Title
Article questioning whether the Maine Turnpike Authority (MTA) should be indepen
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
Recommended Citation
Tapley, Lance, "Article questioning whether the Maine Turnpike Authority (MTA) should be indepen" (2006). Maine News Index – Portland Phoenix. 2709.
https://digitalcommons.portlandlibrary.com/news_phoenix/2709
Source
Portland Phoenix