Pennsylvania's highest court will determine whether the head of a township roadwork crew in the Poconos must pay $30,000 over approving timecards for his son, in a case that could alter the state's anti-nepotism rules.
The state Supreme Court said Tuesday it will review the case of John Sivick, who was ordered to pay the money over the financial benefit from his actions that went to his son.
The justices will consider whether restitution is allowed and whether the timecard approval was an impermissible conflict of interest under Pennsylvania's Ethics Act.
The executive director of the State Ethics Commission, which levied the fine against the former township supervisor and public works director in Pike County, says the commission has long viewed the type of action Sivick took as a violation.
