Mississippi Advisory Opinions May 27, 1987: 19870527 (May 27, 1987)

Advisory Opinion Text

Mr. George F. Souderes, Jr.

Director

Natchez-Admas County Civil Defense

Post Office Box 805

Natchez, Mississippi 39120

Dear Mr. Souderes:

Attorney General Edwin Lloyd Pittman has received your request for an opinion from this office. It has been assigned for research and reply to the undersigned. In your letter you ask the following:

I would like to run for the office of Coroner/Ranger in Adams County in this year's up and coming election. I am the Natchez-Adams County Emergency Manager for Civil Defense and have been for the past 9 years. I was born in Natchez and have lived my entire life here, and am a qualified registered voter.

This office is an appointed position by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen, and Board of Supervisors, with a yearly approved budget. Since the Coroner/Ranger is not a full or part time occupation and is paid only by the case, plus mileage, can I maintain my present job after the election, if I am elected. Also this agency receives federal funds as a reimbursement. These funds only come to about 20% of the entire last year's budget.

The qualifying deadline is June 5, 1987, please expedite an answer to this issue.

We know of no prohibition to the holding of the county office of coroner/ranger and the appointed position of county Emergency Manager for Civil Defense.

If there is another matter we may be of service on, please let us know.

Sincerely yours,

Edwin Lloyd Pittman, Attorney General.

Catherine Walker Underwood, Assistant Attorney General.