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accepting it... a small thank you, let's say, thanks for going the extra
<br />mile getting me those reports, or something like that. That's where
<br />thought, value. `Cause you know I went down there with a
<br />hundred gift certificate from Macy's for the girls, then that would
<br />like, whoa, no way, nobody should be doing that. So that's why
<br />thought this five dollar gift certificates would be okay. It
<br />wouldn't... you know my initial, you know, I think we both shared
<br />that initial... hey this is a pay off, this is a payoff, because they pay
<br />for use, every time you use it you get it, right? It's not just, we
<br />going give it to you no matter what out of the goodness of our heart.
<br />You use us, we give you. But then I thought, okay... you know,
<br />that... I got over that I guess, and then, when... I know why it's
<br />because... but this is the issue. I do hear what you're saying, and
<br />respect that.
<br />CHAIR: I think basically, all I'm saying is the fact, while... you're so... of
<br />course with respect, the principle involved... is a little bit different,
<br />because, a guy comes with a box of manapua this time, next time
<br />he doesn't, that's nobody takes offense at this. On the
<br />other hand, this voucher, as I'm reading the program, it follows the
<br />use of the report service, so, if you were going to use this particular
<br />service and something came up and the thing is cancelled, nothing
<br />would come. The principle still seems to be, because you use our
<br />service, we are rewarding you. And that's exactly what people will
<br />say. And while it's open to the general public, we're not the general
<br />public, , 1 think... personal opinion, I think it would not
<br />be in the best for government . Must say we did get a
<br />letter from Joel Gimpel, whose provisions... determinations is
<br />exactly how it's for mine, he feels and he says he... of course he's
<br />not here to vote, but, I'll read it: "I've reviewed the subject petition
<br />and enclosures and agree with the Corporation Counsel's
<br />conclusion that based upon the facts as stated, and given the
<br />existence and adherence to the policy of rotating courts, that
<br />office's receipt of $5 gift cards does not constitute a violation of the
<br />Code of Ethics because the present policy does not allow for any
<br />special benefit to be conferred on the donor." That's Joel opinion,
<br />and, I just have... it's personal, I just have... this word payoff keeps
<br />running in my mind. I don't believe that there would be any offering
<br />or attempt on your part or your office's part or any of your staff to
<br />take advantage of this, but at the same token, I'm looking at this
<br />and the next guy says, "If they're giving a 5 dollars, why don't we
<br />give them 10 dollars, and it becomes a competitive thing also.
<br />Because obviously, this would become public knowledge. And in
<br />your statement you made reference to somebody who offered a
<br />lower rate per page, and wanted to complete with... I think your
<br />decision to go on a rotating list is a much better one, unless you
<br />IVA
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