Meetings
 
Agenda Item
Docket No. 26-323
 
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RE:
Advisory opinion request regarding whether the Code of Governmental Ethics prohibits the Calcasieu Parish School Board from purchasing land owned by the brother of the spouse of a School Board member. Advisory opinion request regarding whether the Code of Governmental Ethics prohibits purchase of land owned by in law of spouse of board member.
Facts:
Jason VanMetre is Superintendent of the Calcasieu Parish School Board. The School Board is considering the purchase of land needed for one of the schools within the School Board's jurisdiction. The land at issue is owned by an "in-law" of a current School Board member, Tony O'Bannion. The in-law is the brother of the spouse of Mr. O'Bannion, Mr. Jeremy Ashworth. Additionally, the School Board member has no interest in the land subject to the prospective purchase. This land has been appraised and the School Board is considering a purchase of the land at its appraised value.
Law:
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.

La. R.S. 42:1102(12) defines "immediate family" as the term relates to a public servant to mean his children, the spouses of his children, his brothers and their spouses, his sisters and their spouses, his parents, his spouse, and the parents of his spouse.


Recommendations:
Adopt the proposed advisory opinion.
Assigned Attorney: Charles McCowan
 
 
ATTACHMENTS:
Description:
2026-323 - AO - Jason VanMetre
2026-323 - Advisory Opinion Draft - VanMetre