Meetings
 
Agenda Item
Docket No. 12-1420
 
Print
RE:
Advisory opinion request from Mr. Robert A. Moore, Arcadia Town Attorney, regarding whether he may attend certain public meetings, and would his participation in those meetings require him to register as a political committee or a lobbyist.
Facts:
The Town of Arcadia has decided to hold informational meetings and distribute information concerning a 1% sales tax implemented by Bienville Parish. The Sales Tax was implemented over 20 years ago. it raises funds for the collection and disposal of solid waste, and the remainder to be used on roads, streets and bridges in the parish. The tax has a surplus of over $12,000,000. The town of Arcadia accounts for 20% of the Parish population. Mr. Moore in his request has stated that they are not going to support or oppose the tax renewal and they will not receive any contributions nor make any expenditures of funds in relation to the tax renewal. The meetings will provide information which is already public record.

Law:
La. R.S. 42:1102 (22)(c) states "Things of economic value shall not include salary..."



La. R.S. 18:1483(14) defines a Political Committee to mean two or more persons, other that a husband and wife and any corporation organized for the primary purpose of supporting or opposing one or more candidates, propositions, recalls of a public officer, or political parties, which accepts contributions in the name of the committee, or makes expenditures from committee funds or in the name of the committee, or makes a transfer of funds to or receives a transfer of funds from another committee, or receives or makes loans in an aggregate amount in excess of five hundred dollars within any calender year.



La. R.S. 33:9662 (7) defines "lobbyist" to mean any person who acts in a representative capacity and makes an expenditure in excess of five hundred dollars in the aggregate within a calendar year.



Recommendations:
Adopt the proposed advisory opinion.

Assigned Attorney: Suzanne Mooney
 
 
ATTACHMENTS:
Description:
2012-1420- Advisory Opinion Request
2012-1420 draft opinion