Advisory Opinion No. 96-8

Re: Anthony Catuogno

QUESTION PRESENTED

A member of the Narragansett School Committee requests an advisory opinion as to whether he may serve simultaneously as a member of the Narragansett Charter Review Committee.

RESPONSE

The Rhode Island Code of Ethics does not prohibit a member of the Narragansett School Committee from also serving as a member of the Narragansett Charter Review Committee. There is no indication that simultaneous service on the separate committees will impair the member's independence of judgement with respect to his service on either of the committees, nor is there any indication that simultaneous service on the two committees will in and of itself create for the member a substantial conflict with respect to carrying out his duties in the public interest.

You are further advised, however, that in the event a particular issue or matter comes before either the School Committee or the Charter Review Committee which may directly impact your service or responsibilities on the other committee you should either exercise the notice and recusal provisions of R.I. Gen. Laws § 36-14-6 and/or seek further guidance from the Commission.

 

Keywords

Dual Public Roles