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165 miss financial disclosure deadline
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Posted on May 05 2008
The Office of the Public Auditor has reported that 165 government officials have not filed their financial disclosure statements for 2007.
OPA data show that 509 officials are required to file the financial statements. Of these, 334 met the May 1 deadline, and 10 more have filed as of yesterday noon.
Public Auditor Michael S. Sablan said that 165 violators of the Ethics Act requirement is too many.
He said OPA had made numerous efforts to remind the filers of the requirement. Filers are offered free notary service and help with filling out the forms. Last week, OPA sent staff to accept filings in Rota and Tinian.
Filers have until May 31 to submit their documents. Beginning June 1, late filers will be assessed a $10 fine for each day of non-compliance.
Those required to file financial disclosures include elected officials, judicial officers, appointed department and agency heads, board and commission members, and others.
Government employees who receive additional compensation for rendering services or who serve as an independent contractor for the Commonwealth government are also required to disclose their financial interests.
They are required to submit financial disclosure statements to demonstrate any possible conflict of interest in the performance of their official duties.
Unlike in many other jurisdictions, local law does not provide for financial statements to be made public. OPA can only release the documents with consent from the filer.
