Meetings
 
Agenda Item
Docket No. 22-409
 
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RE:
Advisory opinion request regarding whether the Code of Governmental Ethics would prohibit Robert Lawrason from serving as a St. Bernard Parish School Board member and maintaining a law suit against the St. Bernard Parish School Board at the same time.
Facts:
Robert Lawrason III resigned from his position with the St. Bernard Parish School Board on June 8, 2021. Mr. Lawrason intends to qualify as a candidate in the November 8, 2022 election for St. Bernard Parish School Board Member District 7. He currently has a Writ of Mandamus pending on appeal against St. Bernard Parish School Board to have the School Board produce public records. Mr. Lawrason stated that all he wants are his employment records. Further he provided that he is not seeking damages. Mr. Lawrason stated that he has no intention of settling this matter.
Law:
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.42:1120 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 draft advisory opinion.
Assigned Attorney: Suzanne Mooney
 
 
ATTACHMENTS:
Description:
2022-409 - Advisory Opinion Draft - Lawrason - Final
2022-409 - A/O request