October 28, 2009

REQUEST FOR COMMENT:

New General Commission Advisory 2009-3:
Participation in Union Actions by Public Officials Who are Union Members

The Rhode Island Ethics Commission invites you to provide written information and comment concerning a draft of a new General Commission Advisory (G.C.A. 2009-3) relating to Participation in Union Actions by Public Officials Who are Union Members. This newly proposed G.C.A. is intended to provide general information and explanation regarding the prohibitions that the Code of Ethics places on public officials who are union members and who are required, as part of their official public duties, to interact with representatives of either the local bargaining unit or the umbrella organization to which they pay membership dues.

The text of the proposed G.C.A. may be accessed from the Commission’s website at http://www.ethics.ri.gov/misc/GCA2009-3.pdf: You may also request that a copy of the draft G.C.A. be sent to you through the U.S. Mail or emailed by calling the Commission at 222-3790.

The Ethics Commission anticipates voting to adopt G.C.A. 2009-3 at the December 15, 2009 meeting of the Commission. The Commission will consider any written comment or information received at its offices at 40 Fountain Street, 8 th Floor, Providence, R.I. 02903, or via email to comment@ethics.state.ri.us, no later than 4:30 P.M. on Wednesday, December 9, 2009. The Commission will also allow oral comment at the December 15th meeting, but those wishing to speak are asked to limit their comments to five minutes and must sign in prior to the start of the meeting at 9:00.

For further information, please contact Commission Staff Attorney Esme DeVault at (401) 222-3790.