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STATE OF LOUISIANA <br /> oV- Lop DEPARTMENT OF STATE CIVIL SERVICE <br /> 0" LOUISIANA BOARD OF ETHICS <br /> P.O.BOX 4368 <br /> BATON ROUGE,LA 70821 <br /> `ONFiDEN�� (225)219-5600 <br /> '•••.o.•••' FAX:(225)381-7271 <br /> 1-800-842-6630 <br /> www.ethics.Ia.gov <br /> July 10, 2023 <br /> Sandy Teal <br /> Council Clerk <br /> Livingston Parish Council <br /> P.O. Box 335 <br /> Livingston, Louisiana 70754 <br /> Re: Docket No.2023-338 <br /> Advisory Opinion <br /> Dear Ms.Teal, <br /> The Louisiana Board of Ethics, at its meeting on July 7, 2023, considered your request for an <br /> advisory opinion as to whether the Code of Governmental Ethics ("Code") permits a former <br /> Livingston Parish Council member to be employed by the Livingston Parish President's <br /> Administration following the end of their term as a council member. <br /> FACTS PROVIDED <br /> The Livingston Parish government is a local governmental subdivision which operates under a <br /> Home Rule Charter and, subject to said charter, is authorized to exercise any power and perform <br /> any function necessary, requisite or proper for the management of its local affairs. Home Rule <br /> Charter Section 1-02 provides: <br /> The plan of government provided by this Home Rule Charter shall be known as the <br /> "President- Council" form of government. It shall consist of an elected president <br /> who shall be the chief executive officer and head of the executive branch and an <br /> elected council which shall be called the Livingston Parish Council and shall <br /> constitute the legislative branch of the government. <br /> You ask whether Tracy Girlinghouse, a council member, can then be employed by the executive <br /> branch of government, the Livingston Parish President's Administration, as Chief of Staff to the <br /> Livingston Parish President, following the end of their term of office as a council member. <br /> The Chief of Staff to the Livingston Parish President does not have to be approved or confirmed <br /> by the Livingston Parish Council. <br /> LAW <br /> La. R.S. 42:1121(A)(2): No former member of a board or commission shall, for a period of two <br /> years following the termination of his public service on such board or commission, contract with, <br /> be employed in any capacity by,or be appointed to any position by that board or commission. <br /> Page 1 of 2 (BD 2023-338) <br /> AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER <br />