Title

Article questioning whether the Maine Turnpike Authority (MTA) should be indepen

Authors

Lance Tapley

Source

Portland Phoenix

Date

8-4-2006

Pages

12-13

Abstract

Article questioning whether the Maine Turnpike Authority (MTA) should be independent of state standards when it comes to financial ethics. As an independent agency, MTA does not have to abide by state ethics rules, and MTA spokesman Dan Paradee says it doesn't have its own code of financial ethics. MTA routinely holds management dinners with consultants and contractors, where MTA reimburses the consultant for the food. At a recent dinner on June 20, MTA's five top executives and four of their consultants had a dinner totaling $1,342, or $149 per person. This dinner was an exception, as consultant Vincent Leonetti picked up the tab. Edward Karass, state controller, said ethics regulations absolutely prohibit state officials from participating in dinners like these. But he emphasizes that the turnpike authority does not come under his jurisdiction. Gov. John Baldacci said he would support legislation to apply the same financial ethical standards to independent authorities that apply to state government.

Subjects

Maine Turnpike Authority

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