| Advisory opinion regarding whether a newly elected member of the St. Tammany Parish Council, Maureen O'Brien may use her campaign funds to pay for several organizations in which she is a member and the broadcast of her radio show. |
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Ms. O'Brien states that she has been told that campaign funds can be used for membership dues to various organizations in which she is meeting constituents and people in the community. She states that each of the organizations enable her to be in constant contact with individuals in the community representing different areas of need and concern. She has questions regarding the following organizations in which she is or intends to become a member:
o Professional Republican Women of St. Tammany - was a member prior to election o Associate membership in Mandeville Republican Women & St.Tammany Republican Men's organizations -new membership.
o Chamber of Commerce past member as an employee of another company in which she is no longer employed.
o Rotary - new membership.o Kiwanis- new membership.
o League of Women Voters -new membership.
o Women of infinite Possibilities - new membership.
o Home Builders Association- new membership.
Additionally she asks is it possible to attend various non -profit fundraisers using campaign funds in an effort to network with members of the community and support these vital organizations at the same time?
Ms. O'Brien also states that she currently does a radio show in St. Tammany Parish and wants to know whether her campaign funds may be used to pay 50% of the production cost since 75% of the show's content involves issues related to the parish council. Some of the issues discussed on the show are: 1) what is happening in the legislature, 2) an understanding of the various jobs in various government departments. The first half of the one hour show begins with government and politics. In the second portion of the show, someone from the Economic Development Foundation and the Workforce Investment Board is interviewed. Periodically people from the East & West St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce are interviewed. Often non - profits are on to promote their organizations and various fund raising events. There is a comedy segment called "Ones to Watch" featuring local talented individuals and "Ask Shannon" which gives life and relationship advice.
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R.S. 18:1505.2I provides that campaign funds may not be used for any personal use unrelated to the candidate's campaign or his holding of public office. This Subsection also provides that excess funds may be used for a future campaign; returned to contributors on a pro-rata basis; given as charitable contributions as provided in 26 USC 170(c) or contributions to 501(c)(3) organizations; or in support of or opposition to a proposition, political party, or candidate.
In Ethics Docket No. 91-050 the Board stated that the use of Campaign Funds to pay membership into organizations which enhance professional standing of an elected official or allow the official to remain connected with their constituency was an appropriate use of campaign funds.
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Adopt the proposed advisory opinion.
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| Assigned Attorney: |
Aneatra Boykin |
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