hours of Public
Works Department employees are 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Daily work for Public Works Department
ernnployees is assigned by either Slezak or Road Foreman Matthew Chesniak ("Chesniak") at
Slezak's direction.
Slezak owns a property in the Township that includes his house, a garage, and acreage.
Slezak, 24-0091-C
Page 16
Slezak also owns a pickup truck and a backhoe. From 2021 through 2024, Slezak directed Public
Works Department employees to perform work at his personal residence and on his pickup truck
and backhoe during Township work hours. As detailed below, Slezak realized a total private
pecuniary benefit of at least $6,388.04 as a result of his use of Township time, employees, and
materials for his personal benefit.
Sometime during 2021, Chesniak spent approximately eight hours framing and
constructing walls in the garage at Slezak's property. In 2022, Slezak, Chesniak, and Public Works
Department employee Dan Sullivan ("Sullivan") each spent approximately sixteen hours painting
the first floor of Slezak's house. Additionally in 2022, Chesniak and Public Works Department
employee Richard Chesniak ("R. Chesniak") each spent four hours installing two ceiling fans in
Slezak's garage. Also in 2022, Slezak and Chesniak each spent approximately thirty hours
removing old carpet, preparing the subfloor, and installing tile at Slezak's house. In 2023,
Chesniak spent approximately seven hours and Slezak spent approximately three hours painting
the garage at Slezak's property. Between 2022 and 2024, Chesniak pumped out the septic tank at
Slezak's property approximately once every two months.
Based upon the hourly pay rates for Slezak and the other Public Works Department
employees during the years that the work was performed at Slezak's property, the value of the
Township time spent in the performance of the work was approximately: (1) $183.52 for the
framing and construction of walls in the garage; (2) $1,256.96 for the house painting; (3) $184.00
for the ceiling fan installation; (4) $1,756.80 for the carpet removal and tile installation; (5)
$289.40 for the garage painting; and (6) $520.00 for the pumping out of the septic tank. Slezak
supplied all of the materials and equipment used to complete the work.
In addition to directing Public Works Department employees to do work at his property,
Slezak directed Public Works Department employees to repair his pickup truck and backhoe at the
Township Public Works garage during Township work hours. From June 14, 2023, through June
30, 2023, Chesniak, R. Chesniak, and Sullivan each spent fifteen hours sanding, prepping, and
painting a door for Slezak's pickup truck. At Slezak's direction, the materials needed for the door
work were purchased through the Township's account at a hardware store. During 2024, Chesniak,
Public Works Department employee Tom Urbanski, and Slezak spent a total of seven hours
repairing Slezak's backhoe. A Township -owned welder and two cutting blades from Township
stock were used to complete the repairs.
The parties have stipulated that the value of the Township time spent in the performance
of the repair work on Slezak's pickup truck was approximately $1,024.65 and that the materials
used for those repairs would have cost Slezak $342,73. The parties have fiirther stipulated that the
value of the repair work performed on Slezak's backhoe totaled approximately $829.98.
From January 14, 2021, to June 9, 2024, Slezak regularly attended special meetings and
executive sessions held by the Board each month to discuss matters that came up between the
Board's regularly scheduled monthly meetings. The meetings typically lasted one to two hours
and were held during normal Township work hours. Slezak did not clock out from his position as
Roadmaster to attend the meetings, and he received at least $1,591.48 in Roadmaster compensation
for time spent attending the meetings.
Slezak, 24-0091-C
Page 17
As a Supervisor, Slezak is annually required to file an SFI by May I containing information
for the prior calendar year. Slezak filed deficient SFIs for calendar years 2021 and 2022 when he
failed to; (1) list his status as a current public official; (2) list his public office as a Member of the
Board; and (3) disclose the Township as a direct/indirect source of income in excess of $1,300.
Having highlighted the Stipulated Findings and issues before us, we shall now apply the
Ethics Act to determine the proper disposition of this case.
The parties' Consent Agreement sets forth a proposed resolution of the allegations as
follows:
3. The Investigative Division will recommend the following in relation to the
above allegations:
a. That a violation of Section 1103(a) of the Public Official and
Employee Ethics Act, 65 Pa.C.S. § 1103(a), occurred when
Slezak used the authority of his office to direct Township
employees to perform work on his private property, while
being compensated by the Township and using Township
equipment and materials and when he received
compensation from the Township for performing
Roadmaster duties [when he instead was attending to
Supervisor duties]; and
b. That a violation of Section 1105(b) of the Public Official and
Employee Ethics Act, 65 Pa.C.S. § 1105(b), occurred when
Slezak failed to accurately file Statements of Financial
Interests for calendar years 2021 and 2022 by failing to
report all direct/indirect sources of income and failing to
adequately report his status and current positions of public
office and public employment.
4. Slezak agrees to make payment in the amount of $6,888.04 in settlement of
this matter payable to Pittston Township, and forwarded to the Pennsylvania
State Ethics Commission, within thirty (3 0) days of the issuance of the final
adjudication in this matter.
5. Slezak agrees to file complete and accurate amended Statements of
Financial Interests with Pittston Township, through the Pennsylvania State
Ethics Commission, for calendar years 2021 and 2022 within thirty (30)
days of the issuance of the final adjudication in this matter.
6. Slezak agrees to not accept any reimbursement, compensation or other
payment from Pittston Township representing a full or partial
reimbursement of the amount paid in settlement of this matter.
Slezak, 24-009 1 -C
Page 18
7. The Investigative Division will recommend that the State Ethics
Commission take no further action in this matter and make no specific
recommendations to any law enforcement or other authority to take action
in this matter. Such, however, does not prohibit the Commission from
initiating appropriate enforcement actions in the event of Slezak's failure to
comply with this agreement or the Commission's order or cooperating with
any other authority who may so choose to review this matter further.
a. Slezak has been advised that as a matter of course, all orders
from the Commission are provided to the Attorney General,
albeit without any specific recommendations pursuant to
Paragraph 7 above.
b. Slezak has been advised that all orders become public
records and may be acted upon by law enforcement as they
deem appropriate.
The non -referral language contained in this paragraph is
considered an essential part of the negotiated Consent
Agreement.
Consent Agreement, at 1-2.
In considering the Consent Agreement, we accept the parties' recommendation for a
finding that a violation of Section 1103(a) of the Ethics Act occurred in this matter. Slezak's
various uses of the authority of his position as a Supervisor for the private pecuniary benefit of
himself are detailed in the Stipulated Findings and the above summary of facts. But for being a
Supervisor, Slezak would not have been able to use Township employees, equipment, and
materials to: (1) frame and construct walls in the garage at his property; (2) paint the first floor of
his house; (3) install two ceiling fans in his house; (4) remove carpet and install tile at his house;
(5) paint the garage at his property; (6) pump the septic tank at his property; (7) repair a door of
his pickup truck; and (8) repair his backhoe. Slezak further would not have been able to claim his
Roadmaster compensation for hours that he spent attending meetings in his capacity as a
Supervisor. The parties have stipulated that Slezak realized a private pecuniary benefit totaling at
least $7,979.52 as a result of his various uses of the authority of his position as a Supervisor.
With each element of a conflict of interest established, we hold that a violation of Section
1103(a) of the Ethics Act, 65 Pa.C.S. § 1103(a), occurred when Slezak used the authority of his
office to direct Township employees to perform work on his private property while being
compensated by the Township and using Township equipment and materials and when he received
compensation from the Township for performing Roadmaster duties when he instead was
attending to Supervisor duties.
We agree with the parties, and we hold, that a violation of Section 1105(b) of the Ethics
Act, 65 Pa.C.S. § 1105(b), occurred when Slezak failed to accurately file SFIs for calendar years
2021 and 2022 by failing to report all direct/indirect sources of income and failing to adequately
report his status and current positions of public office and public employment.
SIezak, 24-0091-C
Page 19
As part of the Consent Agreement, Slezak has agreed to make payment in the amount of
$6,888.04 payable to Pittston Township and forwarded to this Commission within thirty (30) days
of the issuance of the final adjudication in this matter. Slezak has further agreed to not accept any
reimbursement, compensation or other payment from the Township representing a full or partial
reimbursement of the amount paid in settlement of this matter. SIezak has additionally agreed to
file complete and accurate amended SFIs for calendar years 2021 and 2022 with the Township,
through this Commission, within thirty (30) days of the issuance of the final adjudication in this
matter.
We determine that the Consent Agreement submitted by the parties sets forth a proper
disposition of this case, based upon our review as reflected in the above analysis and the totality
of the facts and circumstances.
IV. CONCLUSIONS OF LAW:
As a Supervisor for Pittson Township ("Township"), LUzerne County, Pennsylvania, since
January 2, 2018, David Slezak ("Slezak") has been a public official subject to the
provisions of the Public Official and Employee Ethics Act ("Ethics Act"), 65 Pa.C.S. §
1101 et sec .
2. A violation of Section 1103(a) of the Ethics Act, 65 Pa.C.S. § 1103(a), occurred when
Slezak used the authority of his office to direct Township employees to perform work on
his private property while being compensated by the Township and using Township
equipment and materials and when he received compensation from the Township for
performing Roadmaster duties when he instead was attending to Supervisor duties.
3. A violation of Section 1105(b) of the Ethics Act, 65 Pa.C.S. § 1105(b), occurred when
Slezak failed to accurately file Statements of Financial Interests for calendar years 2021
and 2022 by failing to report all direct/indirect sources of income and failing to adequately
report his status and current positions of public office and public employment.
In Re: David Slezak, File Docket: 24-0091-C
Respondent Date Decided: 4/16/26
Date Mailed: 4/23/26
ORDER NO. 1853
A violation of Section 1103(a) of the Public Official and Employee Ethics Act ("Ethics
Act"), 65 Pa.C.S. § 1103(a), occurred when David Slezak ("Slezak"), as a Supervisor for
Pittston Township ("Township"), Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, used the authority of his
office to direct Township employees to perform work on his private property while being
compensated by the Township and using Township equipment and materials and when he
received compensation from the Township for performing Roadmaster duties when he
instead was attending to Supervisor duties.
2. A violation of Section 1105(b) of the Ethics Act, 65 Pa.C.S. § 1105(b), occurred when
Slezak failed to accurately file Statements of Financial Interests for calendar years 2021
and 2022 by failing to report all direct/indirect sources of income and failing to adequately
report his status and current positions of public office and public employment.
3. Per the Consent Agreement of the parties, Slezak is directed to make payment in the amount
of $6,888.04 payable to Pittston Township and forwarded to the Pennsylvania State Ethics
Commission by no later than the thirtieth (30111) day after the mailing date of this Order.
4. Slezak is directed to not accept any reimbursement, compensation or other payment from
the Township representing a frill or partial reimbursement of the amount paid in settlement
of this matter.
5. To the extent he has not already done so, Slezak is directed to file complete and accurate
amended Statements of Financial Interests for calendar years 2021 and 2022 with the
Township, through the Pennsylvania State Ethics Commission, by no later than the thirtieth
(30'h) day after the mailing date of this Order.
6. Compliance with paragraphs 3, 4, and 5 of this Order will result in the closing of this case
with no further action by this Commission.
a. Non-compliance will result in the institution of an order enforcement action.
BY THE COMMISSION,
Michael A. Schwartz, Chair