Ohio Ethics Commission Ohios Ethics Laws Its About

Ohio Ethics Commission Ohio’s Ethics Laws : It’s About More than a Box of Chocolates! Susan Willeke Education Coordinator

Ohio Ethics Law: Why? o o Prevent public officials or employees from acting on conflicts of interest Provide remedies of: n n Advice Education Financial Disclosure Investigation

Ohio Ethics Law: Who? o All public officials and employees at every level of government n n o elected office holders public employees Those who do business with public officials and employees

Ohio Ethics Commission: Roles and Responsibilities o o Six commission members o Advice o Education o Financial Disclosure o Investigation o Legislation Bipartisan commission Members appointed by governor; confirmed by Senate Six-year staggered terms

Conflict of Interest

Conflict of Interest: Public Employees o Ohio Ethics Law prohibits: n n o Use of authority or influence to secure something of value Soliciting or accepting something of value In both cases: n If it could pose a substantial and improper influence in performance of duties

Conflict of Interest: Private Parties o Ohio Ethics Law prohibits: n o Promising or giving something of value to a public employee Again… n If it could pose a substantial and improper influence in performance of the public employee’s duties

Substantial and Improper o Substantial: n Look to the value of the thing o Improper: n Look to the source of the thing

Conflicts of Interest: Such As? o o Consulting/Outside Employment Entertainment Gifts Travel, meals, lodging

Supplemental Compensation o o Public employee: cannot be compensated from anyone other than my employer for doing job duties Private sector parties: cannot compensate public employee for doing job duties

Public Contracts

Public Contract Restrictions o Ohio Ethics Law prohibits: n n n Use of authority to secure public contract for self, family members or business associates Having an interest in profits/benefits of public contract with “connected” agency Profiting from self-approved contract

Public Contract Exceptions: o o Necessary supplies / services Supplies unobtainable elsewhere or “continuous course of dealing” Preferential or same treatment as other customers Arm’s length transaction

“All I did was get my brother a job in my office!” o Employment is a public contract! o Nepotism is illegal! o Public employees cannot enter into public contracts with family members!

Post Employment

Post Employment: General Revolving Door o o o Representation prohibition Any matter Personal participation During public service One year after No compensation required

Confidentiality o o o Disclosure and use of confidential information: n LIFETIME PROHIBITION! During and after leaving office No compensation required

General Rule Personal financial interests? My family member’s financial interests? My business associate’s financial interests? ETHICS ISSUE!

Call us before you act! The Ohio Ethics Commission 8 East Long Street 10 th Floor Columbus, Ohio 43215 Phone: (614) 466 -7090 Fax: (614) 466 -8368 Website: www. ethics. ohio. gov