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Memo of January 11, 2008, from the Chief Administration Officer regarding political activity: 

TO: Executive Branch Department Directors

FROM: Timothy L. Firestine [signed], Chief Administrative Officer

SUBJECT: Political Activity

     The purpose of this memorandum is to reaffirm the County's policy concerning employees' responsibilities in connection with participation in political campaigns or causes.

     Section 405 of the Charter states that no officer or employee of the county shall be prohibited from participating in politics or political campaigns. However, Section 408 of the Charter provides that all officers and employees of the Executive or Legislative Branch who receive compensation in whole or part from County funds shall devote their entire time during their official working hours to the performance of their official duties. In addition, provisions of the Montgomery County Ethics Law Chapter 19A, Montgomery County Code, prohibit the use of public facilities or property in connection with private activities. These provisions of County law are consistent with Article 24, Section 12-105 of the Maryland Code, which states that a county employee may not engage in political activity while on the job during working hours.

     Although we recognize employees' and appointees' constitutional and Charter rights to engage in political activities, it is imperative that these activities take place outside of the business day and off County premises. County equipment may not be used to produce, reproduce or disseminate political literature or messages. The County email system and County email lists cannot be used to disseminate campaign-related material. In the event that a County employee or Executive appointee becomes a candidate for an office, one must be particularly diligent to separate activities in connection with that candidacy from the work day responsibilities involved with County employment. Requesting leave without pay is appropriate and avoids any appearance of conflict.

     The County maintains bulletin boards in various work sites used for the posting of correspondence of a non-political nature. Political campaign literature cannot be posted on any of these bulletin boards. Similarly, political material may not be affixed to any County vehicle.

     Everyone is reminded that in order to ensure a politically neutral posture when relating to the public, employees are not permitted to wear buttons or pins which display a political opinion, association or support for a political cause or individual while working.

Ethics Commission’s 25th Anniversary

Dear County Residents,

My name is Antar C. Johnson, and I am the Chairman of the Ethics Commission for 2007-2008.On, May 6^th, 2008, the Ethics Commission celebrated 25 years of service to the citizens of Montgomery County. This celebration took place in the County Executive's offices. The event featured County Executive Ike Leggett and many of the 31 Commissioners who have served on the Ethics Commission over its 25-year history.

The Ethics Commission is comprised of Barbara McNally, Executive Secretary, her excellent support staffers, Barry Alpher and Sheila Laryea, and the County Attorney, Ed Lattner. Five volunteer Commissioners are appointed by the County Executive and confirmed by the Montgomery County Council.

I am currently serving my 2^nd term with the Ethics Commission. In 2007, I was electedChairman of the Ethics Commission after being reappointed by the County Executive and Council.The other Ethics Commissioners are Stuart Rick (Vice Chairman), Nina Weisbroth, Gilles Burger, and Rafael Borras. We are all dedicated to promoting the confidence and trust of Montgomery County residents. .

The Ethics Commission Office was established on January 1, 1983 and its rules are found in Chapter 19A of the County Code. The Ethics Commission administers the county’s ethics laws by encouraging and enforcing compliance with the laws and ensuring the ethical conduct of Montgomery County employees, including the Executive and Legislative Branches, the Revenue Authority, Fire and Rescue Squads and selected boards and commissions. The Ethics Commission also provides guidance to Montgomery County Employees and resolution of Ethics complaints from concerned citizens, renders opinions, and grants waivers of secondary employment restrictions for Montgomery County employees.

As part of its duties, the Ethic Commission also administers the filing of annual financial disclosure statements for all applicable Montgomery County employees, as well as the registration of lobbyists who conduct business in the county. Commission staff provides training and education regarding Commission programs.

Service on the Ethics Commission is not always easy.At times, the application of the Montgomery County Ethics law may lead to unpopular decisions. However, we do what we believe to be in the best interest of county citizens. Many of the Ethics Commission’s decisions, opinions and waivers since 1990 have been placed on our county website for the public to view at their leisure. In addition, the Ethics Commission’s website includes Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), various reporting forms, and an interactive Ethics Training session.Everyone is encouraged to visit the site if they have any questions about the Commission’s position on certain matters, or simply to learn about the work we do.

I would like to acknowledge all of the Ethics Commissioners who have served on the Commission:Russell Brown, Laurie Horvitz, R.C. Raval, Ed Davis, Lenore Saltman Sack, Veronique Silverman, John Whitney, Harold Needham, Donald Jefferson, Ann McDonell, Heidi Strassler, Richard Reback, Steven Shaw, Jay Cohen, Sally Roman, Dorothy Dickerson, Walter Scheiber, Lee Petty, Elizabeth Kellar, Jerome Joseph, Helene Marcus, Angelo Gagliardo, Ronald Ogens, John Harmon, Kenneth Jackson, Alistair McArthur, Gilles Burger, Stuart Rick, Rafael Borras, Nina Weisbroth and Antar Johnson.

We particularly appreciate County Executive Ike Leggett's gracious participation in our event and for his continued support of our work.As a former council president, Ike has been a long-time supporter of the Ethics Commission and recognizes the important role that the Ethics Commission plays in Montgomery County.

We would like to also acknowledge the late Councilwoman Marilyn Praisner, who served on the Montgomery County Council for 17 years and who was a strong advocate and supporter of the Ethics Commission. Councilwoman Praisner interviewed most of the Commissioners who have served on the Ethics Commission. She had expressed interest in participating in our 25^th Anniversary Event and sadly was not able to celebrate this milestone with us. We will always hold her in our highest esteem.

Lastly, a special mention to Barbara McNally, Executive Secretary, who has been with the Commission since its inception. Barbara has been a champion and a cornerstone for the Commission.Through her efforts she has helped define the Montgomery County Ethics Commission and has made it a model for other public ethics programs around the country.

Respectfully,

Antar C. Johnson

The Ethics Commission celebrated its 25^th anniversary on May 6, 2008 in the County Executive’s Conference Room. County Executive Isiah Leggett presented a proclamation to the Commission’s past and present members to honor them for their tireless efforts to maintain the public trust. 

 County Executive Isiah Leggett with the current Ethics Commissioners: (L to R) Nina Weisbroth, Stuart Rick, Antar Johnson, Rafael Borras, and Gilles Burger

 Commission Chair Antar Johnson and Executive Secretary Barbara McNally

County Executive Isiah Legget with Commission Executive Secretary Barbara McNally and all Ethics Commissioners, past and present 

For official business with the Montgomery County Ethics Commission, contact:

Barbara McNally, Executive Secretary
Montgomery County Ethics Commission
100 Maryland Avenue, Room 204
Rockville, MD 20850

barbara.mcnally@montgomerycountymd.gov
Phone: (240) 777-6670
Fax: (240) 777-6672