Local lawmakers accept few reportable gifts in 2016
Local lawmakers have filed their respective statement of financial interests with the state Ethics Commission with most indicating they have not received any reportable gifts in 2016.
The state law requires officials to disclose the value of gifts over $250, except from family members or friends, and report any transportation, lodging or hospitality valued at more than $650.
While there has been some discussion as to whether an all-inclusive gift ban, such as Gov. Tom Wolf imposed on executive branch employees when he was elected, be imposed, most lawmakers said a common sense approach is warranted.
“The all-out ban (imposed by Wolf) is a zero-tolerance policy,” said state Sen. Pat Stefano, R-Bullskin Township. “If we implemented something similar, then I would not be able to accept a ball hat or T-shirt from the high school.”
The small items have very little monetary value, but are significant to the giver as they represent something greater than money, Stefano added.
“It is an honorable token of their appreciation,” he said.
Stefano said he is opposed to gifts given to sway votes or form policy.
State Rep. Ryan Warner, R-Perryopolis, said “common sense” by all lawmakers and public officials should be used when accepting an item with value.
“A bottle of water is not a gift,” he said, adding that Wolf’s policy would not allow a staff member to accept a cold drink of any kind. “I think we need to have some common sense about this.”
In addition to reporting gifts, public officials must also declare their income sources, financial interests and creditors.
According to the ethics commission, candidates seeking elected state, county and local public office, including first-time candidates, incumbents seeking re-election and write-in candidates that accept nominations must file the financial certification by May 1 each year.
Warner reported that he received no reportable gifts or transportation, lodging or housing benefit over the allowable limits.
In addition to his salary as a member of the state House of Representatives, Warner reported an income through a rental property located in Perryopolis. The form did not require the disclosure of the income amount.
Warner also listed four creditors, including Ally Financial, Citi, Mohela and American Education Services. The financial disclosure form did not require documentation of the amounts owed to each creditor.
Warner reported that he held no position or financial interest in any business during 2016 or transferred any business interest to an immediate family member during the same period of time.
State Rep. Matt Dowling, R-Uniontown, also reported that he received no reportable gifts or transportation, lodging or housing benefit, according to his filed financial disclosure statement.
Dowling documented that in addition to his House salary, he was also the recipient of income from the Westmoreland Fayette Council, State Street Retiree Services for BSA and Fayette County Community Action Agency.
Dowling explained that during 2016 he was employed by the Westmoreland Fayette Council, but formally left the Scouting organization in February, receiving a lump sum for his accrued retirement from the Boy Scouts retiree services. He had taken a leave of absence from the organization while seeking office. Dowling served as its development director.
An unspecified amount was received from Community Action after a tenant living in an apartment at his Charles Street residence fell into “financial distress.”
“Community Action stepped in to help her,” he said, adding that as the landlord, he received the one-time payment.
The apartment is no longer occupied, Dowling added.
The report lists David and Darla Dowling as his only creditor, according to the financial report.
Dowling lists his sole ownership of Coordinated 360, a video and events firm, operated at his residence. He is not associated with any other business entity.
Similar to her fellow state representatives, Snyder did not receive any reportable gifts in 2016. However, the financial disclosure form revealed that lodging at the Radisson Hotel in Camp Hill was made available to her at a value of $1,334.
Snyder said the reported amount is the difference between the published government rate and a long-term negotiated rate.
Snyder explained that she books her stays at the hotel at six-month increments, allowing for a more discounted rate.
The $1,334 amount is the difference between the rates for 2016, which she is required to include on the financial disclosure form, said Snyder.
In addition to her income as an elected official, Snyder reported income from Jack’s Electric, located in Jefferson, Greene County, and EQT of Pittsburgh.
The business is operated by her spouse, but owned equally by the couple, said Snyder.
EQT leases a portion of the Snyder farm.
“(The lease) has been in place on the third-generation family farm long before I was ever a representative,” said Snyder.
The report filed by Stefano reveals he did not receive any reportable gifts or transportation, lodging or hospitality benefit in 2016.
In addition to his state salary, Stefano also derives income from his business, Stefano’s Printing Inc., located in Dunbar. The financial disclosure does not reveal the received income from the business.
According to the filed report, Stefano has four creditors, including Home Savings, Elan, Discover and Synchrony Bank. The report only lists the names, addresses and interest rate of the creditors.
Visit http://www.ethicsrulings.state.pa.us/weblink/CustomSearch.aspx to view the full financial disclosure information filed by the legislators.