Meetings
 
Agenda Item
Docket No. 19-207
 
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RE:
Advisory Opinion request of Donna Rutledge, Catahoula Parish Registrar of Voters, regarding her son qualifying as a candidate for Catahoula Parish Police Jury.
Facts:
Donna Rutledge was appointed as the Catahoula Parish Registrar of Voters in 2012. Her appointment is for life and the Catahoula Parish Police Jury is not required to re-appoint her to the position.

Ms. Rutledge's son, Eli Rutledge, is considering qualifying as a candidate for Catahoula Parish Police Jury, Ward 1, in the upcoming election. Ms. Rutledge provided that in the event her son does qualify, she will remove herself from the counting of the ballots pertaining to her son's election.

Law:
La. R.S. 42:1112B(1) states that no public servant shall participate in a transaction involving the governmental entity in which, to his actual knowledge, any member of his immediate family has a substantial economic interest.

La. R.S.42:1120 provides that if an elected official, in the discharge of a duty or responsibility of his office or position, would be required to vote on a matter which would be a violation of R.S. 42:1112, he shall recuse himself from voting. An elected official who recuses himself from voting pursuant to this Section shall not be prohibited from participating in discussion and debate concerning the matter, provided that he makes the disclosure of his conflict or potential conflict a part of the record of his agency prior to his participation in the discussion and debate and prior to the vote that is the subject of discussion or debate.

Recommendations:
Adopt the proposed advisory opinion.
Assigned Attorney: David Bordelon
 
 
ATTACHMENTS:
Description:
2019-207 - Advisory Opinion Draft
2019-207 Request for Opinion