An administration official was invited to speak at an event about job development. As a thank you the event sponsor wanted the administration official to select a charity to receive a $1000 donation on the employee’s behalf. Can the official accept?
No. City officials may not accept honoraria. Even though a charity rather than the official would receive the money, the official’s selection of the receiving charity amounts to exercise of control that would likely violate the prohibition on honoraria. Therefore, the City official should politely decline and may use the following note to do so.
If the official has any questions concerning the situation, s/he should contact the City’s Board of Ethics or Chief Integrity Officer.
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