Epstein says $3000 books were within rules
Posted Mar 4, 2010 01:53:54 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Halifax Chebucto NDP MLA Howard Epstein says he plans to offer an explanation, not a refund.
“These book expenditures were pre-approved by the speaker’s office,” says Epstein. “Although they were identified by the auditor general as being out of the norm, they clearly don’t violate the rules.”
Epstein’s purchase of about $3,000 worth of books was pointed out in the auditor general’s recent report on MLA’s expenses.
The long time MLA will be getting a letter from the Internal Economy Board asking for the money back by April 3 or an explanation on why he shouldn’t have to pay. Epstein says he doesn’t think he’s in the wrong.
“I specifically asked in advance whether they would be covered by the allowable expenses and was told by the speaker’s office that they would be,” says Epstein.
He claims the books have helped him develop as a politician. He says if it was up to him he’d make book buying and reading mandatory for all MLAs.
