| Advisory Opinion request regarding whether the Code of Governmental Ethics ("Code") permits Natchitoches Exterior LLC, a company owned by Adam Edwards, to be a vendor for or contract with Northwestern State University while Mr. Edwards' wife is employed at Northwestern State University. |
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Adam Edwards owns Natchitoches Exterior LLC, a pressure and soft washing business conducting business in North and Central Louisiana and established in July of 2021. His wife, Bethany L. Edwards, is the Assistant Controller and Bursar at Northwestern State University. She was originally hired in September of 2018. She oversees the Student Accounting & Cashiering Department. She reports to the Chief Financial Officer for Northwestern State University. Her primary job duties include managing the Student Accounting and Cashiering and One Card offices, overseeing the assessment of student tuition and fees, and performing other various administrative duties related to collections and reporting of university accounts receivable.
While Natchitoches Exterior has only worked at Northwestern State University thus far in the capacity of a subcontractor to an already established vendor, the business aspires to become a vendor for the university independently in the future to handle their pressure and soft washing needs as they arise. The work would be contracted through the University Affairs Department. Jennifer Kelly is the Executive Director for University Affairs. Bethany Edwards would have no involvement in the contract/transactions.
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La. R.S. 42:1113A(1)(a). No public servant, excluding any legislator and any appointed member of any board or commission and any member of a governing authority of a parish with a population of ten thousand or less, or member of such a public servant's immediate family, or legal entity in which he has a controlling interest shall bid on or enter into any contract, subcontract, or other transaction that is under the supervision or jurisdiction of the agency of such public servant.
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Adopt the proposed Advisory Opinion.
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| Assigned Attorney: |
Mallory Guillot |
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