| Advisory opinion request regarding whether the Code of Governmental Ethics prohibits a person to serve on the Lower Cameron Hospital Service District Board of Commissioners who does not live within the District boundaries. |
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Mary Canik was re-appointed to the Lower Cameron Hospital Service District Board of Commissioners on June 2, 2025 by the Cameron Parish Police Jury. At the time of reappointment, Ms. Canik did not live in the district covered by the Lower Cameron Hospital Service District and still does not live within the District.
Kevin Dupke is a member of the Lower Cameron Hospital Service District Board of Commissioners. He is seeking an advisory opinion as to whether Ms. Canik is authorized to sign checks on behalf of the District if she is not legally serving on the District's Board since she does not live within the district; and, whether this constitutes malfeasance in office.
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Rule 601 of the Rules for the Louisiana Board of Ethics states that the "board shall receive requests for advisory opinions filed with it by affected persons...[t]he board may decline to render an opinion with regard to any such request." [Emphasis added.] Rule 101 of the Rules for the Louisiana Board of Ethics defines "affected person" as any person or governmental agency, or the authorized representative of such person or agency with a demonstrable and objective interest in the board's interpretation, construction, and application of any law within the board's jurisdiction.
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Decline to render advisory opinion.
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| Assigned Attorney: |
Tracy Barker |
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