Robin Beebe to STRS board: "if a cup of coffee, a box of popcorn, or a plate of cookies would not be prohibited under the Ohio Ethics Law, surely a simple piece of celebration cake should be acceptable?????"

Robin Beebe's speech to STRS board

October 17, 2024

My name is Robin Beebe. Retired teacher of mainly 4th Graders and Kindergarteners. 35 years. Fremont City Schools and Perrysburg Schools. Retired for 15 years. Please start your 3 minute timer now.

After receiving a scolding lecture on gifting at the last September STRS Board Meeting, I thought to myself, "Hmmmmm....... I need to check this out further...."

And this is what I found...."The State of Ohio Ethics Commission - Gifts".

As a former Kindergarten teacher, let me explain to you what I discovered as I would to my kinders, straight forward, plain and simple.....I will share the pertinent sections.

"The Ethics Law prohibits a public official from soliciting or accepting 'anything of value' , if the thing of value could have a substantial and improper influence on him in the performance of public duties.

'Anything of value' is defined in state law to essentially include anything with any monetary value. So, before a public servant accepts a gift or thing of value, both the source and the value must be considered.

Examples of substantial gifts include outside consulting jobs or private employment, payment of debts, loans, travel to exotic locations, lavish meals, entertainment activities, such as golf outings or season tickets for a professional sports team, or significant discounts on major consumer items.

In Advisory Opinion 2001-03, the Commission offered examples of substantial things of value which cannot be accepted, but also gave examples of items that are considered nominal under the law.

Items that are considered nominal -  and therefore not prohibited - could include a cup of coffee, a box of popcorn, an inexpensive picture frame, or a plate of cookies.

Accepting gifts of this type would not be prohibited under the law. Be aware, though, that the Commission has cautioned that nominal items or expenses could have a substantial cumulative value if extended over time."

I hope this helps clarify some things.

In conclusion, plain and simple, if a cup of coffee, a box of popcorn, or a plate of cookies would not be prohibited under the Ohio Ethics Law, surely a simple piece of celebration cake should be acceptable?????

And so, as the old saying goes....."Let them eat (chocolate) cake!" Seriously!!!!! Gheesh!!!