Joe McGinn should have known better.
The Delaware County sheriff finds himself in a bit of hot water today because of a business that he used to run, which is now in the hands of his daughter.
Back before he was appointed the county’s top lawman, McGinn used to be a familiar sight around the courthouse taking pictures at various functions. His company was known as Photo Express.
Once he became sheriff, the prudent thing would have been for McGinn to separate himself from the company. He did that, although his name still appears as its president.
The problem is that the company, now run by his daughter, continued to do work for the county, including some for the sheriff’s department, headed by her dad.
As it turns out, Kellie McGinn has earned $56,000 in no-bid work for the county in the last six years.
You can check out Alex Rose’s story here.
Joe McGinn said he hasn’t derived any income from the business since he became sheriff, he just never bothered to have his name removed and officially transfer the presidency.
The county considers the work a “professional service.” It does not have to be put out for professional bidding.
Kellie McGinn has taken steps to repay $6,046, the money she has earned from the sheriff’s department since her dad took over in 2003.
That’s good.
But that’s only one of the issues involved here. State ethics laws make it pretty clear when it comes to direct family members benefitting from a relative’s elected office.
This instance may or may not go down that road.
But one thing is certain. It looks lousy. And Joe McGinn should have known better.
And it’s exactly the kind of thing people are always complaining about, especially here in Delaware County.
The McGinns action in this case will simply add fuel to the fire.
The Delaware County sheriff finds himself in a bit of hot water today because of a business that he used to run, which is now in the hands of his daughter.
Back before he was appointed the county’s top lawman, McGinn used to be a familiar sight around the courthouse taking pictures at various functions. His company was known as Photo Express.
Once he became sheriff, the prudent thing would have been for McGinn to separate himself from the company. He did that, although his name still appears as its president.
The problem is that the company, now run by his daughter, continued to do work for the county, including some for the sheriff’s department, headed by her dad.
As it turns out, Kellie McGinn has earned $56,000 in no-bid work for the county in the last six years.
You can check out Alex Rose’s story here.
Joe McGinn said he hasn’t derived any income from the business since he became sheriff, he just never bothered to have his name removed and officially transfer the presidency.
The county considers the work a “professional service.” It does not have to be put out for professional bidding.
Kellie McGinn has taken steps to repay $6,046, the money she has earned from the sheriff’s department since her dad took over in 2003.
That’s good.
But that’s only one of the issues involved here. State ethics laws make it pretty clear when it comes to direct family members benefitting from a relative’s elected office.
This instance may or may not go down that road.
But one thing is certain. It looks lousy. And Joe McGinn should have known better.
And it’s exactly the kind of thing people are always complaining about, especially here in Delaware County.
The McGinns action in this case will simply add fuel to the fire.
Comments