[RP TownTalk] 2011-R-19

[Jonathan Ebbeler]

Mayor Archer

Prior to my resignation I asked staff to research an issue I feel bordered on a violation of Maryland Ethics.

Resolution 2011-R-19 was sponsored by CM Thompson and adopted 6/20/2011 and reads as follows:

"Whereas the Riverdale Park Mayor and Council want to show their appreciation for local volunteers who participate on Town Committees and host Town events; and

Whereas the Riverdale Park Mayor and Council want to express their gratitude for the hard work and dedication given to our children by area teachers;"

Volunteer/Teacher Proclamations since adoption of 2011-R-19 on June 20, 2011

September 2011
Teacher Appreciation: Karen Venable-Croft

October 2011
Volunteer Recognition: Nova Johns

November 2011
Volunteer Recognition: Emily Fanning
Teacher Appreciation: Lorrie Ann Armfield

December 2011
Teacher Appreciation: Tracy Peele

February 2012
Teacher Appreciation: Christine Wilson

September 2012
Teacher Appreciation: Kelly Lama
Teacher Appreciation: Howard Knights

November 2012
Teacher Appreciation: Neville Adams

May 2012
Teacher Appreciation: Melissa Rabano

January 2013
Teacher Appreciation: Stacy Tomlinson

October 2013
Teacher Appreciation: Melanie McLaughlin
Teacher Appreciation: Brian Brown

November 2013
Teacher Appreciation: Adrian Burney

April 2014
Teacher Appreciation: Hannah Jardine
Teacher Appreciation: Johnny Gomez-Garcia

May 2014
Teacher Appreciation: Erica Berry

October 2014
Teacher Appreciation: Juliana Ocampos-Barry

November 2015
Teacher Appreciation: Gladoria M. Dawes


Section 5-506 of the Maryland Ethics Law prohibits the use of prestige of office.  As citizens of town understand that you are a teacher at William Wirt Middle School and are familiar with the 'teachers' portion of the legislation etc., but part of adhering to ethics laws is ensuring that even the appearance of impropriety in our elected officials cannot be alleged.

In the 5 years and 19 proclamations only 2 town volunteers have been recognized.  Volunteers were recognized October and November 2011 and in the 5 years after, only teachers have received such recognition.  I am sure your professional teaching colleagues and peers enjoy the recognition, but I find it a bit incredulous that 15 paid teachers have been recognized since November 2011 and ZERO unpaid town volunteers.

We all know numerous volunteers that never receive a word of thanks for performing service to the town in an unpaid capacity that are being overlooked in favor of teachers doing a job they are paid to do.  In reading the town history, we had a much more robust volunteer spirit and active community committees than have existed during your administration.

In lieu of having to file for an advisory opinion for this potential ethical violation, please ensure that future proclamations recognize only volunteers.  A 17-2 record favoring people paid to do a job, in my mind, violates the spirt and purpose of the legislation.

JWE

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