Advisory Opinion No. 96-98

Re: William J. Masse

QUESTION PRESENTED

A member of the Board of Canvassers, an appointed municipal official, in the City of Pawtucket requests an advisory opinion as to whether, consistent with the requirements of the Code of Ethics, he may simultaneously be employed by the Town of Cumberland.

RESPONSE

The Rhode Island Code of Ethics does not prohibit a member of the Board of Canvassers in the City of Pawtucket from simultaneously being employed by the Town of Cumberland. Mr. Masse's employment with the Town of Cumberland would not involve him in any issues or matters involving the City of Pawtucket's Board of Canvassers, nor would he interact with any Board of Canvassers officials regarding any issues or matters within that municipality. Similarly, as a member of the Board of Canvassers Mr. Masse would not be involved with any issues or matters relating to the Town of Cumberland. Based on these factors, there is no indication that simultaneous employment with the Town of Cumberland and service on the City of Pawtucket's Board of Canvassers will impair Mr. Masse's independence of judgement with respect to service and/or employment on the other, nor is there any indication that the simultaneous service in and of itself creates a substantial conflict with respect to carrying out his duties in the public interest. See R.I. Gen. Laws § 36-14-5(a), (b) and (d).

Code Citations:

36-14-5(a)

36-14-5(b)

36-14-5(d)

Keywords:

dual public roles