Commonwealth Court issued a decision Friday saying two Rendell cabinet secretaries did not violate the state's Public Official and Employee Ethics Acts when their agency's gave grants to non-profit groups employing their spouses.

In response to the decision, Gov. Rendell issued the following statement:

"Last year, when some questioned the integrity of DCNR Secretary DiBerardinis and former DEP Secretary McGinty, we consistently said thatthey had conducted themselves with the highest measure of honesty and impartiality. Today's decision affirms our position that our secretarieshave been upholding the public's interest and their trust when making decisions.

"Mike and Katie have always been cognizant of their roles and responsibilities as public servants. They and their spouses are leaders intheir respective fields and Pennsylvania's environment and communities are stronger today because of their leadership and service.

"When the Ethics Commission issued its advisory opinions in April, I appreciated the prompt attention they gave the matter, but in expeditingtheir review, I thought they had misinterpreted the Ethics Act. As a result, I sought guidance from the courts on this important legalinterpretation. I did this to restore the ability of our officials and employees to conduct their work for the people of Pennsylvania and to erase any doubt over the esteemed caliber and impeccable reputation of Mike and Katie.

"We will continue to review this decision to ensure that our actions and grant decisions are in line with it moving forward."

NewsClip:Court Backs Rendell In Cabinet Secretaries Ethics Dispute

10/3/2008