1997 Wis Eth Bd 14 - EMPLOYMENT CONFLICTING WITH OFFICIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

The Ethics Board:

(1) advises that the Ethics Code does not require an appointed official of a state agency toresign if the official runs for election to
public office; and (2) reaffirms the advice given in 1997 Wis Eth Bd 7.

1. You have asked about the propriety of an appointed official of a state
     agency establishing a committee to explore running for election to public
     office.

2. The matter about which you have asked is a personnel matter not
     governed by Wisconsin’s Ethics Code. Nothing in the Ethics Code requires
     an appointed official of a state agency to resign if the official runs for election
     to public office. Whether the official may simultaneously retain his
     position with the agency and seek election to a government position rests in
     the discretion of the official’s appointing authority.

3. The Ethics Board reaffirms its recent opinion addressing a like
     matter, 1997 Wis Eth Bd 7; and commends it as a guide for the agency.

(September 26, 1997)