Advisory Opinion No. 96-29

Re: Kathleen A. Raposa

Question Presented

The Finance Director for the Town of Warren requests an advisory opinion as to whether and to what extent the Code of Ethics imposes restrictions on her official actions if she accepts an invitation to serve as a member of the Supervisory Committee at the Columbus Credit Union in Warren.

Response

The Code of Ethics prohibits public officials and employees from taking any official activities that are likely to have a direct financial or monetary impact on themselves, a family member or a business associate. In addition, the Code prohibits public officials and employees from accepting other employment that might impair their independence of judgment as to their official duties or employment. (See R.I. Gen. Laws § 36-14-5(b)) Here, the mere participation by the Finance Director for the Town of Warren on a credit union's Supervisory Committee does not in and of itself implicate provisions of the Code of Ethics, especially in light of the fact that the Town of Warren does not have any accounts at the credit union in question and that the petitioner has represented that, while serving as a member of the Supervisory Committee, she will not open any town accounts or otherwise deposit any town money with the credit union.

Code Citations:

36-14-5(b)

36-14-5(d)

Related Advisory Opinions:

96-6

Keywords:

private employment