Deadline for financial disclosure filing nears

All Commonwealth public officials and employees who are required to file a statement of financial interest for calendar year 2001, under the Government Ethics Code Act of 1992, are reminded that the deadline for filing a verified statement of financial interests is May 1, 2002.

Anyone who fails to comply with the financial disclosure requirements is subject to penalties as set forth in 1CMC 8517 through 8522 and 1CMC 8571 through 8576, including a $10 per day penalty for periods of delinquency.

The following individuals are required to file under 1 CMC 8511 (a):

• Each elected Commonwealth official;

• Each appointed Commonwealth official and judicial officer, including department secretaries, directors, deputy directors, members of boards and commissions, task forces, both in regular capacity or in acting capacity.

• Each public employee who received additional compensation in calendar year 2001 either for professional services rendered to, or as an independent contractor for, the commonwealth government.

Filers may obtain forms either from the Office of the Public Auditor, located on the 2nd Floor of the J.E. Tenorio Building along Middle Road in Gualo Rai, or may download the form from OPA’s website at www.opacnmi.com. Also, notary services needed in verifying the form are available at the OPA free of charge.

For more information, contact the OPA at 234-6481/2, (fax) 234-7812, or e-mail address: mail@opacnmi.com. Filers may also visit the OPA’s website at www.opacnmi.com for information about filing requirements.