Any official or other person subject to the provisions of the Article may request of the Commission an advisory opinion concerning the application of this Article.

Requesting an Advisory Opinion

A request for an advisory opinion must be in writing (letter or email to the Bowie City Ethics Commission at the address listed to the right). There is no required format for the request, but you must include your name, your job title (if you are a city official, employee, or volunteer), and at least one method of contacting you.

Please provide as much factual information as you have that might be relevant. If you are willing to be contacted if the Commission has questions, include that fact in your request. It would be helpful if you would include your day time telephone number, mailing address, and email address. Your identity will be kept confidential but a redacted version of the response to your inquiry shall be a public record.

Advisory Opinions Procedures

Advisory Opinions Issued

Links to redacted versions of recent Advisory Opinions are provided on this page. (Click on the date to view the opinion.)

Advisory Opinions
Date	Subject
February 19, 2013	Inquiry re: possible conflict if City requires bidders on a city Request for Proposals (RFP) to use a particular protocol developed by a private entity.
February 4, 2014	Inquiry re: whether it is permissible for a person who provides contracted snow plowing and grass cutting services to the City, to also apply and be hired as a temporary employee of the City of Bowie.
August 21, 2014	Inquiry re: possible conflict if the spouse of a Councilmember has a contractual relationship with an entity that seeks to do business with the City of Bowie.
February 19, 2016	Inquiry re: possible conflict with lobbying activities before the Maryland General Assembly.
March 16, 2021	Inquiry re: possible conflict if a Councilmember accepts employment with a current vendor of the City of Bowie.
March 16, 2021	Inquiry re: possible conflict if the spouse of a Councilmember serves as a non-compensated officer or director on local non-profit community organizations.