| Advisory opinion request as to whether the post employment restrictions in the Code of Governmental Ethics ("Code") permits Matthew Alexander within one year after his service as Mayor of St. Joseph to contract with Tensas Water Distribution Association Inc. |
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Mayor Alexander retired December 31, 2024. During his tenure as Mayor he signed a contract between the the Tensas Water Distribution Association Inc. and the Town of St. Joseph. Under the terms of the contract, the Tensas Water Distribution Association will operate the St. Joseph Water System. Matthew Alexander has no ownership interest in Tensas Water Distribution Inc.
In his personal capacity, Matthew Alexander passed his Class 2 Wastewater Treatment and Collection test as well as Class 1 Water Production, Distribution and Treatment test. He is currently awaiting licensing through the process of certification conducted by the Louisiana Department of Health. Therefore, Mr. Alexander would like to apply for employment with Tensas Water Distribution Association. Mr. Alexander's job duties would include providing services to the Town of St. Joseph.
Tensas Parish is a rural parish with a lack of available firms that provide water services within the parish. A water management company is required to maintain a certified operator with a one-hour response time to the site. Mr. Alexander is one of only 2 wastewater operators certified in Tensas Parish. Upon his licensing as a level 2 operator, he will be the highest rated wastewater operator in the parish.
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La. R.S. 42:1121A(1). No former agency head or elected official shall, for a period of two years following the termination of his public service as the head of such agency or as an elected public official serving in such agency, assist another person, for compensation, in a transaction, or in an appearance in connection with a transaction, involving that agency or render any service on a contractual basis to or for such agency.
La. R.S. 42:1102(2)(a). "Agency" means a department, office, division, agency, commission, board, committee, or other organizational unit of a governmental entity.
La. R.S. 42:1102(3). "Agency head" means the chief executive or administrative officer of an agency or any member of a board or commission who exercises supervision over the agency.
La. R.S. 42:1102(19). "Public servant" means a public employee or an elected official.
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Adopt draft advisory opinion,
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| Assigned Attorney: |
Suzanne Mooney |
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