| Advisory opinion regarding whether David Conner, a member of the Calcasieu Parish Planning and Zoning Board, may participate in a matter before the Board involving a company that received assistance from the Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance and with whom he is employed. |
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David Conner is a member of the Calcasieu Parish Planning and Zoning Board. Mr. Conner is also employed by the Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance, a nonprofit organized by local business to promote economic development in Southwest Louisiana.
Companies from outside Southwest Louisiana region seek information about properties in the region that might be available and suitable for their industrial, commercial or residential development. The Alliance provides information about a property or properties in Calcasieu Parish they believe suitable for projects based on information provided to them by the inquiring company. The Alliance, nor Mr. Conner, has any interest in the properties or the company who may seek to enter into a land purchase or lease. Mr. Conner receives no financial gain from this work other than his salary with the Alliance.
One of the companies that has been assisted by the Alliance has a matter pending before the Calcasieu Parish Planning and Zoning Board. The company has applied for a zoning exception to build a residential structure in a heavy industrial area which is generally not permitted under Calcasieu Parish zoning laws.
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La. R.S. 42:1112A prohibits a public servant from participating in a transaction involving his governmental entity in which he has a substantial economic interest.
La. R.S. 42:1112B(3) states that no public servant shall participate in a transaction involving the governmental entity in which, to his actual knowledge, any person of which he is an officer, director, trustee, partner, or employee has a substantial economic interest.
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Adopt the proposed advisory opinion.
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| Assigned Attorney: |
Tracy Barker |
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